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Many kids are scared of getting needles, and this can stop them getting vaccinations that protect that against the flu. Less than one in four Australian children were vaccinated against influenza in 2025.
If you work in an emergency department, giving “tetanus shots” is routine. Dirty laceration, dog bite, gardening injury — we clean the wound, assess tetanus risk, check the record (or try to), and administer a booster when it is due.
The recent childhood vaccine changes in the USA, which substantially reduce the number of routine childhood vaccines, will sow more seeds of doubt and confusion in the community about the safety, efficacy and even the need of vaccines. We should not follow the opinions of politicians and of unsubstantiated antivaccine groups, but follow the science.
Why is it that different states and territories have different policies on meningococcal B vaccination?
In 2025, Australia delivered free access to RSV immunisations for all infants. Early data show this initiative has prevented thousands of babies from being hospitalised, but the work of overcoming misinformation, ensuring equitable access, and encouraging acceptance continues.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Australia free of measles in 2014.
Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. It’s responsible for roughly one in every five cases of gastro annually.
The United States used to be a leader in vaccine research, development and policymaking. Now US Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr is undermining the country’s vaccine program at the highest level and supercharging vaccine skepticism.
The landscape of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Australia has rapidly evolved, thanks to new vaccines and a rollout of state and national immunisation programs.
