Identify your at-risk and eligible patients and remind them about the importance of their annual influenza vaccination. In addition to your existing practice software recall/reminder process, consider using your practice/pharmacy webpage, social media (Facebook/X) and your practice/pharmacy noticeboards to promote your influenza vaccination program.
Influenza vaccine is funded under the NIP for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 6 months of age.
Aboriginal children under 9 years of age should have two doses at least one month apart in the first year they are vaccinated. Both doses are funded.
See influenza vaccines available under the NIP, by age.
Pneumococcal vaccine (see NSW Immunisation Schedule) and Shingrix® (50 years and over and 18 years and over who are immunocompromised) vaccines should also be offered to eligible Aboriginal people at the time of their influenza vaccination and can be co-administered. Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook for advice about co-administration.
Influenza vaccine is funded under the NIP for all children in this age group. Two doses are recommended in the first year of vaccination (at least 4 weeks apart). Both doses are funded. The child should receive the relevant vaccine for the age they are at the time of vaccination.
Childhood vaccines: In 2025, Vaxigrip Tetra® will be available to order for universal childhood program 6 months to less than 5 years).
Even healthy children are vulnerable to catching influenza. In 2019, a large number of children who were hospitalised due to influenza, and those who died from influenza, had not been offered an influenza vaccine by their doctor or specialist. Since 2018, free influenza vaccine has been available for all children aged 6 months to less than 5 years.
In 2024 less than one quarter (24.1%) of children 6 months to less than 5 years in NSW were recorded on the AIR as having received at least one dose of inuenza vaccine, a decrease from 2023 (27.1%). It is important to increase this uptake in 2025 to protect all young children
Children who need a COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccine can have them at the same visit. The small increased risk of fever and febrile convulsions should be discussed with parents and carers, and the option provided of administering them at least 3 days apart.
Influenza vaccination during pregnancy has been shown to be safe and effective. Vaccination during pregnancy protects pregnant women from influenza and its complications in pregnancy. It is also the best way to protect newborns against influenza during the critical early months of life.
Offering vaccine, or recommending vaccination, by an antenatal care provider is one of the strongest predictors of vaccine uptake by pregnant women and should be a routine part of antenatal care.
There are 3 maternal vaccines recommended in pregnancy: Influenza, pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine.
The timing of vaccination depends on the time of the year, vaccine availability and the anticipated duration of immunity.
Influenza vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy and can be given at the same time as pertussis vaccination (between 20 and 32 weeks). The maternal RSV vaccine recommended year round between 28 to 36 weeks gestation.
The influenza vaccine may be given earlier and should not be delayed.
Ensure that the influenza vaccine is recorded on the woman’s antenatal record card and AIR. See 2025 Influneza vaccines available under the NIP, by age.
Women who receive influenza vaccine before becoming pregnant should be revaccinated during pregnancy to protect the unborn infant.
Refer to the digital Australian Immunisation Handbook for more information.
Influenza vaccine is funded under the NIP for all individuals 5 years and over with medical risk factors such as severe asthma, lung or heart disease, low immunity or diabetes. Refer to the digital Australian Immunisation Handbook for more information.
Children under 9 years of age should have two doses at least 4 weeks apart in the first year they are vaccinated. See 2025 influenza vaccines available under the NIP, by age.
In 2025 Fluad® Quad, an adjuvanted quadrivalent vaccine, is the only vaccine provided under the NIP for people ≥65 years of age. Fluad® Quad has been specifically designed to create a greater immune response in people 65 years and over, who are known to have a weaker response to immunisation.
Fluad® Quad is a quadrivalent vaccine that contains an adjuvant which boosts the immune system's response to the vaccine and provides better protection for people aged 65 years and over.
If a person aged 65 years and over has been vaccinated with another QIV in the same year, revaccination with Fluad® Quad is not routinely recommended.
The risk of mild to moderate injection site reactions may be greater for those aged 65 years and over receiving Fluad® Quad. Fluad® Quad is not registered for use in people younger than 65 years.
Note- After shaking, the normal appearance of Fluad® Quad is a milky-white suspension.
Fluad® Quad should be given in preference to other available QIVs as it has been specifically designed to create a greater immune response in people 65 years and over, who are known to have a weaker response to immunisation.
Once-off Prevenar® 13 and Shingrix® vaccines should also be offered to eligible people at the time of their influenza
vaccination.
NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015 Occupational Assessment Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases requires health care workers and students in Category A positions to receive the influenza vaccine annually by 1 June.
NSW Health employees will be offered vaccine in their workplace, however if they choose to be vaccinated by their GP or pharmacist immuniser they will need to purchase private vaccine unless they are eligible for NIP vaccine. For more information refer to section Annual Influenza Vaccination Program of the policy directive.
All patients aged 5 years to 64 years who are not eligible for funded influenza vaccine should be advised that they can purchase private market influenza vaccine. These vaccines are available from GPs and pharmacist immunisers.
NSW Health has additional resources and information available such as:
Annual vaccination before the onset of each influenza season is recommended. Historically, influenza circulation in NSW has been typically between June and September. COVID-19 has impacted influenza epidemiology globally and since the pandemic influenza circulation in NSW has commenced earlier. In 2025, influenza circulation may continue this pattern or return to more typical timing.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advises that optimal protection occurs within the first 3 to 4 months following vaccination.
It is never too late to vaccinate since influenza can circulate all year round. Vaccination should continue to be offered as long as influenza viruses are circulating, and a valid vaccine (before expiration date) is available. Some vaccine brands now have an expiry date of February 2025.
Other considerations for vaccine timing:
