Health and Immunisation Management Services

22/05/2026

RSV hospital presentations in newborns have almost halved since a national immunisation program sought to vaccinate babies in the womb.

22/05/2026

22/05/2026

Diphtheria used to be a major cause of childhood deaths. Now it's back in Australia.

Australia has recorded its first reported death from diphtheria in almost a decade, after the Northern Territory declared an outbreak of the disease in March.

The NT death has renewed attention on the highly contagious bacterial infection, which was once a major cause of childhood deaths before widespread vaccination programs in the 40s dramatically reduced cases in Australia.

While diphtheria is now rare, health authorities say vaccine coverage has waned since the COVID pandemic, which could be the reason for the rising number of cases nationally.

The NT has recorded 126 cases this year, according to the National Communicable Diseases Surveillance System.

In the Kimberley region of Western Australia, cases have tripled to at least 27 in the past month alone. Five cases have also been reported in South Australia, and another two in Queensland this year.

The CDC says vaccination is the best protection against the disease.

Before vaccines were introduced, more than 4,000 Australians died from diphtheria between 1926 and 1935, according to the NCIRS.

Diphtheria vaccines are part of Australia's National Immunisation Program and are given in childhood, with booster doses recommended later in life.

In light of recent outbreaks in the NT and WA, local authorities have urged Australians to stay up-to-date with vaccinations.

Health authorities say outbreaks can occur when immunity falls, booster rates decline, or the disease is imported through overseas travel.

More here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-16/what-to-know-about-diphtheria-as-outbreak-grows/106684572

22/05/2026

Diseases once thought confined to history are making a comeback in Australia. And vaccination is only part of the story.
👉 https://theconversation.com/why-diphtheria-whooping-cough-and-measles-have-come-back-in-australia-283364?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook =1779340544

22/05/2026

A free RSV vaccine is now available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and older, and for all people aged 75 years and over.

RSV is a respiratory infection that can cause serious illness in young children and older people.

Immunisation is the best protection against serious RSV illness and complications, ahead of the peak winter season.

Book now with your GP or usual immunisation provider.

To learn more, visit bit.ly/3PeDCpa

22/05/2026

💔 Stacey's vibrant and healthy 23-year-old son Brayden died in a matter of hours from the vaccine preventable Meningococcal B.
"Brayden came home from a game of touch footy, feeling slightly unwell. By the next evening, he was brain-dead. I don't want any other family to go through this unimaginable pain."

💪We urgently need people power to get behind Stacey's petition to make Men B free for teens and babies in NSW.
❓If 5 other states can do it, including Victoria, why can't NSW?

✏️Sign here right now to make the difference and share! https://ow.ly/EWKH50Z0WPm

13/05/2026

Logan was just 8 months old when he became critically unwell with Pneumococcal.
🏥His parents did everything they could to get him medical care, but Logan now lives with multiple lifelong disabling conditions.
💔His mum Beth and dad Martin would've given ANYTHING to prevent Logan's illness.
💝We don't want more people suffering like Logan.
💸What will YOU give to help us prevent this devastating and fast-acting illness?
💲This EOFY, every dollar you give counts!
🤝Now more than ever your support matters.
Donate TODAY and get your tax deduction!
https://ow.ly/Zt1R50YNNk7

23/04/2026

Influenza vaccination is now available for South Australians, with more free options available for children under 5 years.

Influenza is not just a common cold. It is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious illness, hospitalisation and may require emergency care.

Last year in South Australia emergency departments saw high demand from people in severe respiratory distress, with 3,692 people admitted to hospital due to influenza complications. Hundreds of young children were also admitted to hospital, including 305 children aged 2 to 4 years.

With flu season approaching, helping reduce preventable hospital visits is important for everyone.

Act early to protect yourself, your family, and those you care for.

Visit sahealth.sa.gov.au/influenza for eligibility details.

23/04/2026

South Australia Health issues warning after Adelaide chef Chris Jarmer’s nephew dies from meningococcal B in Europe.

Alexander “Zander” Philogenes, 21, was on a university exchange trip in Austria’s capital Vienna while in his fourth year of a chemical engineering and finance double degree.

Philogenes had contracted an aggressive strain of meningococcal B currently circulating widely across Europe.

He died within four hours of developing symptoms, including a headache and a rash.

Jarmer described his nephew as gifted, athletic and deeply loved.

Zander’s parents and siblings have travelled to Vienna for his funeral, while a memorial service will be held in Perth next month for extended family and friends.

A passionate Crows supporter, he will be honoured with a personalised guernsey.

“I’ll be getting him a Guernsey with the number 21 and his name on the back that my sister can hang in his room,” Jarmer said.

SA Health is urging travellers to be aware of meningococcal symptoms and to ensure vaccinations are up to date before heading overseas.

Experts say meningococcal B is aggressive and when symptoms present, every second counts.

“That’s why we really encourage people to get vaccinated against meningococcal,” SA Health’s Noel Lally said.

“When you’re travelling, any vaccinations at all, make sure you talk to your GP and make sure you’re fully covered for everything you can be,” expert Karen Quick said.