Immunisation Weekly Update:

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

Vaccine administration error (VAE) alert

RSV vaccination – immunisation providers are reminded that Abrysvo® vaccine is the only RSV vaccine registered for use in pregnant women. Arexvy® should not be administered to pregnant women as it is only registered for use in adults aged ≥60 years.

Immunisation providers must have specific policy and vaccination procedures in place to ensure that the appropriate vaccine is selected prior to administration. Refer to 7 rights of administration checklist and always follow the advice in Preparing for vaccination section of the handbook.

Further information on managing VAE can be found on our website.

RSV vaccine funding in 2025

Pregnant women – Abrysvo® funded

In 2025, the maternal RSV vaccine, Abrysvo®, will be provided for free through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to eligible women at 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. Commencement date and further details will be announced once confirmed. Until the program commencement date, Abrysvo® is only available on the private market and cannot be reimbursed through the NIP.

The RSV vaccine will be funded in addition to the whooping cough and influenza vaccines, already available for free through the NIP for pregnant women.

Infants – Beyfortus® funded

In 2025, NSW Health will provide access to free RSV monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus®, to newborns and young children. Commencement date and further details of the state program will be announced once confirmed. Questions on access to Beyfortus® should be directed to your local Public Health Unit.

Older adults – RSV vaccines NOT funded

RSV vaccines for older Australians are not funded and must be accessed on the private market.

A single dose of RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults aged ≥75 years.  Both Abrysvo® and Arexvy® are registered for use in adults aged ≥60 years, and either brand may be used with no brand preference.

RSV vaccine should be offered before the start of the RSV season. Protection lasts for at least 2 years, and the need for further doses has not been established.

More information and clinical advice can be viewed in the Australian Immunisation Handbook Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) chapter.

Free child vaccine clinics in SESLHD

SESLHD have extended free childhood vaccination clinics into 2025 to support those who are Medicare ineligible or find it difficult to access a local GP. Bookings are recommended and can be made by calling 1300 244 288. Walk ins welcome.

For locations and dates please see the SESLHD childhood immunisation clinic flyer or visit our website.

COVID-19 Handbook chapter updated to include JN1 formulation

On 25 November 2024, updates were made throughout the COVID-19 chapter to add added information about updated strain vaccine formulation Comirnaty [Pfizer] JN.1.

Outdated formulations were also removed: Comirnaty Original [Pfizer] 6 months to ≤5 years formulation, Comirnaty bivalent Original/Omicron BA.4/5 [Pfizer] ≥12 years formulation and Spikevax Omicron XBB.1.5 [Moderna] pre-filled syringe formulation.

NCIRS COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions resource page has also been technically reviewed and updated to reflect the most recent Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advice on COVID-19 vaccination in 2024.

Best Practice immunisation infographic

Best Practice has released an infographic summarising process for: recording immunisations, adding a non-listed injection, running an immunisation query search, and how to view and save patient AIR records into Best Practice.

Adolescent vaccination resources

NSW Health has developed social media tiles and posters to promote HPV and other missed school vaccines. These can be used in general practice and pharmacy to promote catch up vaccinations for adolescents.

Did your child miss their HPV vaccination at school?

Poster or social media tile

Did you miss your school vaccines?

Poster or social media tile

Have you had your free HPV vaccine?

Poster or social media tile

This Adolescent Vaccinations brochure provides information about the recommended vaccines available free for adolescents under the NIP.

You can order this resource by contacting National Mailing and Marketing:

Email – health@nationalmailing.com.au
Phone – 02 6269 1080 Quote the order ID number IT0332, the quantity of the resource you wish to order and provide your delivery address.

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