Medium: A comprehensive review of the MMR vaccine studies – Many years and millions of people revealed no link to autism
This recent article presents a review of MMR vaccine studies over the years. Based on conclusive scientific evidence, the authors affirm that parents can be confident that vaccinating their children protects them from serious illness without increasing the risk of autism.
State-based nirsevimab immunisation programs commencing
Nirsevimab is a long-acting RSV-specific monoclonal antibody recommended for some infants as part of the RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP).
The RSV vaccine Abrysvo is funded on the National Immunisation Program for pregnant people from 28 weeks’ gestation. Nirsevimab is recommended for infants:
- whose mother did not receive an RSV vaccine during pregnancy
- born within two weeks of Abrysvo being administered
- at increased risk of severe RSV
- born to mothers with severe immunosuppression.
Nirsevimab programs are already underway in some jurisdictions. The South Australian, Tasmanian and Victorian programs will start on 1 April 2025.
Catch-up programs for infants born before the nirsevimab program commences vary between jurisdictions. Also, note that some infants are recommended to receive nirsevimab in their second RSV season. Read the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance’s (NCIRS) document State and territory nirsevimab (Beyfortus) infant program summary 2025 để biết thêm thông tin.
Learn more on MVEC’s immmunisation reference page, MVEC: Virus hợp bào hô hấp (RSV).
ATAGI: Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2025
On 3 March, the national Department of Health and Aged Care released the (trích từ tuyên bố của ATAGI về việc tiêm vắc-xin cúm theo mùa vào năm 2025.
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 phụ nữ có thai, Người bản địa, and those with certain medical risk factors).
For more details, refer to ATAGI’s full statement, and MVEC’s influenza reference page which has been updated for the 2025 influenza season.
Immunisation Coalition: Influenza webinar 2 April 2025
Register now for the Immunisation Coalition’s 2025 Influenza Webinar.
Presented by Angela Newbound and moderated by Dr Andrew Minton, the webinar will cover symptoms and complications (particularly for at-risk patients), epidemiology, NIP eligibility, recent pharmacy-specific reimbursement, vaccine options, efficacy and safety.
The webinar will be held on Wednesday 2 April from 6–7 pm AEDT.
Learn more and register on the Trang sự kiện của Liên minh Chủng ngừa.
MVEC: Cúm
A reminder about Q fever vaccination records
Các Q fever register (the previous central recording register for Q fever vaccine administration) has moved to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). Any vaccine administered after 15 April 2024 must now be recorded on AIR.
However, it is important for providers to note that records prior to this date have not automatically been transferred. Therefore, it may be necessary to access both registers to confirm a person’s vaccination status.
Please remember that Q fever vaccination is contraindicated in people with:
- a history of laboratory-confirmed Q fever
- a positive/equivocal serology result
- a positive skin test
- a history of Q fever vaccination
- suy giảm miễn dịch
- anaphylaxis to a component of a Q fever vaccine (including eggs).
ATAGI does not recommend vaccination for anyone 14 years of age or younger.
Cập nhật trang tham khảo tiêm chủng: Cúm
MVEC’s influenza reference page has now been updated to include the latest recommendations and advice for the 2025 season. This includes a summary of vaccine brand for use in each age group as well as commonly asked questions.
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. Influenza infection can cause 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.
MVEC: Cúm
(NB: translated versions of the updated influenza reference page will be available soon)
Benchmarque Group: 2025 Immunisation Professional Development Conference
Benchmarque Group’s annual Immunisation Professional Development Conference will cover topics including catch-up vaccinations, vaccine hesitancy, travel vaccinations, priority populations and an update on winter respiratory conditions in advance of the 2025 season.
- Wednesday 30 April - Thursday 1 May 2025 | Novotel Sydney Airport (NSW)
- Wednesday 14 May - Thursday 15 May 2025 | Mercure Doncaster (VIC)
- Cost: $500 per person (covers both days)
Learn more and register on the conference event page. Contact Benchmarque Group for any conference enquiries: 1300 855 568 and [email protected]
Immunisation Coalition: 2025 HPV webinar
Các Immunisation Coalition will hold an HPV webinar on Wednesday March 12 2025 from 6–7 pm AEDT.
The webinar will be presented by Angela Newbound, with Dr Andrew Baird as moderator.
Learn more and register now on the Immunisation Coalition’s event page.
MVEC: Human papillomavirus (HPV)
NSW Health: First death of person with Japanese encephalitis since 2022
NSW has reported the death of a person who had been receiving care for Japanese encephalitis (JE) since early February. This is the first death in NSW from JE since May of 2022. It is believed the person acquired JE while visiting the Murrumbidgee region in January.
JE is a rare but potentially serious disease spread to humans through mosquito bites. JE can be prevented through physical barriers aimed at preventing mosquito bites, and vaccination for individuals in high-risk groups.
Some Australian states have programs to fund vaccines for those with specific risk factors.
Read NSW Health’s full statement here.
For more information about JE disease and prevention, head to MVEC: Viêm não Nhật Bản.
Texas Health and Human Services: First death in measles outbreak
Các Texas Department of State Health Services in the United States has reported the first death from measles in an outbreak that has been ongoing since late January 2025. The person who died was a child who was not vaccinated against measles.
As of 25 February, there have been 124 cases confirmed in the outbreak, most of which are in children.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. Initial symptoms include fever, malaise, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis, followed by rash. Complications include pneumonia and otitis media (ear infection); 1 in 1000 people will develop encephalitis (brain inflammation).
Vaccines are highly effective in protecting against disease.
Read the Texas Department of State Health Services’ full statement here.
There is an active health alert in Victoria regarding recent measles cases in the state. Read the Victorian Department of Health alert here.
For more information about measles, head to MVEC: Sởi.
Previous MVEC news on measles:
MVEC: Cases of measles rising around the world (February 2024)
MVEC: The dangers of vaccine misinformation: Robert F Kennedy Jr (July 2023)