The New South Wales Government has announced free influenza (flu) vaccinations for residents from 1 June until 30 June in a month-long blitz to combat this year’s expected severe influenza season. The flu vaccination is recommended and available for everyone aged 6 months and over.
A free flu vaccination will be available to all NSW residents following high numbers of influenza cases across NSW.
These free flu vaccines are available for those who are not already eligible for a free flu shot under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Flu vaccinations will continue to be administered by local immunisation providers; general practices, Aboriginal medical services and community pharmacies.
Key messages
- immunisation providers will be reimbursed for any privately purchased (non-NIP) flu vaccines that are administered in the month of June
- NSW Health has established a reimbursement process which will utilise GuildCare NG and MedAdvisor to support pharmacies with the process
- general practices can use private (non-NIP) flu vaccine stock for people not eligible under the NIP and seek remuneration for the purchase cost via a declaration of quantities administered at the end of the program
- immunisation providers should continue to prioritise NIP supplies for eligible patients
- where possible, consider opportunities to increase uptake of both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines by offering co-administration for anyone who is not up to date.
Healthy North Coast’s population health lead, Eva James, caught up with Carolyn Lloyd, immunisation coordinator from the North Coast Public Health Unit this week to answer some frequently asked questions about the expanded flu vaccination program.
A. The process for reimbursement of the influenza vaccines hasn’t yet been published by NSW Health. It is expected to be published soon and providers will be notified as soon as it is. Immunisation providers are encouraged to keep track of invoices and log vaccines administered (including dates and patient details) in order to apply for reimbursement.
A. No. Providers will only be reimbursed for vaccines administered from 1 June 2022 to 30 June 2022.
A. The expanded program is planned to finish on 30 June 2022.
A. The vaccine is and has always been recommended for everyone aged over 6 months. People who are eligible for free vaccination under the NIP should still be prioritised as these population groups are at a higher risk of experiencing more severe outcomes from influenza.
Those living and working in group residential settings such as; schools, health care facilities, childcare centres, hostels, temporary accommodation, retail, offices, factories, and some agricultural settings, are all now eligible for free flu vaccination. These settings are at a particularly high risk from the flu as they are prone to outbreaks.
A. Ultimately, we want all vaccines to be used and not sitting in fridges expiring, so try to avoid over-ordering and only order what you need and will use. You can always place additional orders if needed. Providers can apply for reimbursement of non-NIP private flu vaccine stock that is administered in June (even if it was purchased before June) at the end of the program.
A. Providers who can order additional (non-NIP) flu vaccines through their usual private non-government supplier/s are encouraged to do so and can apply for reimbursement at the end of the program. Providers who have difficulty ordering private supplier vaccines or have never done so, can order additional free vaccines (FluQuadri) through the NSW Vaccine Centre. NIP vaccines can be ordered through the NSW Vaccine Centre as per the usual process. If you order from the NSW Vaccine Centre and there is stock available, it can be shipped overnight, however it can take a few days to arrive at your door after you place your order.
For information about this years influenza vaccination program visit NSW Health – Seasonal influenza vaccination 2022.
For support to increase vaccination uptake for high risk patients in your practice visit Primary Care Impact.
For clinical guidance visit Mid and North Coast HealthPathways | Influenza Immunisation
Username: manchealth
Password: conn3ct3d
