Immunisation Weekly Update:

1. Vaccination across the lifespan: A comprehensive vaccination workshop
2. Shingles vaccine uptake jumps after Shingrix added to NIP
3. Get prepared for 2026 flu vaccinations
4. Measles alerts for Sydney
5. Education

Vaccination across the lifespan: A comprehensive vaccination workshop

CESPHN would like to invite immunisers working within our region to join us for an interactive Whole‑of‑Life Vaccination Workshop designed for clinicians seeking confidence, clarity, and practical skills across every stage of the vaccination journey.

6:30-9:00pm, 1 April 2026 at St George Motor Boat Club

From antenatal immunisation that protects mums and newborns, to infant and childhood vaccines, adolescent boosters, and the essential vaccines for older adults – this workshop covers the full immunisation journey. We’ll unpack the latest recommendations for the 2026 winter season, common pain points, and real‑world challenges seen in clinical practice.

The session also includes a hands‑on practical component focused on vaccinating infants and young children—featuring tips, tricks, positioning techniques, distraction methods, and strategies for managing needle‑phobia and distress. Whether you’re new to immunisation or looking to refresh your skills, this workshop delivers practical, evidence‑based insights you can apply in your clinical setting.

Presented by:

• Dr Lucy Deng, Staff Specialist/Clinical Lecturer; National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)
• Dr Kerry Ann O’Grady, Senior Research Fellow; National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)

Register now using this link

Note: This event will also be held at The Juniors, Kingsford on 14 May 2026

Shingles vaccine uptake jumps after Shingrix added to NIP

National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) data has shown a significant increase in uptake of the Shingrix vaccine since it replaced Zostavax as the only shingles vaccine on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) in November 2023.

In the first year of the Shingrix program, over 2.5 million doses of the vaccine were distributed, with nearly one-third of eligible patients receiving at least one dose. By comparison, around 97,000 doses were administered the previous year.

However, the researchers note that fewer than half of adults aged 65 years and over are adequately protected from shingles, and equity gaps remain, with lower uptake observed in socioeconomically disadvantaged and remote areas.

Source: NCIRS News 15 January 2026. Access here: https://ncirs.org.au/shingrix-uptake-strong-following-nip-inclusion-study-finds

Get prepared for 2026 flu vaccinations

As we prepare to enter the 2026 influenza (flu) season, immunisation providers should ensure that they are prepared for the upcoming season and that they will have access to vaccine supply.

Below are some steps that you can take to make sure that your practice is prepared for the season ahead:

• Check that your access to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) through PRODA is working
• Discard the previous year’s expired influenza vaccine stock – it is important to record this on the online vaccine ordering system
• Identify children aged 6 months to <5 years and at-risk patients eligible for NIP vaccinations that attend your practice
• Check your fridge capacity to store the number of vaccines you will need

A full checklist and timeline of upcoming steps related to the 2026 influenza season is available here.

Measles alerts for Sydney

NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of four 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.

Three of the cases have not travelled overseas and acquired their infection in NSW. Two of these locally acquired cases have a link to earlier NSW cases and the source of the third remains under investigation.

There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 14 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