Immunisation plays a vital role in preventing infectious diseases, reducing complications, and controlling public health threats. Vaccines such as those for Shingles/Zoster, Pneumococcal diseases, Influenza, and COVID-19 are crucial in protecting not only individuals but also the broader community by achieving herd immunity.

Government efforts in Immunisation

The Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) supports comprehensive vaccination efforts by providing free vaccines for eligible adults against diseases like influenza, pertussis, shingles, pneumococcal disease, and COVID-19. Government initiatives aim to ensure widespread access and coverage to prevent outbreaks and protect public health. 

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) recommends and covers (as of May 2024) the following vaccines for adults:

1. Influenza (Flu)

Annual vaccination recommended for:

• Adults with specific medical risk conditions
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults
• Adults aged 65 years and over

2. Pneumococcal

Recommended for:

• Adults with specific medical risk conditions
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 years and over
• Non-Indigenous adults aged 70 years and over

3. Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Recommended for:

• Adults with specific medical risk conditions
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 years and over
• Non-Indigenous adults aged 70 years and over

4. Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Recommended for:

• Pregnant women during each pregnancy, ideally between 20–32 weeks to provide immunity to the newborn
• Adults who have not been vaccinated as teenagers, especially:
• People working with infants or in healthcare
• Family members and caregivers of newborns
• Adults with certain health conditions that may increase the risk of severe illness

5. Meningococcal ACWY

Recommended for:

• Individuals of all ages with asplenia, hyposplenia, or complement deficiency
• Adolescents aged 14-16 years (Year 10 or age equivalent) under the school program

6. Meningococcal B

Recommended for:

• Individuals of all ages with asplenia, hyposplenia, complement deficiency, or those undergoing treatment with eculizumab

7. COVID-19 Vaccination

Recommended for all adults.

 

Known Coverage Statistics

The 2022 Annual Immunisation Coverage Report by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) provides an overview of vaccination coverage for key vaccines among adults in Australia, with the following notable trends and figures:

• Shingles/Zoster Vaccine: Coverage among adults turning 71 reached 41.3% in 2022, a slight increase from previous years
• Pneumococcal Vaccine (13vPCV): Coverage for adults at age 70 was 33.8% in 2022, marking a significant improvement
• Influenza Vaccine: Among adults aged under 65, influenza vaccination coverage increased by 9.7 percentage points in 2022 compared to 2021, reaching a total of 45.5%
• COVID-19 Vaccine: By early 2023, 97.4% of Australians aged 16 and over had received at least one dose, while 96% completed the two-dose primary series. For booster doses, 69.5% of Australians aged 16 and older received a third dose, and 33.4% of those aged 30 and over received a fourth dose.

 

While we see some statistics on vaccination coverage, there is huge gap in insights e.g. coverage of follow-up doses, state and demographics. The importance these insights cannot be overstated. By increasing insights and accessibility, we can ensure that there is appropriate policies and initiatives to improve vaccination coverage for all eligible individuals and communities are protected against preventable diseases.

 

For more detailed insights, refer to the full NCIRS Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2022 and Adult vaccination fact sheet by NCIRS 2023 and National Immunisation Program Schedule

• https://ncirs.org.au/sites/default/files/2024-01/NCIRS%20Annual%20immunisation%20coverage%20report%202022.pdf
• https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-11/national-immunisation-program-schedule.pdf

Get in touch if you’re looking for data-driven insights on healthcare utilisation or innovative solutions for better patient outcomes, connect with Dev Madeka or Prab PhD.

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