Order, store and manage immunisation medicines

How to order

The Queensland Health Immunisation Program (QHIP) operates via an email-only ordering and enquiries system.

Incoming emails and orders are monitored and processed during standard business hours.

Prospective QHIP registered Immunisation Service Providers can submit an enquiry about the registration process by emailing QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au.

Order forms must be completed electronically and submitted via email.

Complete the order form relevant to your Immunisation Service Provider type and email to QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au.

Access to the 2026 Funded Influenza Immunisation Programs – Important Updates for Providers

There are significant changes to how the Queensland Immunisation Distribution Service (IDS) will manage the State and National Immunisation Program funded influenza vaccines in 2026.

Both ordering and delivery processes will change, and immunisation service providers (ISPs) will be required to follow a new pre-ordering process to receive funded influenza immunisations.

Why is it changing?

To meet growing demand across Queensland, IDS will introduce a planned pre-ordering process with a two-stage delivery approach.  This structured process will:

  • ensure timely and reliable deliveries to your service
  • allow IDS and logistics partners to plan and manage resources efficiently.

With over 2,800 registered ISPs statewide, this change is essential for a smooth rollout.

2026 Funded Influenza Immunisations

State Funded – Queensland Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program

Who is eligible:

  • children aged 2 to 5 years (inclusive), and
  • children aged 6 to 17 years (inclusive) who struggle with getting a needle.

Product:

  • FluMist®

National Immunisation Program (NIP) Influenza Immunisations

Who is eligible:

  • adults aged 65 years and over
  • all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
  • children aged 6 months to <5 years
  • individuals aged 5–64 years with specified medical risk conditions
  • during pregnancy.

Products available under the NIP:

  • Fluad ®: Adults aged 65 years and over
  • Flucelvax®: Individuals aged 5 to 64 years (eligible groups only)
  • Fluzone®: Individuals aged 5 to 64 years (eligible groups only)
  • Vaxigrip®: Individuals aged 6 months to <64 years (eligible groups only).

If you have any questions regarding orders for the 2026 National and State-funded influenza immunisation season, contact the Immunisation Distribution Service at QHIP-FLU@health.qld.gov.au

Storing immunisations

Storage must be in accordance with the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines 'Strive for 5'.

Immunisation medicines are delicate biological substances and must be stored between +2 degrees Celsius and +8 degrees Celsius. Exposure to temperatures outside this range may compromise the efficacy of the immunisation, and it may need to be discarded.  Immunisation medicines must be stored appropriately to:

  • ensure patients receive an effective immunisation - reducing their risk of morbidity and mortality from vaccine preventable diseases
  • ensure efficient management of resources (immunisation medicines are an expensive resource that can be in limited supply)
  • avoid patients needing re-immunisation after having been given an ineffective product.

Cold chain breach

Cold chain breach and light exposure reporting

A cold chain breach occurs when immunisations are stored or transported outside the recommended temperature range of +2°C to +8°C. The optimal storage temperature is +5°C, the point midway between +2°C and +8°C, which is the temperature range recommended for vaccine storage. Many immunisations are damaged or destroyed at temperatures outside this range.

Temperature deviations or excursions up to +12°C for up to 15 minutes during stocktaking or restocking are acceptable and do not need to be reported, provided immunisations remain within this limit and duration. Prompt identification and reporting of a possible cold chain breach reduces the risk of administering ineffective or compromised immunisations.

UV and ambient light exposure

Many immunisations are also sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) and ambient light. Exposure to UV light (for example, sunlight, fluorescent lighting or other strong light sources) or prolonged light exposure outside the original packaging may affect potency.

Any suspected exposure of immunisations to UV or ambient light during storage or handling should be managed and reported in the same way as a cold chain breach, using the combined reporting form below. Keeping immunisations in their original packaging and in a closed purpose‑built vaccine refrigerator (PBVR) help to protect them from both temperature excursions and light damage.

All cold chain breaches or light exposure involving government‑funded immunisations must be reported to the Queensland Health Immunisation Program (QHIP).

Reporting a cold chain breach

If a cold chain breach or unintended UV/ambient light exposure has been identified involving government‑funded immunisations:

  • Immediately quarantine the affected immunisations. Clearly label them “DO NOT USE” and keep them stored between +2°C and +8°C in a PBVR.
  • Do not discard any immunisations unless advice has been received from the Queensland Health Immunisation Program (QHIP) or the local Public Health Unit.
  • Complete the Cold Chain Breach and Light Exposure Report Form (PDF) – the person who first identified the incident should complete the form.
  • Email the completed form to QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au with “COLD CHAIN/LIGHT EXPOSURE INCIDENT” in the email subject line.
  • QHIP will review the information and notify the local Public Health Unit for follow‑up and support. The Public Health Unit will advise on the thermostability of immunisations involved and help implement corrective actions to prevent the problem recurring.

If an incident occurs after hours, keep the affected immunisations quarantined in monitored cold chain conditions in a PBVR.

Privately purchased vaccines

For cold chain breaches involving privately purchased vaccines, please contact the vaccine manufacturer directly for advice.

Discarding and transferring immunisation medicines

To discard or transfer immunisation medicines provided by QHIP:

  1. Complete an Immunisation Discard or Transfer Form (PDF 121 kB)
  2. Email the completed form to QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au.

This only applies to transfers occurring between QHIP registered Immunisation Service Providers and for stock supplied by QHIP. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, please email QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au.

Immunisation delivery failure

If your delivery has not been packed appropriately or you believe the immunisation products have been outside the recommended temperature range, do not use them.

  1. Quarantine the delivery in your purpose-built vaccine refrigerator.
  2. Complete a Vaccine Delivery Report Form (PDF 311 kB).
  3. Email the completed form to QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au with ‘VACCINE DELIVERY REPORT’ in the email subject line.

QHIP will respond as soon as possible with advice.

Need more information?

For all enquiries, email QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au.

If the matter is urgent, include ‘URGENT’ in the subject line and we will respond as soon as possible.

Last updated: 19 May 2026