Today the Victorian Government announced that flu shots will be free for all Victorians starting tomorrow (1 June) until 30 June 2022.

To help make getting the jab as easy as possible, more than 3,000 general practices and community pharmacies across Victoria will be invited to offer the free flu vaccinations from this Wednesday.

Reimbursement for general practices and pharmacies 

The Victorian Government will reimburse general practices and community pharmacies for flu vaccines that are administered to any Victorians who are not usually eligible for free flu shots, so that immunisation providers can continue to use vaccines that they have already purchased.

The Victorian Government is offering reimbursements of:

• $25 per influenza vaccine dose administered, and
• the opportunity to apply for a one-off $2,000 grant to general practices and community pharmacies 

This is in addition to any Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) payment for influenza vaccine administration. People who are not eligible for Medicare can receive their influenza vaccine at no cost at a community pharmacy.

How to register

A registration form must be completed for each pharmacy or general practice wishing to participate. The registration portal is currently under development and is expected to be open by 6 June 2022. Immunisation providers will be notified when the portal is active. 

Registration will be available from 6 June 2022 and needs to be completed by close of business 13 June 2022 for general practices and pharmacies to participate in the program. 

General practices and pharmacists do not need to wait until they have registered for the program to begin providing free vaccinations, and only need to meet the registration deadline of close of business 13 June 2022 to be eligible for the program period. 

UPDATE (6 June 2022):

To participate in the grant you must register via the online portal.