ATAGI Targeted Review 2023: Vaccination for prevention of influenza in Australia

Abstract

Annual seasonal influenza epidemics cause substantial disease and economic burden worldwide. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020 and 2021, influenza activity significantly declined. However, influenza resurged in Australia following the relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions, with increased influenza virus circulation in early 2022 coinciding with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 variant wave. Together with other respiratory virus diseases, these disease impacts on the Australian population and healthcare system have re-emphasised the importance of influenza vaccination and control. We aim to provide an overview of the current seasonal influenza vaccination program in Australia and summarise evidence and considerations underpinning potential future immunisation strategies. Influenza causes disproportionately higher morbidity and mortality in young children and older adults. Other populations at elevated risk from influenza include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, pregnant women, and people with certain underlying medical conditions. All Australians aged ≥ 6 months are recommended to receive influenza vaccine every year. The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free vaccine for eligible at-risk populations. While approximately 70% of older adults had received influenza vaccine in 2022, coverage in other age groups remains suboptimal. There are several key unmet needs and challenges, but also potential strategies for enhancing the influenza vaccination program in Australia. Improved monitoring and evaluation, including the use of relevant linked datasets for such purposes, is imperative to better understand variations in coverage and vaccination impact in specific populations. Adoption of evidence-based strategies, such as culturally appropriate resources that consider the characteristics of diverse Australian populations, may also help to achieve higher vaccine coverage rates. Additionally, greater vaccine uptake across the population could be facilitated by expanding the NIP-eligible population where cost-effective, and adopting the use of more effective and different types of vaccines when available.