DHHS update to immunisation providers

Thursday, 30 April 2020

Currently, there is a high demand for influenza vaccine under the National Immunisation Program. 

To date, 1.9 million doses of Government-funded influenza vaccine have been distributed to Victorian Providers.  

COVID-19 has meant Onelink warehouse staff social distancing requirements must be met. Most orders are now being delivered in 5 business days, as to be expected at this time of the year. 

 Ordering processes  

• Check your fridge before placing an order. 
• Consider all stock before placing your order for Government-funded vaccines. This will limit the number of deliveries and ensure that you receive your vaccine as soon as possible (a maximum of one order per week).  
• If there is an outstanding influenza order for your service another order will not be accepted by Onelink until your existing order has been delivered.  
• Vaccine order forms should be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Email is the preferred method. Always use the most current vaccine order form.
• Always allow a minimum of 5 working days for vaccine delivery during flu season    
• Please do not resubmit orders. 

Important points to remember

• To ensure continuity of stock supply, offer Government-funded vaccine to eligible groups only
• Use the brand funded for the age range. This will maximise vaccine availability throughout the season
• Consider the number of eligible patients in your practice and do not over order vaccine      
• Do not book appointments unless you have vaccine available 
• Government supplied Afluria Quad can only be administered to those medically at risk aged 5 to less than 65 years. 

Fluad Quad - Limited Ordering  

Although Victoria have predicted a vaccine uptake of 100% for the over 65 group, we have seen an unprecedented early demand for vaccine this year. Vaccines ordered by providers for this group have already exhausted over 95% of our forecasted supply.  

We have been able to acquire a small number of additional doses. Orders will remain limited to 50 doses of Fluad Quad per order, per account to maintain continuity of stock supply to all providers across Victoria. Orders for other age groups are also being monitored and your order may be adjusted. 

Pneumovax 23 – Vaccine shortage   

Please note that currently there are limited supplies of the Government Funded Pneumovax 23® vaccine. Please consider your ordering requirements when placing vaccine orders for Government funded vaccines. 

Prior to the administration: 

1. Check age eligibility - Victorian Immunisation Schedule April 2020 
2. Check immunisation history and the Australian Immunisation Register. 

Helpful resource -  Quick guide table for planning pneumococcal vaccination in adults 

More Information   

Visit our website or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..    

For guidance and service delivery models for providing immunisation services, follow this link and see 'Advice for clinicians' and then 'Vaccinations and medications.

Associated tags

• health professionals
• immunisation