The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has issued updated advice on the relative timing of administering influenza vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines in 2021.
The preferred minimum interval between a dose of influenza vaccine and a dose of either Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) vaccine or Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is now 7 days (previously 14 days).
In some situations a shorter interval (including co-administration) is acceptable.
You can read more about this change in the updated:
- ATAGI advice on seasonal influenza vaccines in 2021
- Clinical advice for vaccination providers – 2021 influenza vaccines
It is important to ensure all eligible groups are offered the influenza vaccine. Promotional resources and additional information about influenza vaccination under the National Immunisation Program can be accessed online.
Report all vaccinations to the AIR
Vaccination providers are reminded that it is now mandatory to report all influenza vaccinations to the Australian Immunisation Register (in effect since 1 March 2021).