Immunisation Weekly Update:

1. The importance of immunisation QI activities
2. Pertussis vaccine in adults
3. Common vaccine administration errors
4. Measles alert for Sydney
5. Education

The importance of immunisation QI activities

New data shows that childhood immunisation coverage in Australia has reached a five‑year low, leaving tens of thousands of children unprotected against vaccine‑preventable diseases. See full NCIRS media release.

Quality Improvement (QI) activities are one of the most effective ways practices can respond.

Register your practice to participate in our Childhood Immunisation Quality Improvement Activity which provides tailored AIR overdue reports, practical tools, and one‑on‑one support to help your practice identify and follow up overdue children.

Pertussis vaccine in adults

ATAGI’s bulletin for immunisation providers highlights that pertussis is not only a childhood disease, and that older adults and people with chronic illnesses have higher morbidity and mortality compared to healthy adults.

The incidence of pertussis has been increasing in recent years, with suboptimal vaccine coverage in 2024 for adults aged over 50 years for both tetanus and diphtheria vaccination (less than 37% for both cohorts) and pertussis vaccination (less than 25%).

Although not funded on the NIP:

• a booster dose of dTpa vaccine should be offered to adults aged 50 years (if their last dose was more than 10 years ago)
• ATAGI recommends a booster dose of dTpa vaccine every 10 years for healthcare workers and adults aged ≥65 years.

Common vaccine administration errors

Immunisation providers should be aware of common vaccine administration errors, particularly coming into the winter season with respiratory vaccines such as influenza and RSV. Common errors include:

• use of incorrect vaccine for a cohort, or
• incorrect administration site or route

RSV vaccines

The available RSV vaccines for adults, Abrysvo and Arexvy, and the monoclonal antibody Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) for use in infants are all delivered IM. These products are registered for use in a specific age or population group. Check the RSV chapter in the Handbook for further information.

Flu vaccines

The majority of influenza products are delivered IM: Flucelvax, Fluzone, Fluad, Fluzone HD; however, Influvax and Vaxigrip can be delivered IM or via subcutaneous injection.

LAIV is delivered intranasally. Check the influenza chapter in the Handbook for further information.

Measles alert for Sydney

NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of new cases across the state.

A list of potential exposure locations can be found on the NSW Health website. People who visited the listed locations should watch for symptoms and seek medical advice if symptoms occur.

There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 42 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.

Anybody born during or after 1966 who has not had two doses of a measles containing vaccine, or with an uncertain measles vaccination history, can receive a free, NSW-Health funded vaccine.

Education