The Australian Government extended its national immunisation program with the aim to increase influenza vaccination rates for those most at risk of complications from influenza, which has contributed to a high demand for seasonal influenza vaccine in Australia this year.

Influenza vaccines for the private market have faced a number of challenges, with manufacturers experiencing increases in demand of between 20% and 50%. In addition, one of the manufacturers was reported to have experienced delays due to the Iceland volcanic eruption.

The Influenza Specialist Group (ISG) is monitoring the situation and is able to report that at the time of writing this report (June 2010), suppliers are working towards meeting the additional demand, and while the situation varies from state to state, seasonal influenza vaccine is currently available on private prescription from most community pharmacies for people not eligible for free flu vaccine.

Free vaccine for those who qualify  (65 and over and defined at-risk groups) continues to be available through general practice surgeries.

As the peak period for the circulation of the influenza virus this season has still not arrived, it is still not too late for all Australians to receive a flu vaccination.

For more information on the extended national immunisation program, use this link: Dept of Health & Ageing