Monday, June 15, 2026

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Danvers Room

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Overview

Hosted by: Collaboration on Social Science and Immunisation (COSSI)

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Details

Facilitated by: Prof. Holly Seale ​Speakers: Professor Holly Seale International perspective: Lisa Menning Domestic perspective: Julie Leask Professor Kristine Macartney, Director NCIRS or delegate (10 minutes) Panelists: Lisa Menning, WHO Prof Julie Leask, University of Sydney Prof Allen Cheng, Monash Dr Stephanie Williams (Assistant Director-General for Communicable Diseases) Prof Katie Flanagan, ATAGI Co Chair Prof Kristine Macartney, Director NCIRSOverview: Immunisation coverage in Australia has declined over the past five years, with reductions observed across the lifespan, including children, high risk adults and older populations. Vaccine uptake is increasingly shaped by cost of living pressures, reduced access to primary care, declining trust in health institutions and government, and growing political polarisation. Reported challenges include loss of trust, vaccine fatigue, communication barriers, and concerns about access and affordability. Understanding these drivers is essential to inform effective strategies to close immunisation gaps in Australia, the Pacific, and globally. A decade ago, the Collaboration on Social Science and Immunisation network was established to bring together researchers and practitioners committed to strengthening vaccine acceptance and uptake through better understanding of social and behavioural influences. This symposium will examine key national and international trends affecting coverage, address the impact of global political dynamics, and explore practical approaches to embedding behavioural and social insights into immunisation program design and delivery. Target Audience: Healthcare and immunisation professionals, those working across all levels of government, academics, industry