Immunisation Weekly Update:

1. Promote Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination Ahead of Travel
2. Measles Immunity Gaps: A Timely Reminder to Check Vaccine Status
3. COVID-19 vaccination in 2026: preparing for the transition to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Webinar
4. Education

Promote Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination Ahead of Travel

Funded JE vaccination is available for eligible people in NSW aged 2 months and over, with the program extended until 31 January 2027.

NSW Health is encouraging vaccination providers to discuss Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccination with eligible people, who are:

• travelling to high-risk regional NSW areas, particularly if participating in activities such as camping, caravanning, boating, and fishing.
• at increased risk of exposure through occupational or residential hazards.

JE vaccination is recommended but not funded for overseas travellers staying ≥1 month in endemic areas, or for shorter trips with increased exposure risk.

Key messages for providers

• Ask patients about upcoming travel plans to at risk areas.
• Recommend funded JE vaccination for eligible travellers visiting or undertaking activities such as camping, boating and fishing in high-risk areas of NSW.
• Review the AIH for JE vaccine recommendations and advise patients that vaccination should be received at least 2 to 4 weeks before potential exposure to allow protective immunity to develop.
• Reinforce mosquito bite prevention measures, including repellents, protective clothing and avoiding peak mosquito activity periods.

Vaccine ordering

Providers can order government funded JE vaccines through the State Vaccine Centre (SVC). NSW Health advises that Imojev remains the preferred vaccine where appropriate, while JEspect should be reserved for people who cannot receive a live vaccine, including immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women and young infants (under 9 months of age).

Measles Immunity Gaps: A Timely Reminder to Check Vaccine Status

A new study from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) estimates that 1.7 million Australians (6.7% of the population) were susceptible to measles in 2019, with immunity gaps identified across multiple generations.

With measles cases in Australia continuing to be linked predominantly to overseas travel, vaccination providers play a critical role in ensuring travellers are protected before they leave Australia.

Key actions for providers

• Review measles immunity status during travel health consultations.
• Recommend patients (particularly those who will be travelling) born during or since 1966 to have documented evidence of two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, given at least 4 weeks apart.
• Offer catch-up vaccination to eligible patients with incomplete or uncertain measles vaccination histories.

Funded MMR Vaccine in NSW

NSW Health provides additional funded MMR doses for:

• Individuals born during or after 1966 who have not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.
• Rubella-seronegative postnatal women.
• Infants aged 6 months to less than 12 months travelling overseas.

For information on dosing schedules, age-specific recommendations and contraindications, refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook

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

Join NCIRS for a practical webinar exploring what the transition of COVID-19 vaccines to the NIP means for immunisation providers.

Date: Thursday 24 September 2026
Time: 12.00–1.30 p.m. (AEST)
Location: Online (register now)

Hear from experts on the latest evidence for COVID-19 vaccination, the rationale behind updated recommendations and how to prepare for implementation under the NIP.

Expert speakers will cover:

• changes to COVID-19 disease epidemiology, vaccine eligibility and funding
• the updated recommendations and their practical application
• practical tips to support patient conversations and decision-making
• considerations for priority populations
• changes to vaccine ordering and delivery arrangements.

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

Education