NSW pharmacists offering influenza vaccination services in 2018 are advised that immunisation policy advice has been updated for influenza vaccination for people aged 65 years and over. Clinical advice in the recently published statement (click here) from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) must be followed. Importantly that:

• Persons ≥65 years of age who are eligible to receive free influenza vaccine under the National Immunisation Program are informed about the two higher-immunogenicity trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) formulations (one a ‘high-dose’ vaccine and another containing an adjuvant). They should be advised to wait and receive the higher-immunogenic influenza vaccine from their immunisation provider from mid-April 2018.  

• The timing of vaccination should be considered to achieve the highest level of protection during the period of influenza virus circulation. Refer to the ‘Timing of vaccination’ section in the ATAGI statement. Further advice is also available from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners here.

• Pharmacies that employ Authorised Nurse Immunisers to deliver their influenza vaccination service should ensure that the nurse immunisers are aware of this advice and inform persons ≥65 years of age about the two new influenza vaccines.

Pharmacists are encouraged to maintain knowledge of current immunisation policy advice and scientific evidence, and should be able to provide the consumer with appropriate information about vaccination and immunity to help address questions and concerns.

This message is distributed on behalf of Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director of Communicable Diseases Branch, Health Protection NSW, NSW Ministry of Health