Below are the eligibility criteria or the free/government funded flu vaccine. All other patients can make a booking to receive the flu vaccination at a cost of $20 for the shot along with a bulk billed consultation.
Flu vaccines are available from:
- 22/3/21 for private vaccine
- 12/4/21 for 65 years an over free vaccine
- 26/4/21 for all other eligible groups for free vaccine
IMPORTANT: PATIENTS MUST HAVE A TWO WEEK SPACE BETWEEN RECEIVING A COVID-19 VACCINE AND A FLU VACCINE
Eligibility for 2021 season influenza vaccines
Influenza vaccines are funded under the National Immunisation Program for the following groups due to their increased risk of complications from influenza:
- all children from 6 months to less than 5 years of age
- all adults aged 65 years and older
- pregnant women
- all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- individuals aged 6 months and older with medical conditions which increase the risk of influenza disease complications (for a full list go to NCIRS Influenza Vaccines Fact Sheet).
All other individuals not included in the categories above can purchase the vaccine from their doctor.
In 2021, all funded influenza vaccines available will be quadrivalent vaccines (QIV) including the adjuvanted (enhanced) influenza vaccine for adults aged 65 years and older.
Only one government-funded influenza vaccine is available for eligible people each year, with the exception of eligible children up to 9 years of age receiving an influenza vaccine for the first time. These children require and are funded for 2 doses, 4 weeks apart.
Age restrictions apply to all vaccine brands (see Vaccine restrictions).
