Chief Medical Officer releases winter flu immunisation program
GPs are urged to wait until mid-April before giving flu jabs so patients develop immunity before the season peaks
New influenza A and B strains have been included in this year’s quadrivalent flu vaccines, the federal government says in announcing the winter immunisation program.
The vaccines’ formulation will comprise a new A (H3N2) Switzerland 2017-like virus, A (H1N1), a new B strain for the Victoria linage (Colorado, 2017) and B/Phuket (2013).
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, says more than six million free influenza doses have been secured ahead of this year’s flu season for eligible patients.
He says that for the first time, all indigenous people older than six months of age will be able to access free flu vaccine.
