Vaccine X: Open Access in 2025: supporting the publication of readily accessible, ‘peer reviewed’ immunization science has never been more important
In a recent article, the editorial group at the online journal Vaccine X has highlighted the importance of transparency in immunisation policy decision-making.
The editors examine the role of open access research to promote evidence-based vaccine science and bolster public confidence in vaccines.
Read the article in full: Open Access in 2025: supporting the publication of readily accessible, ‘peer reviewed’ immunization science has never been more important
BBC: Canada loses its measles-free status, with US on track to follow
Canada had been declared measles-free for 3 decades, until it lost that status on Monday 10 November. Health officials in Canada attribute Canada’s ongoing measles outbreak to low vaccination rates.
BBC: Canada loses its measles-free status, with US on track to follow
For more information about measles disease, epidemiology and prevention, go to MVEC: Measles
NCIRS: Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2024
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has published a comprehensive report on vaccination coverage across age groups and geographical areas in Australia. NCIRS notes several key takeaways from the report:
- HPV vaccination in adolescent girls and boys is below the target of 90% coverage and has declined since 2020.
- The percentage of fully vaccinated children has decreased between 2023 and 2024 at all key milestones (12 months, 24 months and 60 years of age).
- Adult vaccine coverage is consistently suboptimal across all vaccines.
- Coverage of Prevenar 13 in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults increased by 8% compared to 2023.
Read the report in full: Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2024
The New York Times: Diphtheria, a Once Vanquished Killer of Children, Is Resurgent
Countries with civil wars or large populations of refugees are seeing diphtheria outbreaks. This recent article examines the resurgence of diphtheria, its spread fuelled by “disruptions in routine immunization that came with Covid and its stress on global health systems, and the rise in vaccine hesitancy”.
Diphtheria is a potentially life-threatening, acute bacterial illness. For more information on disease transmission, epidemiology and prevention, visit MVEC: Diphtheria.
New York Times: Diphtheria, a Once Vanquished Killer of Children, Is Resurgent
Australian Immunisation Handbook: Recent updates
The Australian Immunisation Handbook has recently been updated with minor changes to several sections:
- Administration of vaccines
- Varicella
- Vaccination for people who are immunocompromised
- Tuberculosis
- Tetanus
- Q fever
- Preparing for vaccination
- Poliomyelitis
- Pertussis
- Measles
- Infants exposed to immunosuppressive therapy in utero or through breastmilk
- Diphtheria
Each handbook entry includes a history of updates at the bottom of the web page, describing any changes made to the entry.
SBS: 'Concerning' or a sign of 'good things'? What Australia's flu record means
This recent article examines the higher number of lab-confirmed influenza in 2025 compared to 2024. The number of cases reported is up 10% from last year.
A range of experts highlight different factors to consider in the context of this year’s influenza rates: including, influenza testing rates, hospitalisation rates and vaccination rates.
SBS: 'Concerning' or a sign of 'good things'? What Australia's flu record means
For more information about influenza disease and vaccination, visit MVEC: Influenza
Victorian Department of Health: Local mpox transmission in Melbourne
The Victorian Department of Health has issued a health alert following an increase in mpox cases since mid-September. The 10 cases recently reported include 9 cases locally acquired in metropolitan Melbourne.
For more information about mpox, visit MVEC: Mpox.
Unbiased Science: Dying on Bradford's Hill: The Anti-Vaccine Movement's Favorite Epidemiology Trick
Following a recent essay unpacking the “anti-vaccine research playbook”, public health expert and science communicator Dr Jess Steier has published an article showing how the same “playbook” is applied to research on aluminium and vaccines.
Dr Steier and co-authors Izzy Figueroa and Paige Boklaschuk examine what aluminium does in vaccines and why, before assessing the research of Dr Christopher Shaw who studies the effects of aluminium.
Read the article in full at Unbiased Science: Dying on Bradford's Hill: The Anti-Vaccine Movement's Favorite Epidemiology Trick
WHO: Maldives becomes the first country to achieve ‘triple elimination’ of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B. Having previously eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, the Maldives is now the first country to achieve ‘triple elimination’.
This achievement is attributed to comprehensive antenatal care with nearly universal testing for these diseases, and the strong immunisation program. Over 95% of newborns consistently receive a timely dose of hepatitis B birth dose and full vaccine coverage.
For more information about hepatitis B disease and vaccination, visit MVEC: Hepatitis B.
Measles reminder and alerts
Amid increasing measles cases in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, the Australian Centre for Disease Control has issued a reminder to get vaccinated.
The Victorian Department of Health recently issued a health alert following a new measles case in Victoria. The alert includes an up-to-date list of public exposure sites in Victoria.
Head to our immunisation reference pages MVEC: Measles for more information about measles disease, epidemiology and prevention.