Immunisation Weekly Update:
- Japanese Encephalitis vaccination – expanded eligibility criteria
- 2026 flu vaccine materials
- Maternal flu and pertussis vaccination linked to lower risk of infant hospitalisations
- Education
Japanese Encephalitis vaccination – expanded eligibility standards
NSW Health has expanded the eligibility standards totally free Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus vaccine:
- People are really useful to obtain a free vaccine in the event that they reside or work in any of the 68 high-risk Local Government Areas (LGAs). This contains a further 8 new LGAs.
- Until 1 June 2026, folks travelling to these high-risk LGAs for out of doors recreation (reminiscent of tenting, caravaning, boating, searching, and fishing) are eligible and really useful to obtain a free vaccine.
Please learn the Clinician Alert for extra particulars.
2026 flu vaccine supplies
Ensure that you’re aware of all key info referring to the upcoming influenza season by reviewing key supplies forward of vaccine supply.
Program advice for health professionals: Provides key particulars relating to 2026 influenza vaccinations, together with:
- Vaccination timing
- Vaccine strains
- Guidance for various inhabitants teams
- Eligibility for National Immunisation Program (NIP) flu vaccines
ATAGI statement: Provides an summary of key factors and updates for 2026, and highlights the vaccines registered and out there to be used in Australia, outlining modifications to 2026 formulations and dosing.
NCIRS Webinar: Influenza vaccination in 2026: a brand new period of safety
- The session was hosted by NCIRS Director Professor Kristine Macartney and coated latest traits in influenza burden and vaccine protection, in addition to essential modifications to this year’s seasonal influenza program.
- The webinar additionally addressed widespread questions in regards to the intranasal reside attenuated influenza vaccine, FluMist.
Maternal flu and pertussis vaccination linked to decrease danger of toddler hospitalisations
New research published in JAMA Network Open provides to the rising physique of proof of influenza and tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccinations throughout being pregnant.
The research discovered that infants born to vaccinated moms had a decrease danger of hospital and emergency division visits for influenza or pertussis throughout their first 6 months of life.
Analysing well being data from over 250,000 mother-infant pairs, the research estimated vaccine effectiveness of round 70% for maternal influenza vaccination and practically 90% for maternal Tdap vaccination in lowering these outcomes
As Australia prepares for the 2026 influenza season, the findings reinforce maternal vaccination as a crucial technique to guard each pregnant ladies and newborns.
Source: NCIRS Weekly Jab e-newsletter 20 March 2026. Subscribe right here: ncirs.org.au/consumer/register
Education
| Thursday 14 May 2026, 18:30-21:00 AEDT The Juniors Kingsford | Vaccination throughout the lifespan: A complete vaccination workshop From antenatal immunisation that protects mums and newborns, to infant and childhood vaccines, adolescent boosters, and the important vaccines for older adults – this workshop covers the complete immunisation journey. We’ll unpack the most recent suggestions for the 2026 winter season, widespread ache factors, and actual‑world challenges seen in scientific follow. The session additionally features a palms‑on sensible element targeted on vaccinating infants and younger kids—that includes ideas, methods, positioning strategies, distraction strategies, and methods for managing needle‑phobia and misery Please use the next hyperlink to register: Vaccination across the lifespan: A comprehensive vaccination workshop |
| Thursday 30 April 2026, 08:30-18:00 AEDT Rydges Sydney Central 28 Albion Street Surry Hills | Benchmarque 2026 Immunisation Professional Development Conference This in the future in-person occasion will embrace classes addressing vaccine hesitancy, journey vaccinations, precedence populations and an update on winter respiratory situations prematurely of the 2026 season. The occasions additionally embrace a night networking occasion. View the full program here. |
| Monday 15 June 2026, 09:00 AEST – Wednesday 17 June 2026, 15:00 AEST Marvel Stadium, Melbourne | Public Health Association Australia: Communicable Diseases & Immunisation Conference 2026 Please use the next hyperlink to register: Registration | CDIC 2026 |
