Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' immunisation recommendations

Australia is currently experiencing outbreaks of diphtheria (cutaneous and respiratory) across regional and remote areas of the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia. As of 29 June 2026, 413 cases have been identified with 94.9% of these among First Nations people. A time-limited vaccination program has been initiated in some states to enhance protection against infection.

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Factors associated with hepatitis A transmission include (but are not limited to) overcrowding and poor sanitation conditions. Before the introduction of the NIP-funded Hepatitis A vaccination program, Hepatitis A was particularly prevalent in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Rates in First Nations children aged under 5 years were over 20 times higher than those in non-Indigenous children in the same age group. This disease burden was most prominent in more remote areas, particularly in northern Australia.  

For more information, refer to Australian Immunisation Handbook: Hepatitis A

Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes thủy đậu (chickenpox) disease. Zoster episodes requiring primary care presentation and/or nhập viện impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at an earlier age than non-Indigenous Australians. In addition, the increased burden of chronic and complex diseases means that First Nations Australians are more likely to develop herpes zoster and its associated complications compared with other Australians.  

For more information, refer to MVEC: Zoster

First Nations Australians are three times more likely than non-Indigenous people to be admitted to hospital for influenza and pneumonia. Vaccination can offer protection against disease and its complications. 

For more information, refer to MVEC: Influenza page

First Nations Australians have a 10-fold increased incidence of invasive meningococcal disease compared to non-Indigenous people across some age groups. Certain medical conditions further increase the likelihood of experiencing disease (e.g. immunosuppression, asplenia). Protection is offered through vaccination at the ages where disease affects individuals at the highest rates. 

For more information, refer to MVEC: Viêm não mô cầu

Rates of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) are 6 to 7 times higher for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples compared with non-Indigenous Australians. The risk of invasive pneumococcal disease  (IPD) is greatest in young children under 5 and adults over 50 years. Protection is offered through vaccination at the ages where disease affects individuals at the highest rates. 

For more information, refer to MVEC: Phế cầu khuẩn

In most areas of Australia, rates of tuberculosis are similar for First Nations Australians and non-Indigenous Australians. However, there are some specific regions where the burden of disease is higher amongst First Nations people. The reasons for this increased burden are varied; it may be associated with high density living conditions (contributing to ease of transmission) and being in close proximity to other countries with high rates of disease (contributing to imported cases by travellers).  

For more information about tuberculosis vaccination (with advice specific to Victoria), refer to MVEC: Tuberculosis

Children and older adults have the highest rates of RSV infection. Almost all children will have experienced infection by the age of 2 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are at greater risk of RSV‑associated hospitalisation than non‑Indigenous adults. Reinfection with RSV occurs throughout the lifetime since natural infection does not provide long‑term immunity.

Protection is offered via monoclonal antibodies (for administration in children < 2 years) and vaccines (Abrysvo during pregnancy which aims to protect the newborn, and Arexvy for older adults).

For more information about RSV refer to MVEC: Respiratory syncytial virus