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
Immunisation Coalition: 27th Annual Scientific Meeting
Immunisation Coalition will hold its 27th Annual Scientific Meeting in February 2026. Registrations are now open.
日期： 15–16 February 2026
地点： Pullman Melbourne Albert Park
Learn more and register on the Immunisation Coalition’s event page.
CDIC 2026: Call for abstracts
Next year’s Communicable Diseases and Immunisation Conference (CDIC 2026) is accepting abstract submissions. The conference theme will be ‘Public Health at Risk – Collective Solutions to New Challenges’.
日期： 15 to 17 June 2026
地点： Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Registrations are now open. Abstract submissions close on Friday 13 February 2026.
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.
Survey: Understanding how non-scheduled and additional vaccines are administered in practice
MVEC has developed a survey to better understand experiences and practices around the administration of non-scheduled or 额外的 vaccines.
Help inform immunisation-related education by completing this brief survey (up to 5 minutes).