The National Immunisation Program (NIP) eligibility for seasonal influenza vaccine.

From January 1, 2010 eligibility for free vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) has been extended to include:

All individuals aged 65 years and over;

All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over;

Individuals aged 6 months and over with medical conditions predisposing to severe influenza, namely;

• Cardiac disease, including cyanotic congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure

• Chronic respiratory conditions, including suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe asthma

• Other chronic illnesses requiring regular medical follow up or hospitalisation in the previous year, including diabetes mellitus, chronic metabolic diseases, chronic renal failure and haemoglobinopathies

• Chronic neurological conditions that impact on respiratory function, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and seizure disorders

• Impaired immunity, including HIV, malignancy and chronic steroid use

• Children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy

Pregnant women

For more information, visit: www.immunise.health.gov.au