Immunisation Weekly Update:

1. Flu vaccine QI activities
2. Upcoming changes to adult pneumococcal vaccination schedule
3. Extended Japanese encephalitis vaccine eligibility for travellers
4. Diphtheria declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance
5. Education

Flu vaccine QI activities

Now is the time to complete your flu vaccine QI activity for this winter season. CESPHN can support your practice to identify eligible patients and actively follow up to ensure they receive their annual vaccine.

The Practice Incentive Program Quality Improvement (PIP QI) focuses on 10 Quality Improvement Measures (QIMs) – three of which are influenza QI activities

• QIM 4: Flu vaccine in patients aged 65 and over: QI Record template and POLAR walkthrough
• QIM 5: Flu vaccine in patients with diabetes: QI Record template and POLAR walkthrough
• QIM 6: Flu vaccine in patients with COPD: QI Record template and POLAR walkthrough

ACTION: Book a Flu QI session with a PHN support staff for assistance, or follow the above walkthroughs to conduct these influenza QI activities, which can be recorded on the Immunisation QI Template.

Upcoming changes to adult pneumococcal vaccination schedule

A new adult pneumococcal vaccine will replace Prevenar 13 on the NIP from 1 July 2026.

To prepare for this upcoming change, providers should:

• limit Prevenar 13 orders and only keep enough stock for use until the end of June
• register for the NCIRS webinar on 24 June for a practical update on pneumococcal disease in adults and what forthcoming program changes will mean for immunisation providers.

Extended Japanese encephalitis vaccine eligibility for travellers

The criteria for free Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccine for people visiting high-risk areas for outdoor recreation and travel has been extended until 31 July 2026. This encompasses people aged 2 months or older who are travelling for outdoor recreational activities such as camping, caravanning, boating, and fishing.

Imojev should be administered as the preferred vaccine where possible, and there is ample Imojev stock available to order from the State Vaccine Centre. There is very limited stock of JEspect available in Australia, and this should only be reserved for people who cannot receive live vaccines.

People who live or work in any of the high-risk areas of people who work in occupations at increased risk of JEV will continue to be eligible and recommended to receive vaccines beyond 31 July.

Read the full NSW Health Provider Update here

Diphtheria declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance

In a statement released late last week, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AO, declared diphtheria a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS).

The declaration allows for enhanced coordination across all levels of government, enabling rapid deployment of vaccines, medications and workforce support, as well as nationally coordinated surveillance and public health guidance. It follows the Government’s announcement of $7.2 million in funding.

Since the outbreak was first declared in the Northern Territory in late March, cases have spread to parts of Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, with 274 cases – including one confirmed death – reported as of 1 June 2026.

Diphtheria vaccination recommendations

Vaccination can protect against severe diphtheria infections and reduce transmission of the disease. Diphtheria toxoid vaccine is included in the childhood immunisation schedule and is recommended and available for free under the National Immunisation Schedule (NIP) at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months, and 4 years of age.

A booster dose is recommended and NIP-funded for children aged 11–13 years.

In addition to the NIP-funded vaccines, NSW Health is funding boosters for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have not had a dose in the last 10 years.

Source: NCIRS Weekly Jab newsletter 29 May 2026. Subscribe here: ncirs.org.au/user/register

Education