Immunisation Weekly Update:

FluMist expires soon 

Providers are reminded to check FluMist expiry dates as some stock will be expiring in two weeks on 5 June 2026, with the remainder expiring on 10 July 2025.

The NSW FluMist program will continue to run until the vaccines expire, and providers are encouraged to continue offering the vaccine to eligible children.

In NSW, FluMist nasal spray influenza vaccine is free for children aged 2, 3 or 4 years old as part of the NSW Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program.

New pneumococcal vaccine coming 1 July 2026 

From 1 July 2026, a new pneumococcal vaccine for adults aged 70 years and over will replace Prevenar 13 on the NIP. Providers are asked to limit Prevenar 13 orders and only keep enough vaccines for use in the next 4-6 weeks. More information on the new vaccine will be provided soon.

Expanded vaccine access to support diphtheria outbreak response

NSW Health is implementing a targeted vaccination response to the current diphtheria outbreak in northern and central Australia.

Following on from the recent clinician alert on diphtheria, GPs and Aboriginal Medical Services are now able to access state‑funded Boostrix® vaccine for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are not currently eligible under the NIP (National Immunisation Program), as part of a time‑limited diphtheria outbreak response program.

Ensure all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients are up to date with diphtheria vaccination:

• Review the diphtheria vaccination status of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
• Offer vaccination to those eligible under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) or the NSW-funded outbreak program.

The following groups remain eligible for a free dTpa vaccine under the NIP:

• Children as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule
• Adolescents aged 12–13 years through the NSW school-based program
• Catch-up vaccination up to 19 years of age
• Pregnant women, who are eligible for one funded dTpa dose between 20 and 32 weeks’ gestation in every pregnancy

Providers should continue to consult the current edition of the Australian Immunisation Handbook for clinical guidance, including recommended booster intervals.

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