DoH expands eligibility for subsided flu vaccine

Annual vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications and is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over (unless contraindicated). From April this year, an unprecedented supply of seasonal influenza vaccines will be available through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for people most at risk of complications from influenza. This includes:

  • All people aged six months to less than five years (this cohort is newly eligible in 2020)
  • All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over
  • Pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy)
  • All people aged 65 years and over (adjuvanted Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine)People aged six months and over with medical conditions which increase the risk of influenza disease complications.

Refer to the AustralianTechnical Advisory Group on Immunisation’s Statement advice for up-to-date cinical advice on the age-specific QIVs available under the NIP, strains included in 2020 vaccines, timing of vaccination, and other relevant topics