The new free modules provide a baseline understanding of RSV, and safe storage, preparation, and administration of Beyfortus® (nirsevimab) to ensure adherence to best practice. It also covers how to deliver proactive, informed care that minimises the impact of RSV and supports families in making informed immunisation decisions.
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance has released an updated guide to support immunisation providers in identifying vaccines that can be co-administered for people aged 18 years and over.
Co-administration of vaccines for adults: a guide for immunisation providers – [PDF 207KB] March 2025
Remind your patients to access their Q fever vaccination evidence (Q fever eStatement) prior to 30 June 2025 and take this to a recognised vaccination provider in Australia for these details to be reported to the AIR.
Since 15 April 2024, providers have no longer been able to report Q fever vaccine information to the Q Fever Register.
Individuals with an existing record in the Australian Q Fever Register prior to 15 April 2024 will only be able to access their information, including their Q Fever eStatement, until 30 June 2025. After this date, individuals will no longer be able to access their information.1
Individuals can access their Q Fever eStatement by either logging onto the Q Fever Register website and downloading a copy, or requesting a copy by contacting the Q Fever Register on 1300 733 837.
Since Q-VAX® is a one-off immunisation that must not be given a second time, nor given to anyone who has previously had Q fever, maintaining accurate records on the AIR means that important information is immediately available to you and your fellow health practitioners.4,5
To ensure comprehensive records continue to be maintained for the one-off vaccine, every time Q-VAX® (Q fever vaccine) is administered to a patient, vaccination providers should report this, together with natural immunity information, directly to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).4,5
Order your NIP flu vaccines now
Ordering of NIP flu vaccines is now open via the State Vaccine Centre. Approximate delivery time from ordering is 2-3 business days in metropolitan areas. Consider how many vaccines your practice and/or pharmacy can feasibly administer each week, and aim to order 2 weeks’ worth of stock.
Please see the NSW Health 2025 Influenza Vaccination Provider Toolkit which has useful information for the roll-out influenza vaccination program in 2025.
Young and old urged to get flu vaccine
The NSW Government has launched its official winter vaccines campaign. International experience indicates the possibility of a higher than usual influenza activity season this year. Vaccination rates for vulnerable groups have been declining nationally as well as globally; in NSW, the influenza vaccine rate for six-month to five-year-olds has declined from 28.3 per cent in 2023 to 25 per cent in 2024, and for over 65s it was down from 62 per cent in 2023 to 60 per cent in 2024. The flu vaccine is free under the NIP for these as well as a range of other at-risk groups.
Update to NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards
The NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards have been updated to allow pharmacist immunisers to administer influenza vaccines to patients aged 2 years and over.
Refer to the NSW Immunisation webpage for advice on eligibility for State-funded and National Immunisation Program vaccines.
Comparative 2021-2025 flu immunisation data This infographic shows the number of influenza vaccinations reported to the AIR between 1 March and 20 April for each year from 2021-2025. Data is segmented to provide jurisdiction, age, provider type, and First Nations People-specific numbers.
Are you a community pharmacist or general practice nurse? Would you like better support for vaccine storage management?
We want to hear from you!
Take our short survey to share your experiences on vaccine storage, so we can better understand your needs and improve the support available in your workplace.
BG asked our team to promote this survey to Pharmacist stakeholders. Emily (MPH student) asked us not to change the wording as it has been approved by BG.
The first annual Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report is now available. This is the first national annual reporting of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other acute respiratory infections in Australia, providing an overview of the distribution, severity and impact of acute respiratory illness activity in the community.
Health Referral Forms
