Introduction of AIR due and overdue rules for influenza

The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) has introduced annual due and overdue rules for influenza vaccines.

Effective 28 April 2026, these changes will help vaccination providers identify individuals who may be eligible for free influenza vaccines under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The AIR will also issue reminder letters to eligible people who become overdue for an influenza vaccination.

Summary of Influenza due and overdue rules

The due and overdue rules will be applied each year for individuals eligible for a NIP funded influenza vaccine, including:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
• Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
• People aged 65 years or over.

AIR Rules:

If an influenza vaccine has not been administered since 1 March of the current year, a dose is:

• due on 1 May
• overdue on 1 June.

Individuals will no longer display as due or overdue for influenza after 31 January of the following year.

Please note:

• All influenza vaccine brands will contribute to the assessment of a person’s status under the new due and overdue rules. This will not change season to season, regardless of changes to vaccine valency.
• The AIR cannot identify all specific cohorts or clinical scenarios where an individual may be eligible for a free NIP influenza vaccine. As a result:
  • some eligible individuals will not display as due for influenza in the AIR. For example, pregnant women and individuals with certain medical conditions; and
  • individuals will only display as due for one dose per year, even where two doses are clinically recommended.
• The AIR due and overdue rules are intended as a guide only. Vaccination providers should refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook (AIH) and the ATAGI Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines for the most up-to-date clinical recommendations before vaccinating.

Display of due information

• Individuals who don’t receive an influenza vaccine each year will continue to display due until 31 January of the following year. This information will appear on their Immunisation History Statement and My Health Record.
• Due information will display for vaccination providers in the AIR site and clinical information software (integrated with the AIR). This prompts providers to consider vaccination and supports clinical decision-making based on current influenza activity. This information will also be available through AIR reports.
• These changes do not affect eligibility for family assistance payments. If a child is only overdue for influenza (and no other diseases), their vaccination status will remain as ‘up to date’.

Reminder letters

• The AIR will send overdue reminder letters between 1 June and 30 September each year, aligning with AIH advice on the peak influenza circulation period.
• This approach ensures reminders are sent during the most relevant period, and avoids individuals receiving reminder letters later in the year when vaccination may no longer be necessary.

Other updates

• On 12 March 2026, the minimum age rule for FluMist was updated from 6 months to 2 years of age. This change aligns with the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and the ATAGI Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2026
• FluMist administration reported to the AIR for children under 2 years of age will pend and require follow-up by AIR staff, who will contact the provider to confirm whether the vaccine was administered or the record is a reporting error. This follow-up allows providers to consider any necessary actions, such as reporting a vaccine administration error, where appropriate.