2022 Influenza Vaccinations
GPs are advised that the 2022 influenza vaccines for the National Immunisation Program (NIP) will be available from April, subject to local supply arrangements.
Community immunity to influenza is likely to be low as we head into this year’s season and with the borders opening and a resurgence of influenza expected it is important that people, especially those most vulnerable to complications from influenza, receive an influenza vaccine in 2022.
The influenza vaccine is funded through the NIP for people most at risk, including adults aged 65 years and over, children aged 6 months to less than 5 years, pregnant women, people with an increased risk of complications from influenza including those with certain underlying medical conditions and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over.
The Chief Medical Officer has advised the AMA that with COVID-19 still circulating and more influenza expected than in recent times that the best protection from both infections in 2022 is for the community to receive an influenza vaccine and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has released a Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2022 to support influenza vaccination ahead of the 2022 influenza season. ATAGI advises that influenza vaccines can be co-administered (on the same day) with a COVID-19 vaccine. Subject to the availability of influenza vaccines, co-administration with COVID-19 booster vaccines could be a prompt for influenza vaccination.
Further information is available on the Department of Health’s website.
