Immunisation Weekly Update:

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

1. Protecting Adolescents Against Human Papillomavirus: The Pivotal Role of Primary Care
2. Fluad vaccine stock exhausted
3. COVID-19 vaccine NIP transition
4. Education

Protecting Adolescents Against Human Papillomavirus: The Pivotal Role of Primary Care

Twenty years after the introduction of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Australia, HPV prevalence has fallen by more than 90% among vaccine-eligible populations, placing Australia on track towards the elimination of cervical cancer.

Despite this progress, HPV vaccination coverage has declined nationally over the last 5 years. In 2025, one in five adolescents and one in three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents remained unvaccinated by 15 years of age.

HPV vaccination recommendations

HPV vaccination is recommended and funded under the National Immunisation Program for adolescents and young adults from 12 to 25 years of age.

The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to HPV.

HPV vaccination is not routinely recommended for adults aged 26 years and above, however there are unfunded HPV vaccine course recommendations for specific population groups.

Provider actions

• Review AIR records and offer HPV vaccination when due, during adolescent consultations and opportunistic healthcare encounters.
• Using practice recall and reminder systems to identify and contact eligible patients.
• Provide a strong recommendation for HPV vaccination as a cancer prevention measure.
• Administer HPV vaccination where appropriate and ensure accurate AIR reporting.

Fluad vaccine stock exhausted

As of 26 August, NSW Health has exhausted its available stock of Fluad vaccine which is funded for adults aged 65 years and over, under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Many providers still have stock available in their fridges that can be used until the relevant expiry date.

NSW Health has arranged for a special one-off licence to permit the sharing of NIP-funded Fluad vaccine between GPs, pharmacists, Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) and NSW Health facilities.

Providers holding NIP-funded Fluad stock, who do not anticipate using this stock during the current flu season are encouraged to contact other local providers to explore arrangements for transferring the vaccines, where the alternate provider is willing to accept and administer the stock.  

Providers must be compliant with the cold chain requirements outlined in the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’ when storing and transporting influenza vaccine. If you have any questions about this arrangement, please contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.  

COVID-19 vaccine NIP transition

From 1 October 2026, COVID-19 vaccines will be funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), replacing the stand-alone National COVID-19 Vaccine Program (NCVP).

To support this transition, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released the following suite of resources for immunisation providers detailing Covid 19 vaccination eligibility, NIP funding, and conversation guides to support patient discussions.

• Program advice for health professionals
• Information kit for health professionals
• Consumer fact sheet

Under the NIP, funded COVID-19 vaccination will be available for eligible groups at highest risk of severe disease, consistent with current recommendations:

• All adults aged 75 years and over (one dose every 6 months)
• Adults aged 65–74 years (one dose every 12 months) *
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50–74 years (one dose every 12 months) *
• All adults aged 18 years and over with severe immunocompromise (one dose every 12 months)

* Consider one dose every 6 months for people with severe immunocompromise

Providers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new resources and continue to recommend and administer COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with the current recommendations, outlined in the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

Education