The Commonwealth Department of Health has provided information regarding preparations for the 2022 influenza season.

A number of international and domestic health factors suggest that 2022 will see increased prevalence of influenza than has been observed in the most recent COVID-19 impacted seasons.

The Government has secured enough vaccines to cover all vulnerable cohorts eligible for a government-funded National Immunisation Program vaccine. However, pre-orders in the private market appear to be low and members are encouraged to consider these requirements in the light of the expected increase in prevalence of influenza.

Although the Department does not generally have a role in the supply of private market vaccines, it is committed to working with stakeholders across the vaccine supply chain to ensure that everyone who wishes to do so, has access to a vaccine.