Communicable diseases initiatives and programs

We are establishing an Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) to improve our response to public health emergencies. Learn more about the Australian CDC.

COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone 5 years and older. Find out more about getting vaccinated.

Our influenza (flu) surveillance program monitors influenza activity and severity in the community. Fortnightly reports during flu season help us keep track of this disease in Australia.

The Living with COVID package supports primary care to manage COVID-19 patients confidently, effectively, and safely, while minimising pressure on the health care system. Find out how the measures work and how you can access them for your patients.

The National Incident Centre (NIC) coordinates national responses to health emergencies, significant events and emerging threats, where there is an impact on human health or health systems.

The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) coordinates data on over 70 diseases that present a risk to public health in Australia. This helps us identify trends in diseases, assess the impact of disease control programs and develop policies to reduce the impact of these diseases.

The number of cases of infectious syphilis in Australia has been rising. We are responding on a national level, working with affected state and territory governments, to control outbreaks and reduce the incidence of syphilis.

The OzFoodNet network monitors and responds to foodborne diseases in Australia. Learn about how it monitors, investigates and responds to foodborne diseases to protect Australians from food poisoning.

We fund the poliovirus surveillance program to ensure Australia maintains its polio-free status. Learn more about how we prevent, prepare for, monitor and respond to the threat of poliovirus.

The Australian Government is ensuring RATs are available to the people who need them most, including people in aged care, Aboriginal and Community Controlled Health services, GP-led respiratory clinics, and supported independent living services.

This website provides resources for young people, Elders, parents, youth workers, community leaders and clinicians in remote Aboriginal communities, to encourage testing of sexually transmissible infections and bloodborne viruses, and get rid of them in the community.