Influenza immunisation

Eligibility for free influenza vaccine

The National Immunisation Program and the WA Department of Health provides free influenza vaccines for people most at risk. This includes:

Aboriginal people 6 months and over
Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
Primary school aged children (pre-primary to Year 6)
People aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions such as:
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- chronic respiratory conditions
- chronic illnesses that required regular medical attention or hospitalisation in the previous year
- chronic neurological conditions
- immunocompromising conditions
- haematological disorders
- diabetes and other metabolic disorders
- children aged 6 months to 10 years receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
Vulnerable persons aged 6 months and older, including:
- persons experiencing homelessness
- residents in congregate living settings, such as residential aged care, disability care, mental health hostels and youth group houses.
Pregnant people (at any stage of pregnancy)
People 65 years and older
WA Health staff members.

Please see the WA Immunisation Schedule and refer to the Influenza chapter on the Australian Immunisation Handbook (external site) for detailed advice, including vaccine dosage, and contraindications.

Timing of influenza vaccination

Providers should consider vaccinating in the months prior to the peak influenza season, which typically spans July to October in WA. Influenza vaccination should continue to be offered while the influenza virus remains in circulation, and a valid vaccine is available.

For a brief summary of General Practice and hospital emergency department sentinel surveillance data on influenza-like illness, subscribe to Virus WAtch (a weekly electronic publication by CDCD and key collaborators). For Australian Influenza Surveillance Reports, visit the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website (external site).

Optimal protection against influenza occurs within 3 to 4 months following vaccination. During the influenza season, look for opportunities to provide influenza vaccination to persons at increased risk of influenza during visits for routine medical care.

Key information regarding 2023 WA influenza immunisation program

WA Department of Health influenza immunisation program – information for providers, including vaccine ordering and eligibility criteria (external site)
AIR codes for influenza vaccines (external site) have changed.
The Immunisation Update: Influenza module (external site) has been updated for 2023. Refer to the Annual Immunisation Update modules on the Immunisation education webpage for details on education requirements and how to access the module. All WA immunisation providers are encouraged to complete the module annually.
2023 Influenza Update hosted by WA Department of Health – presentation slides and recording.
Influenza vaccine can be co-administered with most other vaccines (external site), including COVID-19 vaccines.

Resources to support immunisation providers

Mandatory reporting to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

It is a mandatory requirement for immunisation providers to report influenza vaccine administrations to the Australian Immunisation Register (external site). Ensure you are using the correct brand name, dose number and batch number.

Refer to Immunisation provider information and resources webpage for more information.

Influenza vaccine safety monitoring

AusVaxSafety (external site) conduct routine safety monitoring of seasonal influenza vaccines. Surveillance data are based on vaccine safety surveys sent in the days following influenza vaccination.

This rapid safety surveillance can provide reassurance to individuals that the influenza vaccines used in Australia are safe. To learn more about the latest vaccine safety data, including specific age and population groups, visit AusVaxSafety (external site)

Refer to the Adverse events following immunisation webpage for information about reporting any adverse events following an influenza vaccine.

Influenza immunisation for over 65s

The adjuvanted Fluad® Quad vaccine is preferentially recommended for persons aged 65 years or over.

Reference the ATAGI Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2023 (external site) for more information.

WA Staff Member influenza immunisation program

It is highly recommended for healthcare workers to receive the influenza vaccine due to them being in contact with vulnerable groups as part of their role.

WA Health staff are required to comply with the Staff Member Influenza Vaccination Program Policy. Please read the facts about influenza vaccination at Facts about the influenza vaccine (PDF 159KB).

Resources

Ordering WA Department of Health Publications

Healthcare providers can browse and order a selection of WA Department of Health immunisation publications from the Quickmail Publication Ordering System (external site). This is a free bulk ordering service.

Log on to Quickmail and filter by the 'Immunisation Program' category to view, download and order various hard-copy provider and community resources such as posters and brochures.

Alternatively, posters and brochures can be printed from the files below.