Influenza 2022

 Extended to 17 July 2022!

NSW Health have announced that free flu shots for NSW residents will be extended until 17 July amid concerns vaccination rates are still not where they should be.

Free flu vaccine in NSW

The NSW Government will fund flu vaccinations for all NSW residents from 1 June 2022 to 17 July 2022 (previously 30 June) to boost immunity for the winter season. Free flu shots will be available at:

• GP clinics for everyone aged 6 months and over
• Pharmacies for everyone aged 5 years and over

NSW Health media: Free flu shots for all in June
NSW Health website: Influenza resources for health professionals

Posters

    

General practice information

People aged 6+ months will be able to access free flu vaccine from general practices. See the NSW Heath factsheet for general practice with information on the “NSW free flu vaccine in June/July” program.

Where can practices order flu vaccines for the “NSW free flu vaccine in June/July” program from?

• GPs will be able to obtain FluQuadri vaccine to vaccinate all NSW residents aged 5 years to 64 years under this program.
• These vaccines are funded by the NSW State government and can be ordered from State Vaccine Centre under “Adult influenza vaccine state funded”.  

Should the National Immunisation Program (NIP) funded vaccines be used for the “NSW free flu vaccine in June/July” program?

• For people aged 5 years to 64 years, the NIP flu vaccines (Vaxigrip, Fluarix and Afluria) are only funded for people who meet the NIP eligibility criteria.
• These vaccines are funded by the Commonwealth government and can be ordered from State Vaccine Centre under “Adult influenza vaccine".
• GPs should continue to prioritise NIP supplies for NIP eligible patients.

What should practices do with privately purchased flu vaccines?

• General practices can use privately purchased flu vaccines for the “NSW free flu vaccine in June/July” program.
• Practices will be able to submit a declaration form at the conclusion of the program (17 July 2022) to seek remuneration for the purchase cost of quantities administered during 1 June to 17 July.

How do practices apply for reimbursement?

• Practice will be required to complete one declaration form with attached invoices after 17 July 2022
• The declaration form is in development and will be circulated in July – check CESPHN | Influenza website for updated information
• For now, practices should keep records of: 
  1. invoices of privately purchased flu vaccines
  2. number of private flu vaccines administered during 1 June to 17 July.

Are non-Medicare patients eligible for a free flu vaccine under this program?

• Yes. People without a Medicare card can access the flu vaccination at no cost from pharmacies.
• From general practice, the flu vaccine will be free however clinics may charge a consultation fee.

Is it safe to get the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?

• Yes, patients should be asked if they are up to date with both their flu and COVID-19 vaccines

Pharmacist information

Which age groups can get free flu vaccines from pharmacies?

• Pharmacist immunisers and nurse immunisers can now administer influenza vaccines to children 5+ years and over
• GPs will continue to administer vaccines to people aged 6 months and over.

How much will pharmacists will be reimbursed to administer vaccines?

• During the month of June participating community pharmacies will be remunerated at $25 (excl. GST) for vaccines administered during 1 June to 17 July (this payment will cover vaccine and service delivery fee).
• Patients 65 and over should be given the Fluad Quad vaccine. A $16 (excl. GST) service delivery fee will be paid during 1 June to 17 July for each NIP funded Fluad Quad vaccine administered to people 65 and over to ensure there is no fee for the patient.

What is the process for claiming reimbursement?

• NSW Health has established a reimbursement process which will utilise GuildCare NG and MedAdvisor to support the process.

Where should pharmacists access to flu vaccines from?

• Pharmacies are encouraged to use existing private supply or obtain vaccine supply through usual wholesale supply distributers for under 65s.
• If pharmacies are unable to obtain supply, they can contact NSW Health for further information at MOH-PHEOOperations@health.nsw.gov.au

Are non-Medicare patients eligible for a free flu vaccine under this program?

• From pharmacy, people without a Medicare card can access the flu vaccine at no cost (no service fee) 
• From general practice, the flu vaccine will be free however clinics may charge a consultation fee for people without a Medicare card

Information sheets

• Factsheet - Pharmacist Information - Free Flu vaccinations 
• Guidance for Pharmacist Immunisers – Access to pharmacist approved NIP vaccines