Immunisation
Last updated May 7, 2024
Recent surveys from the community reveal that a recommendation from a trusted health professional is the number one motivator for people to receive immunisation. The PHN recognises the vital role that Health professionals have in communicating the benefits and safety of immunisation and to counter misinformation.
The PHN has developed a 2024 Vaccine Strategy to support vaccine providers to deliver safe and effective immunisation programs for people living within our region. This guide will assist you to identify vulnerable people and provide ideas for increasing vaccination rates for routine vaccinations.
Influenza
Free seasonal influenza vaccines are 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
- Pregnant women
- People aged 65 years and over
NSW Health have published the 2024 Influenza Vaccination Provider Toolkit. This toolkit assists in managing the roll-out and implementation of the influenza vaccination program in 2024.
Additional resources:
COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccines are provided by the Australian Government and are free for everyone in Australia regardless of Medicare or visa status.
On 29 Feb 2024, the Department of Health released the latest COVID-19 vaccination guidelines for 2024 ATAGI Statement on the Administration of COVID-19 Vaccines in 2024
ATAGI recommends a dose of COVID-19 vaccine for adults aged ≥75 years every 6 months.
ATAGI recommends the following groups receive a dose of COVID-19 vaccine every 12 months, and can consider a dose every 6 months, based on a risk-benefit assessment:
- Adults aged 65—74 years
- Adults aged 18—64 years with severe immunocompromise
The following groups can consider a COVID-19 vaccine every 12 months, based on a risk-benefit assessment:
- All other adults aged 18—64 years
- Children and adolescents aged 5—<18 years with severe immunocompromise
COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered with other vaccines in people aged ≥5 years. Please refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook
Additional Resources:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Access to all RSV prevention products is currently limited. For more information on the status of RSV immunisation products in Australia, see Evaluation of and expected access to new RSV vaccines and long-acting monoclonal antibody (mAB) in Australia.
Arexvy is a single dose vaccine and is recommended for people aged 75 years and over, First Nations people aged 60 years and over, and adults aged 60 years and over with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV disease and is available on the private market for approximately $300. For further information ATAGI Statement on the Clinical Use Of Arexvy (RSV PRE-F3) Vaccine for RSV
Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is available through treating hospitals and AMS’s for eligible vulnerable babies. See NSW Health FAQs for health professionals.
For referral information for RSV paediatric immunisation please refer to your local HealthPathway.