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 […]

The Australian Centre for Disease Control (ACDC) released Australia’s sixth antimicrobial use and resistance in human health (AURA) report, highlighting rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and urging responsible and appropriate antibiotics use in human health. This report compiles data gathered by the Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Australia (AURA) systems from 2022 to 2024. It is a snapshot of information from hospitals, aged care facilities and the community, and demonstrates the use of surveillance data in safeguarding public health in Australia. […]

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has released the Antimicrobial use in the community 2024 report. The report includes an analysis of antimicrobials supplied under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The report shows that from 2023 to 2024: • overall community antimicrobial use increased by 4.8% • aged care residents’ antimicrobial use increased by 14.4%. See report

The Cook Government has announced a significant new health initiative, providing free respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations to older West Australians residing in aged care homes. This $2.6 million program, set to commence in mid-May, aims to protect approximately 15,000 residents this year, bolstering their health during the winter months. For the first time, the Arexvy® RSV vaccine, which typically costs around $300 privately, will be made available at no cost to all people aged 65 and over in residential […]

Residential aged care homes no longer need to report COVID-19 outbreaks, cases and deaths through the COVID Support Portal. Government supports, strong vaccination practices and improved infection prevention control mean the sector is better prepared to manage COVID outbreaks. The COVID-19 reporting link will be removed from the My Aged Care Service and Support Portal in late February