Immunisation Weekly Update:

1. CESPHN Annual Immunisation Update on 24 March
2. Shingles vaccine uptake jumps after Shingrix added to NIP
3. Measles alerts for Sydney
4. Updated ‘Following vaccination’ resource
5. Immunisation Handbook chapter updates
6. Education

CESPHN Annual Immunisation Update on 24 March

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.

Shingles vaccine uptake jumps after Shingrix added to NIP

National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) data has shown a significant increase in uptake of the Shingrix vaccine since it replaced Zostavax as the only shingles vaccine on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) in November 2023.

In the first year of the Shingrix program, over 2.5 million doses of the vaccine were distributed, with nearly one-third of eligible patients receiving at least one dose. By comparison, around 97,000 doses were administered the previous year.

However, the researchers note that fewer than half of adults aged 65 years and over are adequately protected from shingles, and equity gaps remain, with lower uptake observed in socioeconomically disadvantaged and remote areas.

Source: NCIRS News 15 January 2026. Access here: https://ncirs.org.au/shingrix-uptake-strong-following-nip-inclusion-study-finds

Measles alerts for Sydney

NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after another two new cases were confirmed in Sydney.

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.

Of the two new cases, one was acquired locally in Sydney from a known case earlier this month, and the other recently returned from South-East Asia.

There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with four cases in the last week and 13 cases now confirmed since the beginning of December.

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.

Updated ‘Following vaccination’ resource

The ‘Following vaccination – what to expect and what to do’ tear off pad resource has been updated to reflect NIP updates. It provides easy-to-read information on common reactions that may occur after vaccinations.

This resource is available to download here, and orders for hard copies can be made by contacting National Mailing and Marketing.

Note that hard copy versions of the resource do not contain the RSV Abrysvo or Pneumococcal Prevenar-20 vaccines, so download and print for latest version.

Immunisation Handbook chapter updates

Meningococcal disease

The chapter on meningococcal disease has been updated to remove all information related to NeisVac-C as it is no longer available.

Hepatitis A

The chapter on Hepatitis A has been updated to reflect the re-addition of Avaxim.

Preparing for vaccination

The chapter on preparing for vaccination has been updated to reflect the re-addition of Avaxim.

Education