Vaccine-derived poliovirus has been detected in wastewater in Australia during routine surveillance of untreated sewage at a treatment plant in Perth. The vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 strain detected in Western Australia is found in parts of the world where the oral vaccine polio is used, and where low immunisation coverage and poor sanitation allow for easy transmission of the virus. Its detection reinforces the effectiveness of Australia’s robust disease surveillance and monitoring systems. While Australia remains polio-free and vaccination coverage […]

The A-PRECISE model (Australia – PReventing infECtions In reSidential agEd care) is an infection prevention and control (IPC) strategy for residential aged care. Researchers from Monash University worked with residents, families and staff in residential care to design the model. The work was part of the National Centre for Healthy Ageing Living Labs program. The model provides clear strategies for creating an environment where IPC practices can thrive. It includes resources for residents, their supporters, visitors, staff and providers. These […]

The Commission has updated the accreditation workbook that accompanies the 2021 Preventing and Controlling Infections Standard in the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. ➤ Click here: https://lnkd.in/gWv83kKE The Addendum to the NSQHS Standards Accreditation Workbook has been updated to reflect new and emerging evidence. ➤ Click here: https://lnkd.in/gSuAxkYa The 2021 Preventing and Controlling Infections Standard supports health service organisations to prevent, control and respond to infections that cause outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics, including novel and emerging infections. The Addendum […]

The Australian Government has announced an expansion of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) protection, with the inclusion of the RSV vaccine Arexvy on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible older adults. From 15 May 2026, a single free dose of Arexvy will be available for adults aged 75 and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over – aiming to reduce the burden of severe RSV illness and prevent hospitalisations among these at-risk groups. The initiative […]

The Australian Government is introducing free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccinations for older Australians to ensure they are protected from the this common and potentially life threatening respiratory virus. The government has committed $445.3 million to fund access to the vaccine Arexvy, which would otherwise cost around $300 per dose. From 15 May, Australians aged 75 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over, will be eligible for a free RSV vaccine through the National […]

The Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Health Care provide evidence-based recommendations about the critical aspects of infection prevention and control, focusing on core principles and priority areas for action. All health service organisations should consider the risk of transmission of infection and implement these recommendations according to their specific setting and circumstances. Version 11.27 of the Guidelines was published on the 9th April. The latest version can viewed in the HTML version on the NHMRC […]

World Hand Hygiene 2026 will be celebrated on the 5th May. This year’s theme is “Action Saves Lives”. The Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) has developed a suite of resources to help promote the day in your workplace or community including posters, games, puzzles and other activities. Click here to access the ACIPC resources

Safe Work Australia has recently published a model code of practice – Managing the risks of biological hazards at work. A world first, this code offers practical advice to help employers identify biological hazards, implement effective controls and meet their work, health and safety (WHS) responsibilities. New Safe Work Australia Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Biological Hazards at Work

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has published this statement, which in conjunction with the Australian Immunisation Handbook, provides an overview of the key points and updates for influenza vaccines in 2026. See statement

This report presents the findings from the annual Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS). It analyses resident infection and antimicrobial use data reported by Australian aged care facilities that participated in the survey. A total of 852 RACHs participated in 2023 – an increased number from 2022 (n=744). The Aged Care NAPS key results again demonstrate that there are significant opportunities for improvement. Recommendations for those working at a local or national level include: • participation in the Aged […]