Immunisation Weekly Update:

Welcome to our weekly Immunisation Update! In this week’s update, read about:

1. COVID-19 vaccination in 2026: preparing for the transition to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Webinar
2. COVID-19 vaccine stock
3. RSV now Australia’s most notified respiratory virus: a timely reminder to check vaccine status
4. Education

COVID-19 vaccination in 2026: preparing for the transition to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Webinar

Date: Thursday 24 September 2026

Time: 12:00—1:30pm AEST

Location: Online via Zoom (register now)

Join NCIRS for a webinar exploring changes to COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and funding arrangements, and what this means for immunisation providers, due to the transition of COVID-19 vaccines to the NIP.

Expert speakers will cover:

• COVID-19 disease burden in Australia and vaccine effectiveness and safety
• Updated COVID-19 vaccination recommendations, the rationale behind these updates and eligibility
• Implications of the transition to the NIP
• Practical tips to support patient conversations on vaccine recommendations
• Changes to vaccine ordering, distribution and delivery under the NIP

The session will conclude with a live Q&A panel, providing participants with an opportunity to ask questions about implementing the changes in practice.   

COVID-19 vaccine stock

Advice regarding the transition of COVID-19 vaccines to the NIP:

From 1 October, providers may continue to use any remaining COVID-19 vaccine stock until it expires, provided it is administered in accordance with the updated NIP eligibility criteria.

The Australian Immunisation Handbook COVID-19 chapter will be updated on 1 October 2026 to reflect the transition of COVID-19 vaccines to the NIP.

NCIRS COVID-19 related resources will be updated prior to the NCIRS webinar tomorrow.

RSV now Australia’s most notified respiratory virus: a timely reminder to check vaccine status

RSV has become Australia’s most frequently reported virus this year, surpassing both influenza and COVID-19. The Immunisation Foundation of Australia’s (IFA) 2026 Mid-Winter Report Card found over 83,000 RSV cases were notified in the first half of 2026, representing a 25% increase compared to this period in 2025.

RSV vaccination uptake among older Australians remains low, with only an estimated 720,000 people aged 75 years and over having received the NIP funded RSV vaccine. The report also suggests a limited awareness of RSV and uncertainty surrounding eligibility may contribute to low vaccine uptake.

Key actions for providers

• Check RSV vaccination status during routine consultations with older adults, eligible infants and pregnant women
• Recommend RSV vaccination for eligible older adults, infants and pregnant women in accordance with current recommendations
• Raise awareness about RSV and its impact, and champion RSV protection for infants, pregnant women and older adults

Funded RSV vaccines in NSW

• Abrysvo®: Funded for pregnant women from 28 weeks of gestation
• Arexvy®: Funded for all adults aged 75 and above, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and above
• Nirsevimab (Beyfortus): Funded for eligible infants

Education