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Immunisation Weekly Update:

20190319 Immunisation Needle Icons 31

  • Review your pre-allocation for 2026 flu vaccines
  • Measles alerts for Sydney
  • Declining parental vaccine confidence: new national survey findings
  • Maternal vaccines safe in twin pregnancies
  • Education

Influenza vaccine pre-allocated orders can now be reviewed. Pre-allocations will close at 5 PM on Tuesday 3rd of March 2026.

Deliveries are expected to commence in early April, pending receipt of vaccine stock into the State Vaccine Centre from vaccine suppliers.

Failure to submit pre-allocation confirmation will delay access to influenza vaccines until the pre-allocation process is complete.

Due to limits on vaccines available there is NO opportunity to increase 2026 pre-allocations, but you will be able to routinely order influenza vaccine after you have received your pre-allocated order.

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

There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 17 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.

New findings from the National Vaccination Insights project show a shift in the barriers influencing routine childhood vaccination among Australian parents.

The survey found that acceptance barriers – including negative beliefs about vaccine safety and lack of trust in vaccine information from healthcare providers – increased compared with 2024.

Parents of partially vaccinated children are now more influenced by beliefs and concerns about the vaccines themselves than by access barriers such as appointment availability, travel or cost.

These insights reinforce the importance of supportive provider–parent conversations and reliable information to rebuild trust and sustain high vaccination uptake.

They will also help guide strategies and interventions to empower parental decision-making, reduce the impact of misinformation and disinformation, and improve access through convenient, affordable services.

Read the full article here

Source: NCIRS Weekly Jab newsletter 20 February 2025. Subscribe here: ncirs.org.au/user/register

A recent study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology has found that receiving maternal influenza or pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines in twin pregnancies was safe and does not increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes.

The data linkage study evaluated 11,435 infants from 5,757 twin pregnancies in Queensland and the Northern Territory between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2017.

The findings are particularly important given that whooping cough cases in Australia were at their highest in 35 years in 2024 – with 37,663 of the 57,000 cases recorded occurring in infants and children up to 14 years.

Guidance for health professionals on current vaccine recommendations for pregnant women in Australia is available on the NCIRS website.

Source: NCIRS Weekly Jab newsletter 20 February 2025. Subscribe here: ncirs.org.au/user/register

Wednesday 25 February 2026, 18:00-19:00 AEDT OnlineMeningococcal disease update This webinar is hosted by the Immunisation Coalition, and will: Review the epidemiology of Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) in Australia Identify the serotypes causing IMD and presentation trends according to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System Describe who is eligible for free Meningococcal ACWY and B  on the NIP schedule Review recent reimbursement changes for Meningococcal B in SA and QLD Describe the impact of vaccination practices on IMD rates if other states followed a MenB free vaccination program, additional to the current NIP schedule Please use the following link to register: Meningococcal Webinar Registration
Thursday 5 March 2026, 12:00-13:30 AEDT OnlineNCIRS Webinar: Influenza vaccination in 2026 The webinar will cover: recent trends in influenza burden and vaccine coverage the 2026 National Immunisation Program and state-based influenza vaccination programs influenza vaccines available in Australia in 2026, including live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) practical strategies for administrating LAIV, and for responding to common patient questions. Please use the following link to register: NCIRS Influenza Webinar Registration
Tuesday 24 March 2026, 19:00-20:30 AEDT OnlineCESPHN Annual Immunisation Update Join us 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, Rabies prevention including post-exposure prophylaxis guidelines, to support best practice in patient care.

Please use the following link to register:
CESPHN Annual Immunisation Update
Wednesday 1 April 2026, 18:30-21:00 AEDT The Waterfront Function Centre (St George Motor Boat Club)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, MelbournePublic Health Association Australia: Communicable Diseases & Immunisation Conference 2026 Please use the following link to register: Registration | CDIC 2026

CESPHN
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