Following consultation with public health agencies and experts, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a global technical consultation report introducing updated terminology for pathogens that transmit through the air. The pathogens covered include those that cause respiratory infections such as COVID-19, influenza, measles, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and tuberculosis, among others. Read more https://www.healthcarehygienemagazine.com/who-announces-updated-terminology-for-pathogens-that-transmit-through-the-air/

To support implementation of the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has developed the Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Guide. The Aged Care IPC Guide is informed by the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare, with content and key principles adapted for residential and community aged care settings. The Aged Care IPC Guide will support aged care provider organisations, aged care IPC leads and […]

The Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) has released a statement of targeted recommendations to help better protect vital healthcare workers, essential service providers, and the public from influenza infection. Read more here Seasonal influenza vaccination statement – ACIPC – Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control

The first Respiratory Syncytial Virus(RSV) vaccine Arexvy is now available in Australia. Arexvy (recombinant respiratory syncytial virus pre-fusion F protein) was approved for the following therapeutic use: Arexvy is indicated for active immunisation of individuals 60 years and older for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).  The use of this vaccine should be in accordance with official recommendations.   AREXVY will be available from Melbourne and Perth warehouses from the 28th of February.

Changes to the shingles vaccine available under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) came into effect from 1 November 2023. The shingles vaccine Shingrix has replaced Zostavax on the NIP. A 2-dose course of Shingrix will be available free for: People aged 65 years and older First Nations people aged 50 years and older Immunocompromised people aged 18 years and older with the following medical conditions: Haemopoietic stem cell transplant Solid organ transplant Haematological malignancy Advanced or untreated human immunodeficiency virus […]

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine called AREXVY has been approved for use in Australia. Produced by GlaxoSmithKline, it is the first vaccine developed for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in individuals aged 60 and over, and has been approved by The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). AREXVY has already received approval for use in several countries, including the UK, the European Union, the US, Canada, and Japan.

On 2 September 2022, Australian Health Ministers announced reforms to ensure doctors performing cosmetic surgery are appropriately qualified and work to the highest health safety standards expected in Australia. As part of these reforms the Commission developed a National Licensing Framework and National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards. The Cosmetic Surgery Standards were officially launched on 14 December 2023, following broad consultation with consumers, clinicians, services, professional and peak bodies, regulators and other representatives of the sector. The National […]

Australian Standards have released the long-awaited new standard for reprocessing of reusable medical devices and other devices in health- and non-health-related facilities.  Relevant settings including general practice and office- and community-based practice, the standard is now being reviewed by the government, and implementation timelines are expected in 2024.  

The objective of Clean Hospitals Day, celebrated each year on October 20, is to raise awareness and foster engagement among healthcare facilities around the world.  

With the theme “Stay Up to Date. Vaccinate!”, Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA) announced the creation of Australia’s inaugural Whooping Cough Day on November 8. The day highlights the ongoing threat posed by whooping cough (pertussis) and encourages Australians of all ages to remain up to date with booster vaccination. The campaign reminds people to check their whooping cough immunisation status, provides practical information about boosters and how to access them, and emphasises the importance of adult, pregnancy, and childhood […]