NCIRS: Influenza vaccines – FAQs
这 National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) recently updated its Influenza vaccines FAQs page to include a new section with answers to common question about the intranasal flu vaccine FluMist.
Visit the NCIRS Influenza vaccines – FAQs 页。
For more information about influenza disease, transmission and protection, visit MVEC：流感.
Gavi: Study reveals the heavy emotional toll of having a baby hospitalised with RSV
A new study investigates the psychological impact on caregivers when their young child is hospitalised with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The study found having a child hospitalised with RSV causes significant stress and anxiety, noting the importance of emotional support for caregivers especially for families at higher risk of psychological distress due to social or financial pressures.
Read more at Gavi: Study reveals the heavy emotional toll of having a baby hospitalised with RSV
For more information about RSV, visit MVEC: RSV
Protecting Victorians From Mosquito-Borne Diseases
On 7 November 2025, the Victorian Minister for Health announced more Victorians will have protection from Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), with increased eligibility for free vaccines in at-risk regional areas.
JEV is spread to humans through mosquito bites; it is a leading cause of vaccine-preventable encephalitis (brain inflammation) in Asia and the Western Pacific.
High-risk local government areas where residents are eligible for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine include: Alpine, Benalla, Buloke, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Indigo, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, Mansfield, Mildura, Mitchell, Moira, Northern Grampians, Strathbogie, Swan Hill, Towong, Wangaratta, West Wimmera, Wodonga and Yarriambiack.
For more information about JEV, visit MVEC：日本脑炎
Victorian Government media release: Protecting Victorians From Mosquito-Borne Diseases
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：麻疹
NCIRS: Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2024
这 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:
- 疫苗接种
- 水痘
- Vaccination for people who are immunocompromised
- 结核病
- Tetanus
- Q fever
- Preparing for vaccination
- Poliomyelitis
- 百日咳
- 麻疹
- Infants exposed to immunosuppressive therapy in utero or through breastmilk
- 白喉
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：流感
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.