From May 15, adults aged 75 and over can receive free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccinations.
As part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP), the RSV vaccine Arexvy® will be available for free to adults aged 75 years and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 years and over.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can lead to hospitalisation, intensive care and death.
Older people, particularly those living in aged care or with chronic health conditions, are at higher risk due to reduced immunity and close living environments.
Older adults can receive RSV vaccines at the same time as other vaccines such as COVID-19, influenza, zoster, and pneumococcal vaccines. There are practical advantages of coadministration including maximising coverage and ensuring vaccines are received on time.
NCIRS is hosting a webinar this Thursday 23 April between 12-1:30pm AEST to provide an evidence-based overview of the RSV immunisation landscape. Register via this link.
The following resources are available for further information:
FluMist influenza vaccine is TGA-approved for use in children aged 2–17 years and is administered intranasally as a divided dose into each nostril. It is not approved for use in people aged 18 years and over.
In NSW, FluMist is free for children aged 2, 3 or 4 years under the new NSW Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program.
Individuals aged 5 to 17 years old can receive FluMist as a private purchase.
Administration
Instructions on the use of the nasal applicator can be found in the product information, or pharmacists can watch the FluMist® administration video.
FluMist in community pharmacies
Community pharmacies can claim reimbursement for providing FluMist to children aged 2-4. Stock must be purchased privately, and the program is capped at 8000 doses.
Funding includes $39.90 ex. GST per dose for the vaccine and $20.05 per dose for administration. Eligible vaccinations need to be recorded in MedAdvisor and Dragatron.
Considerations
FluMist contains a highly processed form of porcine gelatine as a stabiliser, however many religious authorities and representatives of Islamic or Jewish communities have issued guidance that the use of porcine-derived gelatine in vaccines is permissible.
FluMist vaccine is contraindicated in children who are moderately and severely immunocompromised or receiving oral salicylate therapy.
World Immunization Week is approaching. Recognised from 24 to 30 April 2026, it aims to promote how vaccines have safely protected families and communities for generations – and continue to safeguard our future.
Access the 2026 campaign materials, including Quick tips for health workers for improving vaccination uptake.
NCIRS has commenced its annual influenza vaccination monitoring and reporting for the 2026 respiratory illness season.
This year’s reporting includes expanded age groups, reflecting the introduction of the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) across Australia for children aged 2 to less than 18 years, as well as free LAIV for eligible children in New South Wales, Queensland South Australia and Western Australia.
These data will be updated regularly on the NCIRS website until the end of August 2026.
NCIRS Influenza vaccination coverage data
Source: NCIRS The Weekly Jab
NSW Health has released its 2026 childhood vaccination campaign to support childhood vaccination this respiratory illness season.
The campaign toolkit includes a range of resources, such as posters and social media tiles, to raise awareness of the importance of childhood vaccination.
As part of the campaign launch, a personalised vaccination schedule tool is available on the NSW Health website that allows parents to generate vaccination due dates based on their child’s date of birth, with options to download and print the schedule or add vaccination reminders directly to online calendars.
Source: NCIRS The Weekly Jab
| Thursday 30 April 2026, 08:30-18:00 AEDT Rydges Sydney Central 28 Albion Street Surry Hills | Benchmarque 2026 Immunisation Professional Development Conference This one day in-person event will include sessions addressing vaccine hesitancy, travel vaccinations, priority populations and an update on winter respiratory conditions in advance of the 2026 season. The events also include an evening networking event. View the full program here. |
| Thursday 14 May 2026, 18:30-21:00 AEDT The Juniors Kingsford | Vaccination across the lifespan: A comprehensive vaccination workshop 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 Please use the following link to register: Vaccination across the lifespan: A comprehensive vaccination workshop |
| Monday 15 June 2026, 09:00 AEST – Wednesday 17 June 2026, 15:00 AEST Marvel Stadium, Melbourne | Public Health Association Australia: Communicable Diseases & Immunisation Conference 2026 Please use the following link to register: Registration | CDIC 2026 |
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