Providing vaccination advice during routine consultations is a simple and effective way to promote vaccine uptake. When a patient visits for an influenza vaccination, consider asking about upcoming travel plans to recommend any additional preventive care. Discussion about international travel can also provide a timely reminder to review a patients vaccination status and identify any gaps, including COVID-19, MMR and destination-specific vaccines, helping reduce missed opportunities for protection. 

Opportunistic vaccination is particularly important for older adults and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who may now be eligible for other vaccines at different ages and life intervals. Making vaccination discussions part of routine care helps to ensure that all patients remain up to date with recommended vaccines.   

When multiple vaccines are recommended, it’s important to know the regulations for co-administrating vaccinations. Most vaccines can be co-administered (given at the same visit) with other vaccines at the same National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule point, with separate injection sites used where possible. 

In accordance with the Australian Immunisation Handbook, immunisation providers should: 

• screen people before vaccination 
• obtain valid consent 
• ensure the correct equipment and procedures are in place.