News

AusVaxSafety is a national system for monitoring vaccine safety in Australia. The report shows how parents and carers responded to the SMS about their child's health a few days after their vaccination at each schedule point in the National Immunisation Program (NIP) in Australia in 2016-17.

A pertussis (whooping cough) booster has been added to the NIP for children at 18 months of age.

The Pertussis Chapter, 4.12, of the 10th Edition of the Australian Immunisation Handbook has been updated and includes two changes to recommendations in the administration of pertussis-containing vaccine.

Meningococcal B vaccine and clinical advice for immunisation providers regarding the use of Bexsero® (4CMenB). From 5 March 2014, the recombinant multicomponent meningococcal B vaccine Bexsero® (4CMenB) became available through purchase on the private market.

The ‘Get the facts about immunisation’ campaign has launched to encourage Australian parents and carers to get their kids vaccinated.

Coverage rates amongst Australian children continue to improve with 5 year old children having the highest coverage rates in history. 94% of Australian 5 year olds and over 96% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 5 year olds are now fully vaccinated.

A national immunisation coverage target provides a goal against which Australia can measure its immunisation coverage. The Global Vaccine Action Plan 2011-2020 encourages countries to demonstrate a commitment to immunisation.

From early 2018, young Australians have free access to the new human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil®9 that protects against more types of HPV infection.

Recent data released by the Australian Immunisation Register shows coverage rates amongst Australian children continue to improve.