Updated immunisation reference page: Older population's immunisation recommendations
MVEC has updated its older population's immunisation recommendations reference page to reflect the addition of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for older adults.
The page provides background information on the immunisation needs of older adults, and outlines vaccine recommendations for older adults (both funded and un-funded vaccines).
Visit the newly updated page at MVEC: Older population's immunisation recommendations.
Benchmarque Group: 2026 Immunisation Professional Development Conferences
Benchmarque Group's in-person, one-day Immunisation Professional Development Conferences will be held in April and May 2026. Registrations are now open. Learn more and register on Benchmarque Group’s event page.
- Sydney, 30 April 2026
- Melbourne, 14 May 2026
- Brisbane, 21 May 2026
Diphtheria in NT and WA
Both the Northern Territory and Western Australia are experiencing outbreaks of diphtheria.
NT Health’s ongoing diphtheria health alert was most recently updated on 22 April. In the Northern Territory, there have been 17 cases of respiratory diphtheria notified since 23 March 2026. Healthcare workers are recommended to receive a booster if their last diphtheria-containing vaccine was more than 5 years ago.
The Kimberly region of Western Australia has also seen respiratory diphtheria cases.
Diphtheria is vaccine-preventable. It mostly commonly causes an acute respiratory illness characterised by a “pseudo membrane” which forms over the pharyngeal area (throat); it can be life-threatening.
Read more about the current outbreaks at The Conversation: Before vaccines, diphtheria used to kill hundreds each year. Now it’s back in Australia.
Read more about diphtheria disease, transmission and prevention at MVEC: Diphtheria.
National Immunisation Program: Free RSV vaccine for older Australians
On 19 April the Australian Department of Health announced the introduction of RSV vaccination to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for older adults.
From 15 May 2026, RSV vaccination will be available for free for:
- all adults aged ≥ 75 years
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults ≥ 60 years.
The Department has released fact sheet with advice for providers on administering respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines to older Australians, as well as a helpful poster guide on the administration of RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies across groups.
Read the full statement on the introduction of RSV vaccination for older adults at Department of Health: Free RSV vaccine for older Australians.
Find the vaccination provider fact sheet at Department of Health: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for older Australians – Program advice for health professionals.
Find the poster on the administration of RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies across groups at Department of Health: RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibody poster.
For more information about RSV disease, epidemiology and prevention across the lifespan, visit MVEC: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
For information on all immunisation recommendations for the older population, visit MVEC: Older population’s immunisation recommendations.
CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Tetanus Surveillance — United States, 2009–2023
A recent US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report shows tetanus cases in the United States occur across age groups, with the highest incidence among older women.
The report shows that tetanus has a high case-fatality rate; approximately 1 in 10 people who develop tetanus will die.
Read the report in full at: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Tetanus Surveillance — United States, 2009–2023
To read about tetanus prevention in Australia, visit MVEC: Tetanus.
ATAGI Bulletin for Immunisation Providers – 27 March 2026: Pertussis
ATAGI has highlighted the importance of pertussis vaccination for older adults in the bulletin following its most recent meeting.
Key points:
- Pertussis doesn’t just affect children. Older adults and people with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of serious illness and complications compared to healthy adults.
- Pertussis has been on the rise in recent years.
- In 2024, pertussis vaccine coverage was suboptimal for adults aged 50 and older.
- ATAGI recommends healthcare workers and all adults aged 65 years and older receive a dTpa (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis combination vaccine) dose every 10 years.
Read the full bulletin here: ATAGI Bulletin for Immunisation Providers – 27 March 2026.
To read more about pertussis disease, epidemiology and prevention, visit MVEC: Pertussis.
For information on all immunisation recommendations for the older population, visit MVEC: Older population’s immunisation recommendations.
NCIRS: Australian Vaccinology Course 2026
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) will hold it's 3-day Vaccinology Course in October this year. Applications close on 10 May 2026.
Date: 19–21 October 2026
Location: Sydney
Learn more and apply on the NCIRS course page.
The Conversation: What is RSV? And why should older Australians have this free vaccine?
Professor Allen Cheng’s recent article in The Conversation provides an overview of RSV disease, and outlines RSV vaccine recommendations for older adults, safety and access.
Read the full article at The Conversation: What is RSV? And why should older Australians have this free vaccine?
Read more about respiratory syncytial virus at MVEC: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Spleen Australia: Living Without a Functioning Spleen: Translating Guidelines into Everyday Care (webinar recording)
Spleen Australia’s first webinar is now available to watch. While this webinar was designed with a GP audience in mind, anyone involved in the care of patients without a functioning spleen will find the information valuable.
Watch now at Living Without a Functioning Spleen: Translating Guidelines into Everyday Care (webinar recording).
To learn more about immunisation and asplenia or hyposplenia, visit MVEC: Asplenia and hyposplenia.
Vaccine Education Center at CHOP: Unpacking the Recent Court Decision about Vaccines (video)
The Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) provides complete, up-to-date and reliable information about vaccines across the lifespan. In this short video, Dr Paul Offit explain the US court decision related to vaccine policy changes made under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr.
Vaccine Education Center at CHOP: March 2026: Unpacking the Recent Court Decision about Vaccines (YouTube)