The best way to protect your patients from the risk of serious influenza is to offer annual influenza vaccination. This page contains information about the 2023 influenza vaccination program.
Updated advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the administration of 2023 seasonal influenza vaccines is available on the Department's website at Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
Free seasonal influenza vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for the following groups at higher risk of complications from influenza:
Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook for detailed advice, including eligibility.
The Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) recommendation for the composition of influenza vaccines for Australia in 2023 introduces one new strain to the NIP vaccines when compared to the composition of the vaccines for Australia in 2022: a new A (H1N1) like virus strain:
Four influenza vaccines will be available under the National Immunisation Program in 2023:
It is mandatory to report administration of influenza vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines and all other NIP vaccines to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). All immunisation providers must apply to have access to the Australian Immunisation Register. Access to the AIR is through PRODA. More information about PRODA access can be found on Services Australia.
Distribution of National Immunisation Program influenza vaccines will commence when supplies arrive at the NSW Vaccine Centre from vaccine suppliers under Australian Government contract. The NSW quota of NIP influenza vaccines arrive at the NSW Vaccine Centre over many weeks. Not all stock is available at the one time. To ensure your practice or pharmacy receives influenza vaccines refer to the advice 'Ordering influenza vaccine'.
The timing of NIP influenza vaccine availability may be different to the availability of privately purchased influenza vaccines.
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.
Data on the safety of the influenza vaccines is continuously monitored by the TGA and AusVaxSafety. There is extensive surveillance that demonstrate that the influenza vaccines used in Australia have an excellent safety profile. Weekly updates are available on AusVaxSafety.
Influenza vaccination information for healthcare workers