As of 18 August 2024, NSW flu vaccine coverage in NSW remains suboptimal. Immunisation providers are encouraged to actively and opportunistically recommend flu vaccination to all NIP eligible patients.
To help promote flu vaccine uptake, clinics can order free Respiratory Illness materials.
| Age Group | NSW coverage (AIR data as of 18/8/24) |
|---|---|
| 6 months to under 5 years | 24.0% |
| 65 years and above | 58.4% |
Data source: NCIRS Influenza vaccination coverage data.
Flu vaccinations help keep children safe and are free for children 6 months to under 5 years. A reminder to immunisation providers that it is never too late to get an influenza vaccination, since influenza can circulate in the community all year round. Influenza vaccination should be recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Children under nine years getting their influenza vaccination for the first time need two doses of vaccine, given one month apart. Influenza vaccination is recommended for pregnant women at any stage during pregnancy.
There’s a video resource available to remind parents or guardians of the dangers of influenza in young children.
Children can become seriously ill from influenza and in some cases it can be fatal. This was the case for 2-year-old Lucy who developed serious complications from influenza. The Department of Health and Aged Care has a video about Lucy’s story you can play in your practice or health setting.
NSW Health have published their 2024 Influenza Vaccination Provider Toolkit. This toolkit has been developed to assist providers with managing roll-out and implementation of their influenza vaccination program in 2024.
This toolkit also includes the 2024 influenza vaccine presentation and free vaccine eligibility poster (Appendix 2). This poster contains 2024 funded influenza vaccines brands and suitability by age groups.
For immunisation providers, see: NSW Health 2024 seasonal influenza vaccination information
For RACFs, see: Preparing for flu season in RACF – information sheet
New podcast: Flu, RSV and COVID update for kids
Influenza Update 2024 webinar: co-hosted by NSW Health and NCIRS is available for immunisation providers to watch.
ATAGI Statement on the administration of influenza vaccines: advice for immunisation providers regarding the administration of 2024 seasonal influenza vaccines.
CESPHN QI influenza vaccine webinar: how to use PENCAT/POLAR to increase influenza vaccine uptake in general practice.
Under the Australian Immunisation Register Act 2015 it is mandatory for vaccination providers to report all influenza vaccines to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). Influenza vaccines administered overseas by a recognised vaccination provider can also be reported to AIR.
Recording the correct “Vaccine type” for flu vaccines:
Overseas flu vaccines
If a flu vaccine was administered overseas and the batch number is not available, enter ‘notrecorded’ (one word, no spaces) into AIR.
For more information, see Submitting information using the AIR site.
Free seasonal influenza vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for the following groups at higher risk of complications from influenza:
AusVaxSafety commenced routine safety monitoring of 2024 seasonal influenza vaccines used in Australia across all ages in March 2024. See website for full analysis of 2024 safety monitoring.
Over 215,000 individuals (or their parent/carer) who received a flu vaccine participated in the 2023 AusVaxSafety surveillance program. Data analysed over the surveillance period showed the rate of reported vaccine side effects was comparable to previous years, while medical attendance rates in the days following vaccination were low across all age groups.
Influenza resources
The Influenza resource collection provides information about getting vaccinated against influenza in 2024:
Order 2024 respiratory campaign resources
NSW Health has launched their 2024 Respiratory Campaign Toolkit for influenza (flu), COVID-19 and RSV.
Immunisation providers can place an online order for materials and resources from the NSW Health Respiratory Illness campaign to be delivered to their clinic.
The aim of this campaign is to promote flu vaccination, emphasise the benefits and ease of getting vaccinated, while also raising awareness of other respiratory illnesses.
Provider resources:
Consumer resources:
NSW Health resources
