Eligibility for free influenza vaccine

​

Free seasonal influenza vaccine is funded for the following groups at higher risk of complications from influenza:

 

• all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over

• all children aged 6 months to less than 5 years of age (including Aboriginal and medically at risk)

• all individuals aged 5 years and over with medical risk conditions, namely:

• cardiac disease, including cyanotic congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure

• chronic respiratory conditions, including suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe asthma

• other chronic illnesses requiring regular medical follow up or hospitalisation in the previous year, including diabetes mellitus, chronic metabolic diseases, chronic renal failure, and haemoglobinopathies

• chronic neurological conditions that impact on respiratory function, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and seizure disorders

• impaired immunity, including HIV, malignancy and chronic steroid use

• children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy

• pregnant women (influenza vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy)

• people aged 65 years and over (vaccine that is specifically designed to produce a higher immune response is available for this group).
   

Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook for detailed advice, including eligibility.

 

 

​