NEJM: Measles 2025
A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) reviews the current epidemiology of measles and addresses recommendations for prevention.
The authors note that the recommended age for the first dose of measles-containing vaccine depends on the waning of maternal antibodies and the risk of measles exposure. The review highlights immunity gaps in young infants, and examines the utility of an early or additional vaccine dose for more effective protection.
Read the article in full here: Do LAH, Mulholland K. Measles 2025. N Engl J Med. Published online June 25, 2025. doi:10.1056/NEJMra2504516
WHO: Measles case data for the Western Pacific Region
TGA: Correct administration of RSV vaccine and antibody products
这 治疗用品管理局 (TGA) has recently published a safety update with advice on how to avoid errors when administering RSV vaccine and antibody products.
The advice has been published in response to reports of administration errors. The article reminds prescribers and providers that each product is indicated for different patient groups, includes a summary of RSV products and administration errors, and provides advice for preventing errors.
MVEC recently published an error alert on RSV products, which outlines RSV errors reported in Victoria. This alert summarises error prevention, and procedures to follow in the event of an error.
Read the TGA article in full
MVEC：呼吸道合胞病毒（RSV）
MVEC: Vaccine errors: prevention, management and open disclosure (eLearning course)
MVEC: Flyers for ‘Abrysvo for pregnant people’ flyer
NIP: Change to measles-containing vaccine supply
From 1 July 2025, there are new arrangements for the supply of measles-containing vaccines under the 国家免疫计划（NIP）. Whereas previously both GSK and CLS supplied these vaccines, now only GSK will supply them.
Vaccine providers cannot place new orders for CSL’s M-M-R II (MMR) or Varivax (varicella). But existing stock should still be used until it either expires or runs out.
Providers can now only order GSK’s Priorix (MMR), Priorix-Tetra (MMR) and Varilrix (varicella).
JAMA: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at a Crossroads
Following their dismissal earlier this month from Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 17 former members have authored an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The article outlines the history, function and importance of ACIP and highlights the authors' concern for the impact on US immunisation policy.
ACIP is the national immunisation technical advisory group (NITAG) for the United States – the equivalent of Australia’s ATAGI. ACIP has been an internationally recognised leading NITAG, holding three regular meetings each year in which the committee reviews scientific data and votes on US vaccine recommendations. These meetings have been open to the public via live webcast, and materials, including all presentation slides, have been made available for download following the meetings.
Find more information about NITAGs on the Global NITAG Network’s (GNN) website.
AHPC statement on measles
With the recent increase in measles cases occurring internationally and across Australia, the Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) has highlighted 4 key priority areas to focus efforts:
- on-time vaccination for children
- catch-up vaccination for children and adults
- vaccination for travellers (including an additional measles vaccination for those aged 6–11 months travelling to countries where outbreaks are occurring)
- nationally consistent information for healthcare providers and the public.
Measles is highly infectious, causing severe disease and complications (including otitis media, pneumonia, encephalitis, and can be fatal). Between 1 January and 27 May 2025, 77 people have been diagnosed with measles in Australia, most were people aged 20 to 49 years who were either unvaccinated or unsure of vaccine status and had travelled overseas.
Vaccination is very effective in preventing disease; receiving 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccines will protect 99% of people.
For more information, read the full AHPC statement.
MVEC：麻疹
RSV Awareness Week: 1–7 June 2025
It is national RSV Awareness Week. Led by Immunisation Foundation Australia, this annual campaign aims to raise awareness of RSV and its impact, as well as champion RSV protection for infants and older adults.
Visit the RSV Awareness Week website for RSV resources and campaign assets to promote RSV protection. You can also learn more about RSV at MVEC：呼吸道合胞病毒（RSV）.
ABC: Australia's childhood vaccination rates are declining, sparking fears about risk to herd immunity
这 ABC reports childhood vaccination rates have steadily declined since COVID-19.
The article highlights decreases in vaccination rates overall among 2-year-old children and HPV vaccine uptake among teens. Experts and those with lived experience of vaccine-preventable disease emphasise the importance of herd protection and risks associated with disease.
Read the ABC’s full article 了解更多信息。
NCIRS: Interim coverage data for 2024
Healthed: Measles cases are rising rapidly – and young travellers are at particular risk
In a recent article for Healthed, MVEC director Prof Nigel Crawford examines the recent resurgence of measles cases in Victoria.
Prof Crawford addresses special considerations for infants travelling overseas, and more.
Read the article in full via Healthed’s website (CPD available).
Learn more about measles at MVEC：麻疹
Victorian Department of Health: Measles alerts continue
这 Victorian Department of Health’s alert on measles continues to be updated. The latest update on 19 May 2025 includes an up-to-date list of active exposure sites in Victoria.
According to the Health Department, a significant number of recent measles cases have acquired their infection locally in Victoria. The majority of recent cases have arisen in people who have not had two documented doses of the MMR vaccine.
Read the alert in full at the department’s page Health alerts: New measles case in Victoria.
Learn more about measles disease and vaccination at MVEC：麻疹
Check out MVEC director Prof Nigel Crawford’s recent Healthed article podcast which both cover the current measles resurgence.
Australian Immunisation Handbook: Vaccination for special risk groups updated
这 澳大利亚免疫手册 guidance about the vaccination of special risk groups was recently updated.
As of 2 May 2025, a significantly updated chapter on immunocompromise provides clear definitions and categorises the level of immunocompromise across various types of conditions. Subsections in this chapter include:
- Introduction and general principles
- Inborn errors of immunity (IEI), including primary immunodeficiency
- Secondary (acquired) immunodeficiency due to medical conditions
- Secondary (acquired) immunodeficiency due to medical therapies
- People with asplenia and hyposplenia
- Infants exposed to immunosuppressive therapy in utero or through breastmilk
- Close contacts of people who are immunocompromised
- Travellers who are immunocompromised.
这 Vaccination for women who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding Vaccination for international travellers chapters were also updated.
MVEC：免疫抑制和疫苗
MVEC: Immunosuppression in pregnancy and infant vaccine recommendations
墨尔本疫苗教育中心（MVEC）：孕妇疫苗接种