The National Immunisation Scheme provides subsidised Influenza vaccinations for certain people in the Australian populations.

Eligibility for influenza vaccines funded by the National Immunisation Program (NIP) 

Funding via the National Immunisation Programme is available to pharmacies for the vaccines only. Unfortunately (although we are lobbying the government to have this attended to), the NIS does not provide funding for the administration and recording process of the vaccines.. 

The price for a vaccine administered under the NIP is  $14.95.

• Annual influenza vaccination is recommended and funded for all children aged 6 months to <5 years, and all adults aged ≥65 years. We (as pharmacists) are able to provide vaccinations to all of these age groups.
• Annual influenza vaccination is also recommended for all people aged 5 to <65 years of age, but only funded in the following specific populations in this age group due to their increased risk of complications from influenza: 

1. All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 
2. People who have certain medical conditions
3. Pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy).

Medical conditions associated with an increased risk of influenza disease complications and for which individuals are eligible for publicly funded vaccination under the NIP 

Cardiac disease inc. Cyanotic congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease 

Chronic respiratory conditions  inc Severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic emphysema 

Chronic neurological conditions  inc Hereditary and degenerative CNS diseases, seizure disorders, spinal cord injuries, neuromuscular disorders

Immunocompromising conditions  inc Immunocompromised due to disease or treatment, asplenia or splenic dysfunction, HIV infection 

Diabetes and other metabolic disorders  inc Type 1 or 2 diabetes, chronic metabolic disorders 

Renal disease including Chronic renal failure 

Haematological disorders  Haemoglobinopathies 

Long-term aspirin therapy in children aged 5 to 10 years  - These children are at increased risk of Reye syndrome following influenza infection.