Updated immunisation reference page: Influenza

Influenza virus can cause infections resulting in a spectrum of symptoms, from mild cough and cold features to systemic illnesses with multiple complications. Pregnant women, children under 5 years, those aged over 65 years, people with underlying medical conditions, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples carry the highest rates of morbidity and mortality within Australia. Annual vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.

MVEC has recently updated its influenza reference page to detail the recommendations for vaccination in 2024, including the influenza strains included in this year’s vaccines, the vaccine brands available by age and funding, and commonly asked questions.

MVEC: Influenza
(NB: translated versions of the updated influenza reference page will be available soon)


CVU mini: Save the date

Please save the date for MVEC’s next CVU mini to be held on Friday 21 June 2024.

The CVU mini will focus on RSV preventative therapies.

This half-day, face-to-face event offers healthcare professionals the opportunity to hear from leading experts on the latest in RSV prevention.

Learn more, including topics and speakers, on our event page and stay tuned for more details.

Read about RSV on the MVEC: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) reference page.


ATAGI: Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2024

ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) has published their recommendations for the use seasonal influenza vaccines in Australia in 2024. 

Influenza vaccines are recommended annually and are funded on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for: 

  • children aged 6 months to less than 5 years 
  • all adults aged 65 years and older  
  • specific populations aged 5 to 64 years who are at greatest risk of developing complications from influenza infection (including pregnant women, First Nations people, and those with certain medical risk factors). 

For more information refer to: ATAGI: Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2024 


ATAGI: Statement on the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in 2024

ATAGI has released new advice relating to the administration of further COVID-19 vaccines. 

The need and frequency of further doses beyond a primary course depends on the age of the recipient and their level of immunocompromise:  

  • All individuals aged 75 years and over- recommended to receive a dose every 6 months 
  • All individuals aged 65 to 74 years- recommended to receive a dose every 12 months, but can consider a dose every 6 months 
  • Individuals with severe immunocompromise aged 18 to 64 years- recommended to receive a dose every 12 months, but can consider a dose every 6 months 
  • Individuals without severe immunocompromise aged 18 to 64- can consider a dose every 12 months 
  • Individuals with severe immunocompromise aged 5 to 17 years- can consider a dose every 12 months 
  • Individuals without severe immunocompromise aged 5 to 17 years- not recommended to receive further doses 
  • Individuals less than 5 years- not recommended to receive further doses. 

Omicron XBB1.5 vaccines are preferred for all primary and subsequent doses in all ages. There is currently no supply of the Comirnaty Omicron XBB1.5 formulation for children aged 6 months- 4 years however it is anticipated to be available later in 2024. Until this time providers should continue using the age-appropriate Comirnaty original formulation for this group.  

For more information refer to: ATAGI statement on the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in 2024 


Updated immunisation reference page: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes both upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Children under 1 year of age, individuals with underlying medical conditions (e.g. chronic cardiac and lung disease), the older population and immunocompromised people are more likely to experience serious disease requiring hospitalisation. 

MVEC has recently updated its RSV reference page to include information on the administration of Arexvy, the only RSV vaccine available in Australia. This vaccine is registered for use in all adults aged 60 years and over and is specifically recommended for certain populations. 

MVEC: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)


Immunisation Coalition: 2024 HPV webinar

The Immunisation Coalition will hold its annual update on human papillomavirus (HPV) on Wednesday 13 March. 

The webinar will be held from 6:00 p.m.–7 p.m. (AEDT) and features Angela Newbound as presenter and Dr Andrew Minton as moderator. 

Find out more and register on the Immunisation Coalition’s event page.

MVEC: HPV


NCIRS: Upcoming webinars on respiratory disease

In March, the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) will hold two webinars in their ‘Preventing respiratory disease in 2024’ series: on RSV on Thursday 7 March and on influenza on Wednesday 27 March.

Learn more and register for ‘RSV vaccines for the protection of older adults’
Thursday 7 March at 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

Learn more and register for ‘Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination update’
Wednesday 27 March at 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

Catch up on ‘New RSV vaccine and antibody to prevent disease in infants’
Held on Tuesday 27 February, recording now available


ATAGI: Statement on the clinical use of Arexvy

ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) has published a statement on the clinical use of Arexvy, a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, for the prevention of RSV in older adults in Australia. 

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of respiratory tract infections in young children and is associated with severe respiratory disease in people aged over 60 years.   

Arexvy is available on the private market, and is recommended for: 

  • all adults aged over 75 years 
  • First Nations Australians aged 60 to 74 years 
  • Non-Indigenous Australians with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe disease due to RSV. 

ATAGI’s full statement includes further details on recommendations, contraindications, coadministration, RSV and Arexvy.

A new chapter on RSV will be available in the Australian Immunisation Handbook by mid-2024. Until then, use the ATAGI statement for clinical guidance. 

ATAGI: Statement on the clinical use of Arexvy

MVEC: RSV


CDC on RSV vaccine administration errors

The CDC reports that, in the United States, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine Arexvy has been administered in error to some children and pregnant people. Arexvy is not approved for use in infants or young children, or pregnant people. Most of the reported administration errors occurred in outpatient settings (e.g. GP clinics and pharmacies). 

In January Arexvy was registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use in Australia, for the immunisation of people aged 60 years and older to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV. 

ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) today (29 February 2024) published guidance on the clinical use of Arexvy.

CDC Clinical Outreach and Communication Activity: Information on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine administration errors in young children and pregnancy people


New MVEC podcast: The Vaccine Coverage

MVEC is excited to share that we will be launching a brand new podcast series: The Vaccine Coverage.

This podcast series will feature conversations with special guests on a range of topics relating to vaccination in Australia. The Vaccine Coverage is for anyone who wants to learn more about vaccination: parents, individuals receiving vaccines and vaccine providers too.

Stay tuned.

And in the meantime, check out our previous podcast series COVID19 Road to a vaccine, in which MVEC Director Prof Nigel Crawford interviewed national and international vaccine experts in the leadup to the launch of COVID-19 vaccines.