Evaluation of the 2020 influenza season and assessment of system readiness for the implementation of a COVID-19 vaccine

The Department of Health seeks to engage a provider to undertake an independent external evaluation of the 2020 influenza season and conduct an assessment of system readiness for the implementation of a potential COVID-19 vaccine.

During the 2020 influenza season, a record number of seasonal influenza vaccines were made available for the Australian market with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) releasing over 17.6 million doses. This is an increase from 13.2 million doses in 2019 and 11 million doses in 2018.

Unprecedented demand for seasonal influenza vaccines was noted early in the 2020 influenza season (April/ May), which remained consistent through until July. This demand was believed to have been driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and individuals looking to protect themselves as the pandemic evolved.

Strong stakeholder feedback has been received this season from a range of sources with respect to the implementation of the seasonal influenza program (both the National Immunisation Program and private market supply). This feedback pertained most particularly to supply, distribution, access and availability of vaccines in a short time period.

The roll out of a COVID-19 vaccine has the potential to be similar in nature to that of a seasonal influenza vaccine program roll out, specifically with respect to the concentrated nature of a potential program (at least initially) as well as stakeholder demand and interest.

Therefore, it is timely to assess the capability, capacity and potential constraints of the current system with respect to the roll out of future influenza seasons, as well as a potential COVID-19 program. This can be achieved by evaluating the most recent influenza season (2020) and identifying what system improvements could be made in anticipation of such programs. These improvements are expected to relate to forecasting, supply, distribution and vaccine administration, but may also include stakeholder engagement, communication and surveillance and monitoring activities.