Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Minister for Regional Communications) Share this | Hansard source

There are two advanced trivalent influenza vaccines currently available internationally that elicit an increased immune response from the elderly. The government has been working with companies to make these available to Australians aged 65 years and older. One is FLUAD, which contains an immunity-enhancing ingredient and is for specific use in individuals aged 65 years and over. I note that you're writing that down—it's F-L-U-A-D. The other one is Fluzone High-Dose, which contains four times the antigen of the standard seasonal influenza vaccine and is also indicated as being specifically valued for people aged 65 years and over.

All the vaccines registered in Australia by the TGA have been evaluated to make sure they're safe for use, and that's our primary concern. The government and the department have worked with sponsors of these vaccines to have them registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, and I'm pleased to confirm that the TGA has registered both of these vaccines. And when speaking to the minister he's assured me they will be available for this flu season. (Time expired)