A print friendly PDF version is available from this Communicable Diseases Intelligence issue's table of contents.

The NHMRC recommends routine annual influenza vaccination for all individuals over the age of 65 years.¹ It is also recommended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults over 50 years of age.

The NHMRC also advise vaccination for those in the following groups:

• adults with chronic debilitating diseases, especially those with chronic cardiac, pulmonary, renal and metabolic disorders;
• children with cyanotic congenital heart disease;
• adults and children receiving immunosuppresive therapy;
• residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities.

Annual vaccination should also be considered for those in the following groups:

• staff who care for immunocompromised patients;
• staff of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities.

It is recommended that vaccination take place in the autumn in anticipation of winter outbreaks. The formulation of the vaccine is reviewed annually to take account of the antigenic variation of the virus. The composition of the 1998 Australian vaccine has been published previously.²

References

1. The Australian Immunisation Handbook, 6th Edition. National Health and Medical Research Council 1997;127-131.

2. Composition of the Australian influenza vaccine for the 1998 winter. Commun Dis Intell 1997;21:332.


This article was published in Communicable Diseases Intelligence Vol 22 No 5, 14 May 1998.