The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for COVID-19 vaccine suitability assessments, and associated items, will cease from 1 July 2025. This is an important step in transitioning the arrangements for COVID-19 vaccinations to business-as-usual arrangements.
From 1 July 2025, general practitioners can use general attendance items when assessing a patient’s suitability for a COVID-19 vaccination.
To enhance the user experience, improve access and increase use of online courses, updates have been made in 2025 to ASCIA training websites, course content and learning management system (LMS).
Reminder to complete training
Immunisation providers should ensure that they are up to date with requirements for CPR and anaphylaxis training in order to vaccinate safely and legally.
Immunisation providers must have CPR certificate issued within the past 12 months, as well as completing anaphylaxis training such as Anaphylaxis e-training for health professionals provided by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). There are also free refresher courses available for providers who have previously completed the comprehensive training but are seeking to refresh their knowledge.
Abrysvo RSV vaccination well tolerated during pregnancy
New AusVaxSafety data has shown that Abrysvo RSV vaccination is well tolerated during pregnancy, with early data indicating a similar short-term adverse event profile to other NIP-funded pregnancy vaccines.
Of 718 recipients, 28% reported experiencing at least one side effect – only slightly higher than that seen with NIP-funded pertussis (26%) or influenza (22%) pregnancy vaccinations. The most common adverse events were local reactions, fatigue, muscle ache and headache.
0.7% of respondents reported medical attendance to a GP or hospital – a similar proportion to NIP-funded pertussis and influenza pregnancy vaccinations. Just 5% of respondents reporting missing work, study or routine duties in the three days after vaccination.
In individuals who received Abrysvo and another vaccine concomitantly, the rate and type of adverse events remained largely unchanged – aside from higher local pain (28% versus 19%).
If pregnant individuals are due to receive other vaccines at the same time as Abrysvo the vaccines can be co-administered safely, avoiding the need for separate visits.
Reminder: Free ‘RSV Protection for Infants’ modules
The new free modules provide a baseline understanding of RSV, and safe storage, preparation, and administration of Beyfortus® (nirsevimab) to ensure adherence to best practice. It also covers how to deliver proactive, informed care that minimises the impact of RSV and supports families in making informed immunisation decisions.
RSV maternal vaccinations community kit
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released an RSV maternal vaccinations community kit which includes information and communication resources you can share to raise awareness about the risks of RSV in young children and the benefits of vaccination during pregnancy.
Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation – RSV information is another useful resource for patients to assist in considering RSV vaccination in pregnancy.
NCIRS has released a new meningococcal vaccines FAQs resource for healthcare providers and the general public.
The FAQs give a clear, accessible overview of meningococcal disease and its prevention. The resource includes summaries of current vaccination recommendations and details of NIP funding and includes answers to a wide range of common questions about meningococcal vaccination.
People considered at highest risk of meningococcal infection include infants under the age of 2 years, adolescents aged 15–19 years and people in special risk groups – including those with certain medical conditions. Meningococcal vaccination is, however, recommended for anyone who wants to minimise their risk of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD).
Source: NCIRS Weekly Jab newsletter 6 June 2025. Subscribe here: ncirs.org.au/user/register.
NCIRS is monitoring and reporting influenza (flu) vaccination coverage data throughout the 2025 respiratory illness season.
The latest data, covering cumulative coverage percentages for the year up to 1 June 2025, are shown below. More detailed data are accessible on the NCIRS site.
Source: NCIRS Weekly Jab newsletter 6 June 2025. Subscribe here: ncirs.org.au/user/register.
National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) Program changes
From 1 July 2025, the payments for NIPVIP will increase from $19.60 to $20.05 per vaccine administration.
COVID-19 Vaccination in Community Pharmacy (CVCP) Program changes
From 1 July 2025, the CVCP will align with NIPVIP, with the following changes:
With the cessation of the Site Visit payments for the CVCP Program on 1 July 2025, the final day to administer an off-site vaccination and be eligible for the Site Visit Payment is 30 June 2025.
More information can be found on (PPA) website.
Delivering off-site vaccinations
Pharmacies can continue to administer vaccinations off-site to patients and workers in a residential aged care facility, residential disability facility or a patient’s place of residence if the patient is house-bound and unable to visit a primary care vaccination site.
Pharmacists must follow the NSW Pharmacist vaccination standards when administering vaccinations off-site, including the need for a pharmacist immuniser to ensure that at least one other health practitioner or appropriately trained person is present at the time of immunisation.
Pharmacies can also charge privately for off-site vaccinations if they choose not to claim via either NIPVIP or CVCP.
| REGISTER 25 June 2025 12:00 pm –1:15pm | ‘Navigating vaccination for immunocompromised patients’ NCIRS webinar Vaccination in people with immunocompromise presents unique challenges for clinical decision-making, particularly as immune-suppressing therapies become more widely used and new vaccines continue to emerge. Join NCIRS for this timely webinar, which will provide an overview of major updates to the Australian Immunisation Handbook chapter on vaccination for people who are immunocompromised. |
Health Referral Forms
