Immunisation Weekly Update:

1. CESPHN Annual Immunisation Update – 24 March 2026
2. Japanese encephalitis in southern NSW
3. Education

CESPHN Annual Immunisation Update – 24 March 2026

Join us on 24 March for CESPHN’s annual Immunisation update, where we will present the latest 2026 guidelines for vaccine-preventable diseases, including Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV.

The session will also examine declining vaccination coverage within the CESPHN region and outline practical strategies to address vaccine hesitancy in clinical practice. In addition, we will provide updates on Japanese Encephalitis recommendations and Rabies prevention, including post-exposure prophylaxis guidelines, to support best practice in patient care.

This event is free and open to all GPs, Pharmacists, Nurses, Practice Managers and Practice Staff. It will be held online via Zoom webinar on 24 March between 19:00-20:30.

Register now using this link.

Japanese encephalitis in southern NSW

Communities across southern parts of NSW are being urged to protect themselves against mosquito bites following a probable case of Japanese encephalitis (JE), as well as detection of the virus in sentinel chickens.

JE is a rare but serious illness spread by infected mosquitoes which in some cases can cause severe neurological illness with headache, confusion, convulsions and reduced consciousness.

A probable case of JE is being investigated in a man in his 60s, who was likely exposed to JE virus in the Riverina region in late December of last year.

NSW Health can also advise of a recent detection of JE virus in the Upper Lachlan Shire near Goulburn through a sentinel chicken blood sample in early January 2026, which indicates that JE virus is likely circulating in the area.

Anyone living or working in areas at high-risk for JE should take steps to protect themselves by avoiding mosquito bites and getting vaccinated.

Read the full NSW Health release here.

Education