Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd – Measles vaccination advice
On 8 January Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd released a statement to highlight the importance of vaccination against measles.
Professor Kidd’s statement outlines ATAGI’s recommendation that infants aged 6 to 11 months should receive an additional dose of a measles-containing vaccine (MMR vaccine) when travelling overseas.
This advice comes amid ongoing measles cases in Australia.
In Victoria, there is an active measles health alert relating to 2 new measles cases reported in January 2026.
Read Professor Kidd’s statement via in full at Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd – Measles vaccination advice.
For more information about measles disease, epidemiology and prevention, visit MVEC：麻疹.
About Regional: Potentially fatal virus detected in parts of southern NSW
Japanese encephalitis has been detected in the Riverina region and in Goulburn this summer.
Japanese encephalitis is a rare but potentially serious disease spread to humans through mosquito bites.
The most effective way to avoid infection is through physical barriers, such as wearing long clothing, using mosquito repellent and using mosquito nets. Vaccaination is recommended for certain individuals at higher risk of exposure to Japanese encephalitis virus. Individuals with specific risk factors are funded to receive vaccines through state-led programs in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
To read about Japanese encephalitis in southern New South Wales, go to About Regional: Potentially fatal virus detected in parts of southern NSW.
For more information about Japanese encephalitis disease, epidemiology and prevention, visit MVEC：日本脑炎.
Vaccine X: Regional progress and persistent gaps: toward measles elimination in Asia and the Pacific
A recent editorial in the journal Vaccine X examines the progress towards measles elimination in Asia and the Pacific Region. With a focus on measles in the Philippines, the authors explore how programmatic and social cultural barriers enable ongoing measles transmission.
Read the article in full: Regional progress and persistent gaps: toward measles elimination in Asia and the Pacific
For more information about measles disease, epidemiology and prevention, visit MVEC：麻疹.
Reminder: Japanese encephalitis vaccination
This mosquito season, people travelling to regions where Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is present should take precautions to be protected. Protection may include physical barriers (e.g. long, loose clothing, DEET, mosquito nets) and vaccination.
Japanese encephalitis is a leading cause of vaccine-preventable encephalitis in Asia and the Western Pacific.
Vaccination is recommended for those at highest risk of exposure so JEV. Some individuals are prioritised and funded to receive vaccines through state-led programs.
For detailed information, visit MVEC：日本脑炎
BBC: US panel votes to end recommending hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns
The US-based Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends individual-based decision-making for hepatitis B vaccination in babies born to mothers who have tested negative for liver infection.
According to BBC, public health experts worry ACIP’s decision will raise unfounded safety concerns about the vaccine.
Up to 90% of those infected with hepatitis B in infancy will go on to develop chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer and death. There is no cure for chronic hepatitis B.
Read the full article here: BBC: US panel votes to end recommending hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns
For stories of those affected by hepatitis B, visit BBC: They contracted hepatitis before the vaccine was given at birth – now the shot may be delayed again
Read more about hepatitis B disease, epidemiology, transmission and vaccination at MVEC：乙型肝炎
ATAGI statement on the importance and safety of hepatitis B vaccine at birth
On 11 December 2025, the 澳大利亚免疫技术咨询小组 (ATAGI) released a statement on the importance and safety of hepatitis B vaccination at birth.
ATAGI outlines reasons for their birth dose recommendations, including:
- Screening during pregnancy does not always occur
- The pregnant person may become infected after screening
- Transmission from another household member to the baby may occur
- Babies infected at birth have about a 90% chance of developing chronic hepatitis B
Read the full statement at ATAGI statement on the importance and safety of hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
For more information about hepatitis B disease, transmission, epidemiology and vaccination, visit MVEC：乙型肝炎.
Unbiased Science: Evidence, Not Guesswork: The Childhood Vaccine Schedule is Very Intentional
Public health expert and science communicator Dr Jess Steier and colleagues have recently published an article illustrating how the US recommended vaccine schedule is built on clinical trial data and ongoing safety monitoring.
The article covers why vaccines are given at different timepoints, who determines the schedule, how new vaccines are added and how vaccines are continually monitored.
Read the article in full at Evidence, Not Guesswork: The Childhood Vaccine Schedule is Very Intentional
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