This post is not the latest immunisation update and therefore may contain information or advice that is out of date. Please see our most recent update here.
10 February 2021
Mandatory reporting to the Australian Immunisation Register is now required.
Any COVID-19 vaccines, once approved for use and administered in Australia must be reported to the AIR. Influenza vaccinations must be reported to the AIR from 1 March 2021 and all other NIP vaccinations must be reported from 1 July 2021.
Failing to report to the AIR will result in civil penalty of “30 penalty units”, which equates to a fine of $6,660 according to the Crimes Act 1914. Providers may be liable for civil penalty after being given written notice by the Secretary. Click here to read the Australian Immunisation Register Amendment (Reporting) Bill 2020.
Visit the AIR|PRODA section of the CESPHN Immunisation Resources page for support or please contact your Digital Health, Practice Support or Immunisation Program Officer directly for assistance, or contact 1300 986 991 to be connected to the relevant person.
The first Australian Government funded training modules for the COVID-19 vaccination workforce, including for immunisation providers and non-clinical and administration staff, is now available.
The Australian government COVID-19 vaccination program is likely to begin late February 2021. The Department of Health is developing a range of resources to keep healthcare professionals up to date with the latest information.
The NCIRS website has a dedicated web page that provides links to relevant resources. They will be updating the page as new resources and information become available.
Access the NCIRS COVID-19 vaccination program in Australia summary page here.
The Department of Health has developed a new COVID-19 vaccines website so people can stay informed. This website is being updated regularly with more information as it becomes available. Information will also be available in 63 languages.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has developed a dedicated COVID-19 vaccines resource page.
This page will be regularly updated to keep consumers, health professionals and sponsors informed of the latest developments. This page also includes new advice that there is no specific risk of vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in elderly patients.
NCIRS have developed a new COVID-19 related web page that answers some of the most frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines. They update this page regularly.
The updated screening tool for contraindications to vaccination with Zostavax is now available on the Australian Immunisation Handbook website. Please note the online location of this tool has changed from where it was before, so update your link to the new location.
Associated reading:
TGA safety advisory on Zostavax vaccine
Hosted in partnership with the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases Vaccination Special Interest Group, the NCRIS are hosting two exclusive webinars in preparation for the roll out of COVID-19 vaccines in Australia.
1. Out of the starting blocks: COVID-19 vaccination program in Australia – Part 1
2. Out of the starting blocks: COVID-19 vaccination program in Australia – Part 2
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