Who can access a free influenza vaccination during June and July?

All Western Australians over the age of six months are eligible to receive a free influenza vaccine from 1 June to 31 July 2022.

Some priority groups are eligible for a free influenza vaccination every year through the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

How do I know which vaccine to administer?

GP clinics: For persons who are eligible for a free vaccine for June and July only, you are encouraged to use your private vaccine stock until this runs out and purchase more private vaccines where available.

Community pharmacies and AMSs: For persons who are eligible for a free vaccine for June and July only, you may use either your private supply or your government-funded vaccines.

For persons who are usually eligible for a government-funded vaccine (see eligible groups), please continue to provide government-funded vaccines to these groups.

Are there any changes under the National Immunisation Program (NIP)?

There are no changes for people already eligible under the NIP and they should continue to access the influenza vaccine. Vaccination of NIP-eligible people and improving uptake amongst these vulnerable Western Australians is the highest priority. Every opportunity should be taken to vaccinate the elderly, children, Aboriginal people, pregnant women, and people with at-risk conditions. See Eligible groups.

Can people receive their COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as their influenza vaccine?

Yes.

Do people have to be a WA resident to qualify to receive a free vaccination in June and July?

No, this program is available to everyone in WA including interstate visitors.

Are non-Medicare card holders able to access a free vaccination in June and July?

Yes. Everyone over the age of six months can access a free influenza vaccination, including those who do not have a Medicare card. People without a Medicare card will be encouraged to access the service through pharmacies or COVID-19 community vaccination clinics, as the cost of administration is subsidised for all influenza vaccine recipients through these services.

How is this being funded?

The initiative is being funded by the Government of Western Australia. Although billing practices for GP clinics remain at the discretion of individual providers, it is expected that a consultation directly related to the vaccine administration under this scheme does not result in a cost to the patient. Similarly, pharmacies and AMSs should not charge an administration fee to any person receiving an influenza vaccine.

I’m an immunisation provider, how do I order government-funded influenza vaccines for persons eligible in June and July?

GP clinics: When you have run out of private vaccines for persons eligible in July only and cannot order any more, government-funded vaccines are available to order.

Community pharmacies and AMSs: Government-funded vaccines are available to order.

• GP clinics and community pharmacies can order government-funded vaccines through the usual Onelink process.
• Under the 'My Account' tab, check that all your account details are correct, including the shipping address. Please contact Onelink if your details need to be updated.
• Under 'Order templates', choose “Influenza – WA Free Flu for non-NIP cohorts” and place your order. If you think you have the wrong template, please contact vaccineorders@health.wa.gov.au

I am a non-government immunisation provider but not a GP clinic or a community pharmacy; Can I seek reimbursement for administering influenza vaccines in June and July?

Other immunisation providers should email vaccineorders@health.wa.gov.au to check their eligibility.

AMSs can seek reimbursement for administering non-NIP influenza vaccines in June and July.

My patient has already paid for and received their influenza vaccination. Can they be reimbursed?

No. This is a time-limited program, and available to people in Western Australia who have not already received the influenza vaccine in 2022. Reimbursement for previous vaccinations will not be provided.

Will free influenza vaccinations be available through all COVID-19 community vaccination clinics?

Yes, free influenza vaccinations are available at all COVID-19 community vaccination clinics. For clinic locations and times, please visit Roll Up For WA.

Who can I speak to if I have queries about this program?

Please call 13 COVID (13 26843) for program queries.

For further information, please email immunisation@health.wa.gov.au or visit influenza immunisation program.