The 2018 National Immunisation Program (NIP) seasonal influenza vaccines are now available

25-May-2018

The following message comes from the Department of Health.

The 2018 National Immunisation Program (NIP) seasonal influenza vaccines are now available from vaccination providers around the country.

The Commonwealth has developed a suite of educational and promotional communication resources for vaccination providers and consumers to support awareness and uptake of influenza vaccination in 2018 under the NIP. These resources were developed in consultation with members of the National Immunisation Committee, including Ms Katrina Clark, National Indigenous Immunisation Coordinator at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance.

I am pleased to share with you links to the final influenza resources hosted on the Department of Health’s immunisation website at health.gov.au/immunisation including:

Resources for vaccination providers:

• 2018 seasonal influenza vaccines – clinical advice for vaccination providers (factsheet)
• Check you have the right vaccine (safety card by age and vaccine)
• Check age before giving the flu shot (safety sticker for vaccine refrigerators)
• ATAGI statement on 2018 seasonal influenza vaccines
• Australian Immunisation Register – factsheet for vaccination providers

Resources for consumers:

• The flu vaccine – factsheet for consumers
• The flu vaccine – factsheet for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• The flu vaccine – poster for general setting
• The flu vaccine – poster for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander setting
• Vaccinate against flu. Protect your baby too – brochure for pregnant women
• Vaccinate against flu. Protect your baby too – factsheet for pregnant women
• Vaccinate against flu. Protect your baby too – poster for maternal health setting

Please note that hardcopy materials, accompanied by correspondence from the Chief Medical Officer, have been mailed to vaccination providers Australia-wide including GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, and other providers in each state and territory.

Additional copies of the resources can be ordered through the Department’s website via the links above.

To support uptake of vaccination, we are keen to ensure eligible individuals are aware of the Program and take the opportunity to receive the free influenza vaccine.