Eligibility for free influenza vaccine
Free seasonal influenza vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) 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
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 (COPD), severe asthma (for which frequent medical consultations or the use of multiple medications is required), cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and chronic emphysema
chronic neurological conditions, including hereditary and degenerative central nervous system (CNS) diseases (including multiple sclerosis), neuromuscular disorders, spinal cord injuries and seizure disorders
immunocompromising conditions, including immunocompromised due to disease or treatment (e.g. malignancy, transplantation and/or chronic steroid use), asplenia or splenic dysfunction and HIV infection
diabetes and other metabolic disorders, including Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and chronic metabolic disorders
chronic renal failure
haemoglobinopathies
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 (a vaccine that is specifically designed to produce a higher immune response is available for this group).