Ground-breaking flu vaccines to be provided for millions of older Aussies

The Turnbull government will provide two new ground-breaking flu vaccines to over three million Australians aged 65 years and over - free of charge, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Minister of Health Greg Hunt revealed in a joint statement on Sunday.

This is a direct response to last year’s horrific flu season, which had a devastating impact around the world, and aimed squarely at saving lives. More than 90% of the 1,100 flu related deaths in 2017 were by people aged over 65 years of age.

The vaccines have been fast-tracked to ensure lives are saved and that older Australians receive greater protection.

These new vaccines – Fluad, from Australian biotech firm CSL Ltd’s (ASX: CSL) vaccine unit Seqirus, and Fluzone High Dose, from Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines business of French pharma major Sanofi (Euronext: SAN) – were registered in Australia to specifically provide increased protection for people aged 65 years and older.

From April 2018, both vaccines will be available through the National Immunization Program following a recommendation from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.

These new trivalent (three strain) vaccines work in over 65s by generating a strong immune response and are more effective for this age group in protecting against influenza. These vaccines have been specifically made for the elderly, as their immune systems respond less effectively to vaccines.

Prof Murphy is continuing to investigate ways to improve protection from seasonal influenza, particularly for the elderly. This includes mandating a requirement for residential aged care providers to provide a seasonal influenza vaccination program to all staff.

Additionally the Aged Care Quality Agency is continuing a review of the infection control practices of aged care services across the country. The outcomes will inform new guidelines around the areas of the greatest risk to the safety, health and wellbeing of care recipients.

The government also announced the following the four strains which will be contained within this year’s Southern Hemisphere vaccines: