An expert has stood by claims there is a “better” flu vaccine than what is currently available in Australia, after a particularly damaging flu season that has killed dozens.

Immunisation Coalition chairman Paul Van Buynder told The New Daily he is aware of another vaccine unavailable in Australia that is four times stronger than what is currently available and 24 per cent more effective in adults aged 65 and above.

“There are better vaccines we don’t have access to [here],” he said.

“I’d like to see Australia get vaccines that better protect the elderly, free flu vaccines for children where spread is common, and the mandatory vaccination of carers and hospital staff who can spread infection to those vulnerable in their care.”

The federal health department has denied Professor Buynder’s claims, first reported by News Corp on Monday.

Australian Department of Health chief medical officer Professor Brendan Murphy said it was “utterly false” that Australians had received a “cheap flu vaccine”.

“I could not be clearer – I completely refute this false claim,” Professor Murphy said in a statement.

“The flu vaccines chosen this year were the best available in Australian market, selected by medical experts in Australia and around the world.

“The two vaccines mentioned in the media today are not available in Australia because the companies have not had them registered for use in Australia with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.”

Professor Murphy said this year’s current flu vaccine was also available and used elsewhere in the world including the United Kingdom and the United States.

“At the request of the Health Minister Greg Hunt, I am working on ways to strengthen the National Immunisation Program, including holding talks with manufacturers on new and strengthened vaccines,” he said.

“Under the National Immunisation Program, those eligible for a free flu shot include people aged 65 years and over, most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those who suffer from chronic conditions.

“This year the Australian government is providing more than 4.5 million doses of the influenza vaccine for free to Australians.”

This year’s flu season has impacted more than 217,000 Australians – more than double the previous record of about 100,000 in 2015 – killing at least 73 people.

The latest victim – a 40-year-old Melbourne mother of three – died as recently as Friday despite having been vaccinated.