2024 influenza season is here. Influenza vaccines for the National Immunisation Program will become available from April through a range of providers including GPs, community health clinics and eligible pharmacies, subject to local supply arrangement in states and territories.
All health care workers are recommended to have the 2024 influenza vaccination, with:
- NSW mandating the requirement for Class A staff members by 1 June.
- Victoria mandating the requirement for Class A and Class B staff members by 15 August.
- Any person working in a residential care facility is also mandated to have the annual influenza vaccination.
Influenza vaccines can be safely co-administered (on the same day) with other vaccines including COVID-19 and dTpa. It is preferred to separate administration of Zoster (Shingrix) vaccine by a few days but acceptable to co-administer to avoid missing opportunities to vaccinate eligible people. See the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Influenza vaccine is recommended in every pregnancy, at any stage of pregnancy.
Anyone who received an influenza vaccine late in 2023 or early 2024 is still recommended to have the 2024 vaccination.
Ensure influenza vaccines given are reported to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
National Immunisation Program, 2024 Influenza Vaccination
All health care facilities should have a staff immunisation policy and procedure which sets out vaccination requirements (mandated v recommended). Requirements should reflect National and State requirements and be based on a risk assessment. The vaccination status of staff, then needs to be maintained and monitored.