Free flu shot for eligible members is now closed

If you are over 65, check with your doctor or pharmacist which flu shot is suitable for you. The Government funded National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free vaccines, which may be more suitable.

Children aged between six months and five years are eligible for free flu vaccinations under the Government funded National Immunisation Program (NIP), speak to your General Practitioner for more information.

Have a question? Read our Q&A on the Flu Shot

Government funded National Immunisation Program (NIP)

The National Immunisation Program (NIP), funded by the government, also provides free vaccines to various groups that may have specific medical needs. It is available through GP clinics or pharmacies. Pharmacies in South Australia are only able to provide government subsidised flu vaccinations to:

• People aged 65 and over (adjuvanted quadrivalent flu vaccine only)
• Pregnant women
• Aboriginal and Torrens Strait Islander people aged 10 and older

Any fees associated with providing government funded vaccines such as administration or consultation fees are not claimable from Health Partners. We will not pay benefits for members who are eligible for Government funded vaccines under the National Immunisation Program.

Government funded vaccines for over 65s

If you are over 65, and access the appropriate government funded vaccine (adjuvanted quadrivalent flu vaccine) under the NIP at a pharmacy, it should be free. If the pharmacy charges a fee for this service, then this fee is not claimable from Health Partners as it is a government program. Health Partners also does not have access to this vaccine for this age group. We encourage you to speak to your doctor or pharmacist about what vaccine is best for your situation, as well as any associated costs.

See National Immunisation Program (NIP) under Q&A’s for more information.

Government funded vaccines for pregnant women and Aboriginal and Torrens Strait Islander people

If you are pregnant or of Aboriginal and Torrens Strait Islander descent you can access a free government funded vaccine under the NIP at a pharmacy. If the pharmacy charges a fee for this service, then this fee is not claimable from Health Partners as it is a government funded program. We encourage you to speak to your doctor or pharmacist about what vaccine is best for your situation, as well as any associated costs.

See National Immunisation Program (NIP) under Q&A’s for more information.

Children over 5

Recent changes made by the South Australian Government now allow pharmacies to administer flu vaccinations to children from 5 years of age, rather than 10 years. Not all pharmacies are equipped or choose to provide this service. It’s best to contact your local Health Partners participating Pharmacy to see if they are able to provide vaccines to young children. Some pharmacies periodically hold Family Clinics with a visiting nurse practitioner who can administer the vaccines. Call your pharmacy to enquire. We also recommend consulting with your GP.

Please note that children aged between 6 months and 5 years may be eligible for free flu vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program. Please speak with your GP or pharmacist, or see the SA Health website for more information.

Aged care and flu vaccine

It is no longer mandatory to have an influenza vaccine to visit a residential aged care facility, however we strongly recommend that you check with the facility for site specific policies. See SA Health website for more information.

Flu Shots

Influenza is a highly contagious infection of the airways, and is especially serious for some people. Therefore it is important to be protected against the flu by having an annual flu vaccination.

Speak with your GP or pharmacist about the best time to receive your flu shot and any concerns you have about any other vaccine.

Disclaimer
The information contained here is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal medical situation. The information is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or used for therapeutic purposes. Should you require specific medical information, please seek advice from your healthcare practitioner. Health Partners does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided.
While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them.