Background
MVEC (Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre) has developed plans for a new eLearning to train providers on intradermal (ID) administration technique.
ID administration is a specialist skill required to support the prevention of various infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, rabies, hepatitis B, mpox, Japanese encephalitis and Q fever. The ID route may be
used in either vaccination or screening. However, there is no widely accessible and standardised ID administration training in Australia.
There are two broad issues with the current ID training pathways:
1. The lack of governance risks inconsistent providers skills. This may affect both the efficacy and safety of vaccines.
2. Restricted access to quality training can affect coverage rates.

Proposal
MVEC will produce a dedicated ID eLearning for immunisation providers. The course will cover theory and practical skills, using a range of mediums to suit all learners. Upon completion of the content, users will complete a standardised test to assess their skills.

Outcomes
Accessible, quality ID administration training will result in more providers being equipped with this in‑demand skill and will support the prevention of vaccine administration errors.
The success of MVEC’s eLearning will be measured in engagement with the learning tool itself and via feedback from users. Monitoring wait times for appointments will demonstrate changes to vaccine access.
Rates of adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) associated with ID administration will be monitored as an indication of the adequacy of training.

Background
Improving immunisation coverage and reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples cannot occur without Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership and a commitment to the Priority Reforms specified in the National Partnership Agreement and the principles of Indigenous data sovereignty and governance. We report the first 18-months of the NCIRS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Immunisation Leadership Committee (the Committee), successes, challenges and lessons learned.

Methods
Members are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals, leaders and health consumers, representing diverse regions and backgrounds, so that immunisation strategy and research are informed by those with lived experience and direct community connections. The Committee meets 5-times a year, including one face-to-face meeting and operates under an endorsed Terms of Reference with a specific focus on providing both technical and cultural expertise across NCIRS’ programs of work.

Outcomes
The first 12 months has seen the Committee grow to 35 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and 7 meetings have been held (including 2 face-to-face) with quorums achieved at all meetings. By embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander expertise in research design, data interpretation, and reporting, the Committee has enhanced the quality, relevance and impact of NCIRS’ surveillance, evaluations and research relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander immunisation outcomes. This ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander immunisation strategies and policies reflect the perspectives, priorities and ways of knowing, being, and doing for communities rather than being solely mainstream led.

Conclusion and Future Actions
The NCIRS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Immunisation Leadership Committee plays a strategically valuable role in shaping culturally appropriate, community-responsive immunisation research, policy, programs and evaluation and its footprint is expanding. Long-term, ongoing support of the Committee is required to demonstrate Australia’s commitment to meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Background: Routine childhood vaccine uptake in Indonesia was substantially disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains suboptimal, with persistent challenges related to parent knowledge and hesitancy, and health worker communication. Codesign offers a way to develop contextually appropriate and feasible interventions. This study describes three codesign activities that informed a multi-component vaccine uptake intervention in two Puskesmas (government-run Primary Health Centre) in Riau, Indonesia.

Method: We conducted three codesign activities between November 2025 and January 2026. First, a vaccine communication training for midwives was codesigned online with local practicing midwives and national immunisation and midwifery representatives, to understand communication challenges, skill gaps, and preferred training modalities. Second, a parent reminder system was codesigned with parents and cadres using participatory methods to identify acceptable reminder channels, message content, timing, and delivery responsibilities. Third, Puskesmas staff and midwives codesigned the overall intervention components, including workflow integration, roles and responsibilities, and feasibility considerations within routine service delivery. Data were collected through transcripts of audio recordings, workshop outputs, field notes, and reflection sessions, and analysed thematically to inform intervention design.

Results: The codesign process resulted in three tailored intervention components: (1) a practical, confidence-building communication training for midwives emphasising evidence-based interpersonal communication; (2) a low-cost parent reminder system delivered after birth, leveraging trusted cadres and aligned with caregiver preferences; and (3) a set of Puskesmas-level implementation strategies designed to fit existing workflows and resource constraints. Participants expressed enthusiasm for the program, perceived relevance, and feasibility of the proposed components. Following implementation, we will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of these interventions.

Conclusion: Codesigning our vaccine uptake intervention with midwives, parents, cadres, and Puskesmas staff enhanced contextual fit and stakeholder ownership. These findings support the value of participatory approaches in strengthening primary care–based immunisation interventions in Indonesia and similar settings.

Background and Aim: Many refugees require catch-up immunisations due to incomplete immunisation histories. In Toowoomba, a regional city in Queensland, Australia, refugees commence catch-up doses at the Toowoomba Refugee Health Service (TRHS), with remaining doses being delegated to primary care. However, a recent audit found that only two-thirds of refugees continued their catch-up via primary care. This study aims to establish whether an immunisation recall improves catch-up continuation among refugees who do not continue catch-up via primary care.

Methods: We conducted a targeted immunisation recall based on routinely collected data by TRHS and the Australian Immunisation Register. We included refugees who arrived in Toowoomba from January 1 – June 30 2024 and subsequently commenced their catch-up immunisations at TRHS, but did not continue catch-up via primary care within six months of commencement. Eligible refugees were contacted through a letter and text message in English, as well as a phone call from a qualified interpreter. Through these communications, refugees were recommended to attend a pre-determined immunisation appointment at TRHS, or to visit a general practitioner if they could not attend their appointment. Immunisation uptake was measured two months after recall communications were sent.

Outcomes: All eligible refugees (n=83) were sent a letter and text message, and approximately 60% (n=49) were successfully contacted by an interpreter via telephone. The immunisation recall was highly successful, with 83% (n=69) of eligible refugees continuing their catch-up immunisations. Almost all refugees continued their catch-up via TRHS (n=68). Children, those in larger family groups (≥7 people), and those born in certain countries, were more likely to continue catch-up following recall.

Conclusion and Future actions: Targeted immunisation recalls enhance catch-up continuation among those of refugee background. They also provide valuable insights on context-specific barriers to immunisation and should be considered as an integral component of service delivery models.

Background and Aim: Vaccination is a key public health intervention that reduces the spread and impact of infectious diseases. However, vaccination rates have declined since the COVID 19 pandemic, with the Sunshine Coast in Queensland reporting coverage below state and national averages. To our knowledge, no qualitative research has explored post pandemic barriers and enablers to vaccination in this region. Additionally, limited research considers the perspectives of individuals who contracted a vaccine preventable disease while unvaccinated, and how their experiences may influence their views on vaccination.

Methods and Analysis: This qualitative study used in depth interviews to explore vaccine decision making. Eligibility criteria included residing on the Sunshine Coast, having a vaccine preventable disease, and being unvaccinated for that disease. Interviews were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke’s framework. This analysis focuses on intentional non vaccinators. Through this analysis, we identified key factors shaping intentional non vaccination, providing insight into how local barriers and beliefs contribute to low uptake.

Outcomes: Twenty individuals participated in interviews, of whom 11 had intentionally chosen not to vaccinate prior to illness. Despite experiencing the disease, all 11 remained committed to their decision. Their choices were shaped by concerns about vaccine safety, mistrust in government and health systems, and a preference for natural immunity, with parents motivated by a desire to act in their children’s best interests. Participants described undertaking careful research to inform their decisions, often prompted by interactions with health professionals they perceived as inadequate. Experiences of stigma created additional barriers to engagement. These findings underpin education delivered by the Sunshine Coast Public Health Unit to immunisation service providers.

Conclusion and Future Actions: Intentional non vaccinators did not express regret following disease. Individuals hesitant about immunisation seek open, balanced information and respectful interactions with health professionals. Early immunisation education may help ensure families receive evidence based information from trusted providers rather than alternative sources, supporting ongoing engagement even when the outcome is not vaccination.

Background and Aim
As people age, their immune systems weaken, increasing risks from vaccine-preventable diseases. Although government-funded vaccines are available in Australia, uptake among older adults remains low. This qualitative study aimed to explore older adults’ lived experiences, motivations and barriers related to vaccination.

Methods and Analysis
We engaged with adults aged ≥65 years through asynchronous WhatsApp focus groups, a flexible alternative to traditional qualitative methods, which can be limited by time, mobility and accessibility. The study was co-designed with consumer representatives. Recruitment was via a COTA Australia (Council on the Ageing) Facebook advertisement. A secure, end-to-end encrypted WhatsApp focus group operated for two weeks. One moderator posted 1–2 open-ended prompts each weekday to encourage discussion on vaccination perceptions, experiences, decision-making drivers, barriers, enablers, and suggestions to support uptake. Applied thematic analysis, informed by the WHO Behavioural and Social Drivers of vaccine uptake framework, guided interpretation.

Outcomes
From 88 expressions of interest, we purposively selected diverse older adults for participation; 15 remained active throughout the study period (11 female, 5 born in Australia, age range 65-84). Participants exchanged >1,000 messages, sharing candid reflections on their needs and priorities. Participants were generally highly motivated to vaccinate as a way to maintain independence and remain connected with family – “I want to stay healthy so I can keep helping with the grandkids”. They highlighted awareness as a key barrier and identified opportunities for improvement, including clearer information about eligibility – “I don’t always know what vaccines I need or when” – and more consistent reminders: “If my GP doesn’t bring it up, I don’t think about it.”

Conclusion and Future Actions
An asynchronous WhatsApp-based focus group format promotes flexible, convenient and thoughtful engagement among older adults. Ongoing work will translate these early insights into practical supports aligned with their needs and preferences.

Background and Aim
Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is a serious infection with significant risk of recurrence. Consequently, persons who survive IPD are recommended to receive post-disease vaccinations against pneumococcal disease. The Australian Immunisation Handbook outlines the recommendations for pneumococcal vaccination post-recovery from IPD, which vary according to the age of the patient.
We aim to describe IPD notifications for Goldfields residents between 01/01/2023 and 31/12/2025, ascertain the rates of disease recurrence and post-disease vaccination, and then liaise with patients’ immunisation providers to facilitate post-disease vaccination, where indicated.
Methods and Analysis
We undertook a retrospective descriptive analysis of routinely collected data on IPD notifications held on the WA Notifiable Infectious Disease Database (WANIDD), as well as the Australian Immunisation Register, to determine the pneumococcal vaccination status of patients notified with IPD. Where patients had not received recommended post-disease vaccinations, we will liaise with their immunisation providers to provide advice on pneumococcal vaccination recommendations.
Outcomes
During the audit period, 56 IPD notifications were received by the Goldfields Public Health Unit (GPHU). Seven patients experienced recurrence of IPD (13%), with one patient having five IPD notifications on the WANIDD. As of January 2026, there were 48 surviving patients. One third (n=16) of the surviving patients had received one (or more) post-IPD vaccination. Immunisation providers will be sent a letter outlining the recommended pneumococcal vaccinations for their patient. Follow-up rates of immunisation and any further IPD recurrence will be reported.
Conclusions and Future actions
Only one-third of eligible patients (n=16) received any post-IPD vaccination between 01/01/2023 and 31/12/2025. Given the significant rate of IPD recurrence in the Goldfields, the rationale for provider education regarding post-disease vaccination is clearly demonstrated. Following our education of providers, rates of post-disease vaccination and IPD recurrence rate will be monitored and reported.

Background and Aims
The INCLUDE Study was funded to support the elimination of cervical cancer in Australia by improving understanding of HPV vaccination in populations with high rates of cervical cancer – people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with socioeconomic disadvantage, migrants and refugees, and people living in remote areas. We aimed to develop processes to synthesise national datasets and report HPV vaccination coverage and its sociodemographic determinants.

Methods and Analysis
A data extraction tool was developed to create analytical cohorts for HPV research and reporting using the Australian Bureau of Statistics Person Level Integrated Data Asset. We used a scalable design with automated, reproducible processes covering cohort definition, data integration, and data quality assessment. Outputs were confidentialised and incorporated into a dashboard presentation with detailed inclusion/exclusion criteria reported by key strata to ensure transparency of analytical processes. Vaccination coverage outputs are presented by age, sex, calendar year, and Primary Health Network (PHN), with qualification where caution is recommended.

Outcomes
HPV vaccination coverage for 15-year-olds in 2024 was 83.1% in girls and 79.7% in boys, with vaccination status unknown for 23,775 girls and 29,935 boys. Peak vaccination levels were reached in 17-18 year olds, with differences by age and sex according to state/territory and PHN. Included population counts closely reflected national estimates, but some differential linkage, and thus data quality, was observed across key strata.

Conclusion and Future Actions
This proof-of-concept demonstrates a linked data pipeline can generate granular population-level evidence and systematically compare population groups. Compared with outputs based on the Medicare-eligible population alone, the tool identified slightly higher rates of HPV vaccination coverage and revealed substantial variation in coverage even across geographically proximate areas. Qualification of results is a unique attribute and important for key populations who may be under-represented in some datasets.