Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common yet potentially severe virus that affects the respiratory system. It poses a significant risk to infants, pregnant women, older adults, and those with chronic conditions, often leading to serious complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. RSV infection can occur at any age, and repeated infections are common throughout…
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is offering a new education program providing nurses and other health professionals in 22 Pacific Island countries and territories with life-saving skills through its immunisation course aimed at improving health outcomes in the region. With 50 funded placements supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the course, developed in…
According to the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), influenza vaccination rates are at their lowest in four years. Notably, there has been a significant drop of 14.4% in vaccinations among older adults aged 65 years and over. Nationwide, the decrease across all age groups is 12.2% compared to last year (NCIRS, 2024).…
Featured Image: Port Kembla Harbour on the NSW South Coast. Taras Vyshnya on Shutterstock Australians across the country know the pivotal role nurses played in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination. Millions of Australians rolled up their sleeves to receive their vaccination from a nurse immuniser, who provided the consultation, vaccination and follow-up. Nurse immunisers…
Featured image: Riccio da favola on Shutterstock The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that with the interconnectedness of our world, it is inevitable that at some point, infections emerging overseas may make their way to our community. One of the few viruses that has reached Australia since COVID is the mpox (previously known as monkeypox)…
Recently, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) announced updates to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine schedule in Australia. After extensive research, eligible people without immune compromise under the age of 26 will now only need one dose of an HPV vaccine to be considered fully immunised. All nurses versed in immunisation should be…