Seasonal influenza vaccine

Eligibility for the 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:

• people aged six months to less than five years (can be given at the same time as childhood vaccines)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older
• pregnant women (can be given at any stage of each pregnancy)
• people aged 65 years and older (a vaccine that is specifically designed to produce a higher immune response is available for this group).
• people aged six months and older with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza and its complications.

Refer to 2026 Influenza vaccination – Program advice for health professionals for a list of medical conditions that meet eligibility criteria for the funded influenza vaccine.

Timing of influenza vaccination

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone from mid-April onwards to be protected for the peak influenza season, which is typically June to September.

Influenza vaccination should continue to be offered as long as influenza virus are circulating, and a valid vaccine is available. Some important considerations are:

• Children aged 6 months to less than 2 years - who are receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time, are recommended and funded to receive two doses, administered at least 4 weeks apart.
• Medically at risk children - under 9 years of age with a medical risk condition who are receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time are recommended and funded to receive two doses, administered at least 4 weeks apart.
• Pregnant women can receive the vaccine at any stage during pregnancy
• People travelling to a destination where influenza is circulating (year-round in the tropics)
• People who have had a haematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant require two doses, given at least 4 weeks apart, the first time after they receive the transplant.

Refer to 2026 influenza vaccination – Program advice for health professionals for further details.

Clinical guidance

Updated advice is available from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) ATAGI Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2026 for immunisation providers, including vaccines available for use in by age, and eligibility criteria for NIP funded vaccine.

Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook for contraindications and precautions relating to 2026 Influenza vaccines.

• All influenza vaccines available under the NIP in 2026 are latex free and people with a latex allergy can be safely vaccinated.
• It is safe to administer the influenza vaccine at the same time as the pertussis vaccine (20 to 32 weeks), RSV vaccine (from 28 weeks, ideally before 36 weeks), COVID-19 vaccine (if recommended), or other vaccines indicated during pregnancy.
• Influenza vaccines can be co-administered with other vaccines, including shingles vaccine (Shingrix).

Vaccine safety

Refer to Adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) reporting for guidance following AEFI and vaccine administration errors.

Ordering vaccine

Registered immunisation providers in Victoria can order government-funded influenza vaccines (NIP or provided by the Victorian Government) for administration to eligible cohorts. Refer to ordering vaccines for details on how to order vaccines through Onelink Online.

Report to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

It is mandatory to record all influenza vaccinations given on the (AIR). Ensure you use the correct brand name, dose number and batch number.

Report to AIR using the antenatal indicator for influenza vaccine given in pregnancy. Refer to NCIRS AIR Tip for guidance.

Further information can be found in Using the Australian Immunisation Register(opens in a new window).

Resources for immunisation providers

Victorian Department of Health

2026 Influenza vaccination program toolkit - manage the timely roll-out and safe implementation of the influenza vaccination program:

Don’t risk the flu campaign toolkit - Includes a range of assets for health services, to promote influenza vaccination - social media animations, posters, videos and translated assets.

Better Health Channel

• Influenza (flu)
• Influenza (flu) - immunisation
• Don't risk the flu. Get vaccinated today (campaign)

Australian Government resources

• Getting vaccinated against influenza – resource collection(opens in a new window) includes advice for providers, information for consumers and vaccination in pregnancy.
• Maternal vaccinations consumer brochure
• Why does my child need a flu shot? – Fact sheet(opens in a new window)
• Ask about the flu vaccine today – eligibility through the National Immunisation Program (poster)(opens in a new window)
• Flu in pregnancy (poster)
• Flu vaccination (poster)
• Influenza campaign – Passed around – 15 seconds (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People) 
  

National Immunisation Program schedule – updated to ensure eligible people can be easily identified.

Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advice

Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2026

The Australian Immunisation Handbook

Influenza (flu) chapter in The Australian Immunisation Handbook(opens in a new window)

National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)

• Webinar - Influenza vaccination in 2026: a new era of protection
• SKAI communication package(opens in a new window): Conversations with parents and pregnant women around influenza vaccination.
• Supporting conversations about vaccination with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:(opens in a new window)
  • Talking about flu vaccination with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
  • Example of a supporting flu vaccine yarn
  • Flu vaccine information sheet for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Summary table of flu and COVID-19 vaccination resources

Avoiding shoulder injury related to vaccine administration

Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) Vaccine administration - Correct injection technique and anatomical sites

National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) SIRVA Webinar(opens in a new window)