From 1 July, there are a number of changes to the National Immunisation Program coming into effect. The changes are being implemented following recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and other clinical experts and are designed to improve protection against meningococcal and pneumococcal disease.

The changes include:

• Introduction of meningococcal B vaccination and changes to meningococcal ACWY vaccination.
• Hepatitis A vaccination schedule points for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in NT, Qld, SA and WA will change in consideration of the introduction of the meningococcal B vaccine.
• Pneumococcal vaccination schedule will change to reflect the current best clinical evidence in preventing pneumococcal disease in adults and in people with conditions that increase their risk of disease.

To support awareness and implementation of the changes, the Australian Government has developed a suite of educational and promotional communication resources hosted via a news item on the Department of Health’s website.

The NIP clinical advice factsheets for providers, accompanied by correspondence from the Chief Medical Officer will be mailed to GPs and Aboriginal Medical Services Australia-wide. The information notes the availability of supporting consumer resources available to download or order through the Department of Health’s website.

To further support providers, the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) is hosting a webinar - Upcoming National Immunisation Program changes: what you need to know, to provide an overview of the upcoming changes to the NIP and recommendations for pneumococcal, meningococcal and hepatitis A vaccination. The session will be on Tuesday 16 June 2020, 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm (AEDT) via Zoom webinar. More information is available on the NCIRS website.