The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has announced that COVID-19 vaccines will transition to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) from 1 October 2026, replacing the stand-alone National COVID-19 Vaccine Program (NCVP) established during the Australia’s pandemic response. Under the NIP, eligibility for funded COVID-19 vaccines will change, with free COVID-19 vaccines available only to people at highest risk of severe disease: all adults aged 75 years and over (one dose every 6 months) adults aged 65–74 years […]

In July, the Commission will release the initial draft of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards (third edition). Shaped by extensive sector-wide feedback, the draft reflects best practice evidence and responds to current healthcare realities, as well as emerging challenges and issues. This is your opportunity to contribute to improvements in patient safety and the delivery of high-quality care across Australia. You can provide feedback on the draft Standards by completing an online survey or written submission. […]

World Health Organization Guideline Development Groups for both the peripheral intravascular catheter guidelines and the central venous catheter/CLABSI prevention guidelines were launched on 11 June 2026. The WHO Guidelines for the Prevention of Bloodstream Infections and Other Infections Associated with the Use of Intravascular Catheters (Parts 1 & 2) were developed through a rigorous process involving international experts, evidence reviews, and the GRADE methodology. These guidelines provide an important global framework for preventing bloodstream infections and other infections associated with […]