NSW Health is delivering National Immunisation Program (NIP) influenza vaccine to providers. The NSW quota of NIP influenza vaccines arrive at the NSW State Vaccine Centre over many weeks. Not all stock is available at the one time.
Distribution of influenza vaccine to residential care facilities commenced on 21 March 2022. Distribution to General Practitioners, Aboriginal Medical Services, Pharmacies and NSW Health facilities commenced on 28 March 2022. Influenza vaccine distribution is being prioritised for regional/rural areas. It takes around 4 weeks to distribute first orders. Immunisation providers should make sure that they have received their vaccine delivery before booking immunisation clinics.
The timing of NIP influenza vaccine availability may be different to the availability of privately purchased influenza vaccines.
The Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) recommendation for the composition of influenza vaccines for Australia in 2022 introduces two new strains to the NIP vaccines when compared to the composition of the vaccines for Australia in 2020: a new A (H3N2) like virus strain, a new B like virus strain:
Four NIP vaccines will be available in 2022:
For further information please refer to the influenza vaccine information sheet developed to assist providers with managing the various influenza vaccine presentations and eligibility for each vaccine.
Updated advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the administration of 2022 seasonal influenza vaccines is available on the Department's website: Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI)
It is now mandatory to report administration of influenza vaccines and all other NIP vaccines to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). All immunisation providers must apply to have access to the AIR. Access to the AIR is through PRODA. More information about PRODA access can be found on the Services Australia website
Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook for detailed advice, including eligibility.