New immunisation reference page: Inborn errors of immunity
MVEC recently published a new immunisation reference page on inborn errors of immunity (IEI, previously referred to as primary immunodeficiencies). IEIs comprise a broad group of inherited disorders affecting one or more components of the immune system.
The new reference page outlines immunisation recommendations, contraindications and responses to commonly asked questions.
MVEC: Inborn errors of immunity
ABC: Measles cases rise in Australia as authorities monitor deadly outbreaks in South and South-East Asia
The number of measles cases reported in Australia in 2026 is higher than the same period in 2025, with most cases in travellers returning from South and South-East Asia.
Read the article in full at ABC: Measles cases rise in Australia as authorities monitor deadly outbreaks in South and South-East Asia.
Read more about measles disease, transmission and prevention at एमवीईसी: खसरा.
NSW FluMist program expanded
From late-May, the New South Wales FluMist program has been expanded to cover children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years for a limited time.
Read more at New South Wales Health: Nasal spray influenza vaccine.
APACI Respiratory Diseases Conference 2026: Register now
The Asia-Pacific Alliance for the Control of Influenza (APACI) Respiratory Diseases Conference 2026 will be held later this month. Registrations are open now to attend in person or online.
तारीख: 25 June 2026
कार्यक्रम का स्थान: InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong Hotel
Learn more on the conference event page.
Australian CDC: Diphtheria declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance
On 22 May 2026 Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Prof Michael Kidd AO, declared diphtheria a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS).
The declaration enables coordinated national efforts to stop the spread of diphtheria. These efforts include a funding package, and ongoing work to support the outbreak response.
Read more about the CDINS at Australian CDC: Diphtheria declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance.
Read more about diphtheria disease, transmission, epidemiology and prevention at एमवीईसी: डिप्थीरिया.
Australian Immunisation Handbook: RSV chapter updated
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) handbook chapter has been updated to reflect the new addition of the RSV vaccine Arexvy to the जापानी for older adults. The updates also clarify timing of RSV-specific monoclonal antibodies in infants and co-administration in older adults, and simply the timing of vaccination during pregnancy.
Australian Immunisation Handbook: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) chapter updates
एमवीईसी: रेस्पिरेटरी सिंकाइटियल वायरस (आरएसवी)
Western Australia: Free RSV program expanded to protect at-risk over 50s
WA’s RSV immunisation program is being expanded to cover certain high-risk groups of adults.
Groups covered by the WA program include:
- all residents of residential aged care facilities (50 to 74)
- Commonwealth Support at Home recipients (50 to 74 years)
- people experiencing homelessness (60 to 74 years)
- residents of specialist disability accommodation (60 to 74 years)
- people in corrective services facilities (60 to 74 years)
- residents of residential mental health services (60 to 74 years)
- medically at-risk people within the above cohorts (50 to 59 years).
As of 15 May 2026, RSV vaccination has been added to the NIP for all adults aged 75 and over, and First Nations adults aged 60 and over.
Read more about the WA program at Free RSV program expanded to protect at-risk over 50s.
MVEC: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
ABC: Eligibility expanded for Queensland's free nasal spray flu vaccine program
Queensland’s free nasal spray influenza vaccine program has been expanded to included children aged 6 to 17 years.
Read more at ABC: Eligibility expanded for Queensland's free nasal spray flu vaccine program
Australian Islamic Medical Association: Flu vaccination guidance
The Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA) offers helpful guidance on influenza vaccination which address the permissibility of the nasal influenza vaccine containing porcine gelatine.
According to AIMA, the vaccine containing porcine gelatine is permissible (halal) to use. The non-porcine injectable vaccine is available for families who prefer an alternative.
AIMA: Flu vaccination guidance
Tasmanian Department of Health: Infant meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine program
From 1 July 2026, the Tasmanian Government is funding a free infant meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine program.
Under the program, meningoccocal B vaccination will be available at 6 weeks, 4 months and 12 months of age, with a catch-up program offered to children born before 1 July 2025 and aged less than 2 years.
People with invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) can become extremely unwell very quickly. IMD is rare, but it can be life-threatening and can cause long-term complications. There are five vaccine-preventable subtypes of meningococcal disease: A, C, W, Y and B.
Meningococcal ACWY vaccination is provided on the NIP for babies, teens and people with certain medical conditions. Meningococcal B vaccination is offer on the NIP for high-risk groups including First Nations children and people with certain medical conditions, and to other groups through jurisdiction-based programs.
MVEC strongly recommends everyone wishing to be protected against ACWY and B strains of meningococcal disease be immunised. Those aged 6 weeks of age and older who do not meet the funding criteria can purchase vaccines privately through some councils, GPs and pharmacies.
For more information about Tasmania’s meningococcal B vaccination program, visit: Tasmanian Department of Health: Infant meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine program.
To read more about meningococcal disease, transmission, epidemiology and prevention, got to एमवीईसी: मेनिंगोकोकल.