VaxWorks will only ever use the most current and up-to-date flu vaccines approved by Australia's medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).  In fact, it is not possible to use last year's flu vaccines in our programs as their expiry date is always set to be before we start vaccinating clients (usually in January in the year following their release).


The type of vaccines we use are called egg-based flu vaccines.  Chicken eggs are infected with the flu virus and the virus allowed to grow inside the egg before the virus is separated from the egg.  The virus is killed in this process which is why the flu vaccine cannot cause the flu and why we ask about severe egg allergies as there may be a few micrograms of egg protein left in the vaccine.  We are able to develop immunity because our body is able to learn what the virus looks like from the dead virus contained in the vaccine.


As part of our commitment to the Australian economy, businesses and workers, VacxWorks will wherever possible use an Australian-produced vaccine.


The vaccine does change from year to year to best match the flu viruses that are circulating.  In 2023, VaxWorks Health Services will be using the vaccines recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for use in the Southern Hemisphere which contain:

  • an A/Sydney/5/2021 (H1N1) virus (new strain); 
  • an A/Darwin/9/2021 (H3N2) virus;
  • a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage) virus; and
  • a B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage) virus. 


In 2023, there will also be a cell or recombinant vaccine available at this stage which clients can request at an additional cost. 


Since 2018, the Australian Government has also recommended the use of specific vaccines for older Australians. VaxWorks is unable to supply these vaccines. If you have staff aged 65 or older, we recommend they see their GP to receive this specific flu vaccine. However, the QIV egg-based vaccine we offer is still safe and effective for these staff and can be given at your clinic if staff are unlikely to visit their GP. As part of our care for your staff, we will discuss options with your older staff at your clinic.