The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is providing medical and expert advice to immunisation providers ahead of this year’s influenza season.
The ATAGI guidance includes information about the influenza vaccines available for use in Australia in 2021, by age; the influenza virus strains included in the 2021 seasonal influenza vaccines; and the timing of vaccination, especially in conjunction with COVID-19 vaccines.
Also covered are vaccinations for pregnant women; the eligibility for influenza vaccines funded under the National Immunisation Program; and medical conditions associated with an increased risk of influenza complications.
In a statement, the ATAGI said its advice should be read in conjunction with the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
“Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all people more than six months of age. It is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications,” the Group said.
It said co-administration of influenza vaccine on the same day as a COVID-19 vaccine was not recommended and the two vaccinations should be at least 14 days apart.
“When scheduling influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, people in phase 1a for COVID-19 vaccination should receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to them, and then receive their influenza vaccine,” the ATAGI said.
“People in later phases for COVID-19 vaccination should receive their influenza vaccine as soon as it is available, and then receive their COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to them.”
The full ATAGI advice on seasonal influenza vaccines in 2021 can be accessed at this PS News link.
