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[post_content] => World Immunisation Week 2026 (24–30 April) highlights both the progress and ongoing challenges in vaccine coverage – along with the power of immunisation to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases.
This year's theme for every generation, vaccines work, emphasises the lifelong importance of vaccination – from infancy through to adulthood. The theme emphasises not only the individual importance of vaccination, but the collective responsibility to safeguard families, communities and future generations.
Over the last 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 154 million lives through individuals taking proactive steps towards protecting their health. Yet despite this extraordinary progress, declining vaccination rates and the re-emergence of once-considered controlled diseases have triggered public health concerns.
Here are 6 trends pharmacists should keep in mind.
1. Diphtheria is back
It’s been over 3 decades since Australia has been diphtheria free. But recently, the vaccine-preventable disease has re-emerged due to gaps in routine immunisations – with the first cases being recorded since 1992.
By the final quarter of 2025, on-time coverage for the second dose of a DTP-containing vaccine in young children was 9.2 percentage points lower compared with the first quarter of 2020 – found the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance’s (NCIRS) Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2025.
This potentially deadly infection results in swelling of the neck and throat, and can cause breathing problems, while the bacterial toxin can also damage the brain, heart, kidneys and nerves – and was once among the top-ten causes of childhood mortality.
Globally, routine vaccination rates dropped by 33% during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to increased vulnerability to this infectious disease, and others.
In 2025, the Kimberley recorded its first cases in 50 years, with rates in Western Australia’s far north tripling in the past month – reaching 27 cases.
To combat this increase, health experts have stressed the importance of ensuring at-risk individuals stay up-to-date with booster doses.
‘This is not a disease most doctors have seen so we're reminding them it does exist, it is now increasing in prevalence,’ said public health physician Gary Dowse.
Curtin University professor of international health Jaya Dantas said the National Immunisation Program funding for the dTpa vaccine should expand.
‘Childhood vaccination is completely free under the scheme, but with the adult one, it's still not,’ she said.
2. Vaccination rates keep declining
Recent data shows a concerning drop in childhood and teenage vaccination rates –with figures lower than pre-pandemic rates – and a rise in parental hesitancy, with 8.3% of parents in the 2025 NCIRS report not believing vaccines are safe.
Childhood vaccination rates are currently sitting at 90.5% at 12 months, 88.4% at 24 months, and 92.5% at 60 months, which marks a 2.3–4.3% drop since 2020.
The rates of vaccination occurring within 30 days of the recommended age remains low among young children, while 2 in 10 adolescents don’t receive the HPV vaccine by 15, and 3 in 10 won’t receive the meningococcal ACWY dose by 17.
Pharmacists are essential to reversing this downward trend, reminding patients and parents about catch-up vaccinations and providing evidence for the importance of vaccination in a non-judgemental manner.
The PSA continues to advocate for a ‘no wrong door’ stance to vaccination.
‘What [this] does do is increase the convenience for someone to be able to get the vaccine at a time and place of their choosing,’ said PSA’s Head of Policy and Strategy Chris Campbell FPS.
‘There should be an increase in vaccine uptake in children under 5 years of age when there’s an opportunity for an entire family to come to the pharmacy and get vaccinated.’
3. Pharmacist's busiest flu-vaccine week on record!
Pharmacists continue to demonstrate just how essential they are to vaccine uptake across Australia.
Over the past week 281,540 doses of the influenza vaccine have been administered surpassing all previous records, according to the latest Australian Immunisation Register data released by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
And in signs that a needle-free flu vaccine might be making an impact, influenza vaccine doses for children 6 months to 5 years of age are up by 30% year-to-date compared to previous years.
4. HPV vaccination success
The Gardasil vaccine protects individuals against HPV and is offered for free to people aged 9–25 under the NIP.
Early vaccination against HPV has demonstrated success in preventing cervical cancer, with results showing a 40% reduction in cervical precancers. The national cervical cancer rate decreased from 6.6 per 100,000 in 2020 to 6.3 per 100,000 in 2021 and in the same year no cervical cancer cases were diagnosed in women under 25 for the first time since records commenced in 1982.
Despite this progress, boosting vaccination rates and improving participation in cervical screening remain crucial. Vaccination rates have declined slightly compared to previous years, indicating that more work needs to be done if Australia is expected to become the first country to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035.
And the disparity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the general population remains. While 84.2% of non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescent females and 81.8% of adolescent males who turned 15 in 2023 received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine by their 15th birthday, coverage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents was lower, at 80.9% for females and 75.0% for males.
5. Maternal and infant RSV vaccination rates have already improved
Last year, the federal government introduced the funded RSV maternal vaccination under the NIP, with some state programs also offering RSV monoclonal antibody nirsevimab for eligible infants and children whose mother did not receive the RSV vaccine.
A single dose of Abrysvo is recommended for all pregnant women to protect their infant, reducing the risk of severe RSV disease in infants under 6 months of age by an astounding 70%.
Contracting RSV during pregnancy may be associated withearly delivery and low birth weight, with studies suggesting that babies born with RSV are more likely to develop asthma, acute respiratory illnesses and wheezing.
Prior to the rollout, RSV was the leading cause of hospitalisation among infants under 6 months. But in June 2025 this had decreased by 75% through the incorporation of the vaccine into the NIP.
The federal government also announced RSV vaccination will soon be funded for older Australians under the NIP to ensure protection for this vulnerable cohort.
6. What does the future hold for vaccination?
Looking ahead, the future of vaccination in Australia is bright, fuelled by new product developments and modes of administration.
Leveraging mRNA technology for broader disease protection is a crucial component of the future of vaccination, with researchers at Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University pushing beyond seasonal shots to develop a universal influenza vaccine to provide broader and longer-lasting immunity against diverse influenza strains.
Novel product developments include alternative forms of vaccine delivery that move beyond needles, such as FluMist and emerging intranasal COVID-19 vaccines. These intranasal forms offer a needle-free approach which is set to improve uptake.
The development of combination vaccines will also reduce how often people require immunisation, including efforts to merge protection against COVID-19 and influenza into a single shot aim to simplify vaccine administration.
See the PSA Vaccination (Immunisation) Education Hub for more information.
[post_title] => 6 vaccine trends to watch this World Immunisation Week
[post_excerpt] => World Immunisation Week 2026 (24–30 April) highlights both the progress and ongoing challenges in vaccine coverage – along with the power of immunisation to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases.
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[title_attribute] => 6 vaccine trends to watch this World Immunisation Week
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[post_content] => The autistic community accesses pharmacy services frequently. Yet pharmacists often report uncertainty about how best to communicate, counsel and build rapport in ways that are respectful, effective and person-centred.
Autism spectrum disorder is heterogeneous, points out disability specialist pharmacist and 2021 Consultant Pharmacist of the Year, Dr Manya Angley FPS.
Communication needs can vary, not only between individuals, but also for the same person from day to day – influenced by anxiety, illness, sensory processing, circadian rhythms or environmental factors, Dr Angley says.
Ideally, pharmacists should use validating, trauma-informed language that fosters safety, trust and empowerment, reducing the risk of re-traumatising individuals, says credentialed pharmacist and casual NSW academic Penny Beirne MPS – who has performed many Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) for autistic people.
She says such patients have often had their concerns dismissed or minimised due to implicit bias and communication differences.
Best practice principles of communication – including using clear language, confirming understanding and avoiding overload – apply to all patients, Ms Beirne explains. But they are particularly pertinent when it comes to autistic patients and anyone who might need additional accommodations, such as individuals with cognitive impairment, people who have had a stroke or who have dementia.
Pharmacists in community and consultant settings can improve medicine safety and patient experience by adopting flexible strategies that respect each individual’s preferred mode of communication. Disability pharmacists such as Dr Angley emphasise that supporting autonomy and ensuring direct engagement are central to effective, inclusive care.
Ms Beirne also stresses that prioritising structure, predictability and transparency in interactions with autistic patients can be helpful in reducing anxiety, improving comfort and facilitating better access to healthcare.
Practical guidance
A simple Pharmacist Visit Communication Aid (see Case Study 1, page 61) or handover card can communicate a patient’s needs directly to the pharmacist/pharmacy staff without requiring patients to verbalise them repeatedly.
Further professional guidance will be available from the PSA Spectrum Foundation Program when it is launched later this year, and autism-specific organisations (e.g. Aspect at www.aspect.org.au/about-aspect). Referral to a GP, specialist, speech pathologist, behaviour support practitioner or allied health professional may be needed if medicine management is complex or if additional support is required for safe administration (see boxes, pages 59, 61, 62).
Box 1: Practical advice for communicating with autistic patients
|
Box 2: Using AAC to support communication
|
Patient BG, aged 25, is non-speaking, autistic, lives with epilepsy (tonic-clonic seizures) and communicates using a Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system on their iPad.
Medicines include:
[caption id="attachment_31860" align="alignright" width="300"]
Adjunct Professor Manya Angley FPS (CredPharm MMR) Credentialed and Disability PharmacistBG occasionally chooses not to take antiseizure medicines, reporting fatigue, headaches and dizziness related to dosing via their AAC.
To support BG, consultations were conducted in a quiet room using a Pharmacist Visit Communication Aid. The pharmacist collaborated with BG’s disability support worker to use the PODD AAC to:
2. Explain that missing a dose can increase the risk of seizures, which can also result in the same types of symptoms that are often worse, can limit participation in enjoyable activities, and can be associated with risks like falls and injury.
3. Explore an adjusted routine: trying to take antiseizure medicines at the earliest opportunity in the morning to reduce daytime fatigue.
Visual and literal explanations, combined with carer support for medicine administration, allowed BG to engage in decision-making. Liaison with the GP confirmed safety and appropriateness of the adapted schedule.
BG tolerated pharmacy visits with reduced anxiety and adherence improved. The care team reported increased confidence in managing medicines. Using the PODD AAC enabled BG to actively participate in their medication plan, demonstrating the value of flexible, personalised communication strategies.
Pharmacists can enhance safety, trust and autonomy by adopting flexible, person-centred communication strategies. Direct engagement, active listening, environmental adjustments, and collaboration with carers and communication aids like PODD AAC are key.
Tailoring communication to the individual and their specific support needs ensures inclusive, effective and empowering pharmacy care.
Penny Beirne MPSMx Kai (they/them), aged 38, is an autistic person with a new diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Kai’s GP requested an HMR after Kai experienced challenges engaging with the recommended treatment regimen for LPR.
Kai also has a history of chronic migraine, insomnia, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and constipation. Kai’s STOP-BANG score, a 0–8 point screening tool for assessing a person’s risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) also indicated a high risk of OSA (for more on STOP-BANG, visit www.mdcalc.com/calc/3992/stop-bang-score-obstructive-sleep-apnea).
The recommended regimen initially included:
All interventions except the amitriptyline were ceased because of sensory-related challenges.
Kai’s longstanding medicines comprised:
To better manage Kai’s LPR while accommodating sensory preferences, I recommended they trial alternative alginate agents such as the flavourless Gaviscon Infant sachets – two sachets dissolved in 250 mL water after meals and 0.5 hours before bed. Another alternative suggested was Larri oral spray, two sprays to the back of the throat three or four times daily.
For constipation, wheat dextrin (Benefiber) 2 tsp in >1/2 cup water twice daily was suggested as a psyllium alternative, which is flavourless and textureless when dissolved in water. I corrected Kai’s nasal spray technique in the hope that correct use may reduce the unpleasant taste; I recommended the GP change the nasal spray to one with less of a bitter taste if improved technique does not help. I also recommended referral to a neuroaffirming speech pathologist and dietitian. I suggested a sleep study to rule out OSA, and for Kai to consider medicines overuse headache contributing to the chronic migraine, with a 12-week trial of two doses (maximum) of analgesics weekly, with progress recorded in a headache diary.
Box 3: Tips for conducting HMRs with autistic patientsBefore your visit:
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[post_content] => Yesterday (19 April) the federal government announced RSV vaccination will soon be funded for older Australians on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to ensure protection against this ‘common and potentially deadly virus’.
Yesterday (19 April) the federal government announced RSV vaccination will soon be funded for older Australians on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to ensure protection against this ‘common and potentially deadly virus’.
‘I encourage eligible Australians to protect themselves and their community this winter by getting vaccinated against RSV,’ said Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing and Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the federal government's decision will safeguard the health of many Australians who, without this vaccine, could face severe illness, hospitalisation or death.
‘Older Australians who receive their RSV vaccine will be protected not just this winter, but for many winters, as this vaccine provides protection against this potentially debilitating illness for a number of years,’ he said.
‘Until being added to the NIP, the vaccine was costing older patients around $300. Removing this cost will go a long way toward protecting the respiratory health of those most at-risk of severe RSV and its complications.’
Here are the 6 things pharmacists need to know ahead of the May 2026 rollout.
1. Who is now funded under the NIP?
The NIP has added older Australians, who are significantly at risk of severe complications from RSV infection.
This includes:
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[post_content] => New strains, updated recommendations and funding changes require pharmacists to stay vigilant this season.
Flu season is underway and it’s already taking a toll, with 112 influenza-related deaths recorded this year.
There were 25,430 recorded cases of influenza in the first quarter of 2026 – following a whopping 48,641 cases in Q1 2025, and 1738 deaths caused by influenza
After the ‘worst flu year on record’, patients have been urged to prioritise receiving their flu shot in 2026.
Vaccination urgency is particularly pertinent this season due to new circulating strains, including Subclade K, a branch of the H3N2 influenza family, which is spreading much earlier – and faster – in the flu season.
Here’s what pharmacists need to know about the 2026 influenza season.
There’s been a slow start to flu vaccine uptake
While it’s early in the 2026 flu vaccine rollout, coverage is concerningly low in certain priority groups – with some jurisdictions faring worse than others.
Vaccination rates are highest in older Australians aged 75 years and over, with national coverage sitting at 11.7%. But young children aged 2–4 years, who are at risk of severe complications, hospitalisation and death from influenza, have some of the lowest vaccination rates in the country (1.4%). And in South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania, vaccine coverage in this age cohort is less than 1%.
Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 2–4, the national vaccine average sits below 1%.
Not just to protect grandkids: ATAGI warns of pertussis in older adults
Recent guidance from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) reminds health professionals that pertussis is not confined to childhood, with cases increasing among adults in recent years.
Older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses have higher pertussis morbidity and mortality rates in comparison to healthy adults.
While not NIP-funded, ATAGI and the Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends adults >65 receive a dose of dTpa every 10 years.
When administering other vaccines such as influenza COVID-19 to patients in the age cohort, pharmacists should either inquire when they had their last dTpa vaccine or check the Australian Immunisation Register.
Pertussis-containing vaccines can be safely co-administered with the influenza or COVID-19 vaccine.
Remember to accurately record funding source
Along with funded flu vaccines under the National Immunisation Program, various state-based programs funded vaccines have also been announced – so pharmacists must ensure they are using the correct stock and claiming process via the Pharmacy Programs Administrator (PPA).
Various funded state and territory flu vaccination programs include:
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[post_content] => The TGA is reviewing andrographis after hundreds of serious adverse events raise safety concerns.
It’s mid April and flu season is kicking into gear. According to Roy Morgan, almost half (44.5%) of Australians over 14 years of age rely on cold and flu medicines to help manage their symptoms.
While orally ingested phenylephrine products have come under scrutiny in recent years due to efficacy concerns, an ingredient in another cold and flu product has risen to the fore – andrographis paniculata.
The herbal ingredient, found in over 100 locally available products, is unscheduled, and is widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets and health food stores.
But this could potentially change, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) proposing swift action following a safety review linking the herb to rare but potentially fatal anaphylaxis.
What did the TGA find?
A consistent pattern of serious allergic reactions over time, including:
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[post_content] => World Immunisation Week 2026 (24–30 April) highlights both the progress and ongoing challenges in vaccine coverage – along with the power of immunisation to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases.
This year's theme for every generation, vaccines work, emphasises the lifelong importance of vaccination – from infancy through to adulthood. The theme emphasises not only the individual importance of vaccination, but the collective responsibility to safeguard families, communities and future generations.
Over the last 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 154 million lives through individuals taking proactive steps towards protecting their health. Yet despite this extraordinary progress, declining vaccination rates and the re-emergence of once-considered controlled diseases have triggered public health concerns.
Here are 6 trends pharmacists should keep in mind.
1. Diphtheria is back
It’s been over 3 decades since Australia has been diphtheria free. But recently, the vaccine-preventable disease has re-emerged due to gaps in routine immunisations – with the first cases being recorded since 1992.
By the final quarter of 2025, on-time coverage for the second dose of a DTP-containing vaccine in young children was 9.2 percentage points lower compared with the first quarter of 2020 – found the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance’s (NCIRS) Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2025.
This potentially deadly infection results in swelling of the neck and throat, and can cause breathing problems, while the bacterial toxin can also damage the brain, heart, kidneys and nerves – and was once among the top-ten causes of childhood mortality.
Globally, routine vaccination rates dropped by 33% during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to increased vulnerability to this infectious disease, and others.
In 2025, the Kimberley recorded its first cases in 50 years, with rates in Western Australia’s far north tripling in the past month – reaching 27 cases.
To combat this increase, health experts have stressed the importance of ensuring at-risk individuals stay up-to-date with booster doses.
‘This is not a disease most doctors have seen so we're reminding them it does exist, it is now increasing in prevalence,’ said public health physician Gary Dowse.
Curtin University professor of international health Jaya Dantas said the National Immunisation Program funding for the dTpa vaccine should expand.
‘Childhood vaccination is completely free under the scheme, but with the adult one, it's still not,’ she said.
2. Vaccination rates keep declining
Recent data shows a concerning drop in childhood and teenage vaccination rates –with figures lower than pre-pandemic rates – and a rise in parental hesitancy, with 8.3% of parents in the 2025 NCIRS report not believing vaccines are safe.
Childhood vaccination rates are currently sitting at 90.5% at 12 months, 88.4% at 24 months, and 92.5% at 60 months, which marks a 2.3–4.3% drop since 2020.
The rates of vaccination occurring within 30 days of the recommended age remains low among young children, while 2 in 10 adolescents don’t receive the HPV vaccine by 15, and 3 in 10 won’t receive the meningococcal ACWY dose by 17.
Pharmacists are essential to reversing this downward trend, reminding patients and parents about catch-up vaccinations and providing evidence for the importance of vaccination in a non-judgemental manner.
The PSA continues to advocate for a ‘no wrong door’ stance to vaccination.
‘What [this] does do is increase the convenience for someone to be able to get the vaccine at a time and place of their choosing,’ said PSA’s Head of Policy and Strategy Chris Campbell FPS.
‘There should be an increase in vaccine uptake in children under 5 years of age when there’s an opportunity for an entire family to come to the pharmacy and get vaccinated.’
3. Pharmacist's busiest flu-vaccine week on record!
Pharmacists continue to demonstrate just how essential they are to vaccine uptake across Australia.
Over the past week 281,540 doses of the influenza vaccine have been administered surpassing all previous records, according to the latest Australian Immunisation Register data released by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
And in signs that a needle-free flu vaccine might be making an impact, influenza vaccine doses for children 6 months to 5 years of age are up by 30% year-to-date compared to previous years.
4. HPV vaccination success
The Gardasil vaccine protects individuals against HPV and is offered for free to people aged 9–25 under the NIP.
Early vaccination against HPV has demonstrated success in preventing cervical cancer, with results showing a 40% reduction in cervical precancers. The national cervical cancer rate decreased from 6.6 per 100,000 in 2020 to 6.3 per 100,000 in 2021 and in the same year no cervical cancer cases were diagnosed in women under 25 for the first time since records commenced in 1982.
Despite this progress, boosting vaccination rates and improving participation in cervical screening remain crucial. Vaccination rates have declined slightly compared to previous years, indicating that more work needs to be done if Australia is expected to become the first country to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035.
And the disparity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the general population remains. While 84.2% of non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescent females and 81.8% of adolescent males who turned 15 in 2023 received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine by their 15th birthday, coverage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents was lower, at 80.9% for females and 75.0% for males.
5. Maternal and infant RSV vaccination rates have already improved
Last year, the federal government introduced the funded RSV maternal vaccination under the NIP, with some state programs also offering RSV monoclonal antibody nirsevimab for eligible infants and children whose mother did not receive the RSV vaccine.
A single dose of Abrysvo is recommended for all pregnant women to protect their infant, reducing the risk of severe RSV disease in infants under 6 months of age by an astounding 70%.
Contracting RSV during pregnancy may be associated withearly delivery and low birth weight, with studies suggesting that babies born with RSV are more likely to develop asthma, acute respiratory illnesses and wheezing.
Prior to the rollout, RSV was the leading cause of hospitalisation among infants under 6 months. But in June 2025 this had decreased by 75% through the incorporation of the vaccine into the NIP.
The federal government also announced RSV vaccination will soon be funded for older Australians under the NIP to ensure protection for this vulnerable cohort.
6. What does the future hold for vaccination?
Looking ahead, the future of vaccination in Australia is bright, fuelled by new product developments and modes of administration.
Leveraging mRNA technology for broader disease protection is a crucial component of the future of vaccination, with researchers at Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University pushing beyond seasonal shots to develop a universal influenza vaccine to provide broader and longer-lasting immunity against diverse influenza strains.
Novel product developments include alternative forms of vaccine delivery that move beyond needles, such as FluMist and emerging intranasal COVID-19 vaccines. These intranasal forms offer a needle-free approach which is set to improve uptake.
The development of combination vaccines will also reduce how often people require immunisation, including efforts to merge protection against COVID-19 and influenza into a single shot aim to simplify vaccine administration.
See the PSA Vaccination (Immunisation) Education Hub for more information.
[post_title] => 6 vaccine trends to watch this World Immunisation Week
[post_excerpt] => World Immunisation Week 2026 (24–30 April) highlights both the progress and ongoing challenges in vaccine coverage – along with the power of immunisation to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases.
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[title_attribute] => 6 vaccine trends to watch this World Immunisation Week
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[post_content] => The autistic community accesses pharmacy services frequently. Yet pharmacists often report uncertainty about how best to communicate, counsel and build rapport in ways that are respectful, effective and person-centred.
Autism spectrum disorder is heterogeneous, points out disability specialist pharmacist and 2021 Consultant Pharmacist of the Year, Dr Manya Angley FPS.
Communication needs can vary, not only between individuals, but also for the same person from day to day – influenced by anxiety, illness, sensory processing, circadian rhythms or environmental factors, Dr Angley says.
Ideally, pharmacists should use validating, trauma-informed language that fosters safety, trust and empowerment, reducing the risk of re-traumatising individuals, says credentialed pharmacist and casual NSW academic Penny Beirne MPS – who has performed many Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) for autistic people.
She says such patients have often had their concerns dismissed or minimised due to implicit bias and communication differences.
Best practice principles of communication – including using clear language, confirming understanding and avoiding overload – apply to all patients, Ms Beirne explains. But they are particularly pertinent when it comes to autistic patients and anyone who might need additional accommodations, such as individuals with cognitive impairment, people who have had a stroke or who have dementia.
Pharmacists in community and consultant settings can improve medicine safety and patient experience by adopting flexible strategies that respect each individual’s preferred mode of communication. Disability pharmacists such as Dr Angley emphasise that supporting autonomy and ensuring direct engagement are central to effective, inclusive care.
Ms Beirne also stresses that prioritising structure, predictability and transparency in interactions with autistic patients can be helpful in reducing anxiety, improving comfort and facilitating better access to healthcare.
Practical guidance
A simple Pharmacist Visit Communication Aid (see Case Study 1, page 61) or handover card can communicate a patient’s needs directly to the pharmacist/pharmacy staff without requiring patients to verbalise them repeatedly.
Further professional guidance will be available from the PSA Spectrum Foundation Program when it is launched later this year, and autism-specific organisations (e.g. Aspect at www.aspect.org.au/about-aspect). Referral to a GP, specialist, speech pathologist, behaviour support practitioner or allied health professional may be needed if medicine management is complex or if additional support is required for safe administration (see boxes, pages 59, 61, 62).
Box 1: Practical advice for communicating with autistic patients
|
Box 2: Using AAC to support communication
|
Patient BG, aged 25, is non-speaking, autistic, lives with epilepsy (tonic-clonic seizures) and communicates using a Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system on their iPad.
Medicines include:
[caption id="attachment_31860" align="alignright" width="300"] Adjunct Professor Manya Angley FPS (CredPharm MMR) Credentialed and Disability PharmacistBG occasionally chooses not to take antiseizure medicines, reporting fatigue, headaches and dizziness related to dosing via their AAC.
To support BG, consultations were conducted in a quiet room using a Pharmacist Visit Communication Aid. The pharmacist collaborated with BG’s disability support worker to use the PODD AAC to:
2. Explain that missing a dose can increase the risk of seizures, which can also result in the same types of symptoms that are often worse, can limit participation in enjoyable activities, and can be associated with risks like falls and injury.
3. Explore an adjusted routine: trying to take antiseizure medicines at the earliest opportunity in the morning to reduce daytime fatigue.
Visual and literal explanations, combined with carer support for medicine administration, allowed BG to engage in decision-making. Liaison with the GP confirmed safety and appropriateness of the adapted schedule.
BG tolerated pharmacy visits with reduced anxiety and adherence improved. The care team reported increased confidence in managing medicines. Using the PODD AAC enabled BG to actively participate in their medication plan, demonstrating the value of flexible, personalised communication strategies.
Pharmacists can enhance safety, trust and autonomy by adopting flexible, person-centred communication strategies. Direct engagement, active listening, environmental adjustments, and collaboration with carers and communication aids like PODD AAC are key.
Tailoring communication to the individual and their specific support needs ensures inclusive, effective and empowering pharmacy care.
Penny Beirne MPSMx Kai (they/them), aged 38, is an autistic person with a new diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Kai’s GP requested an HMR after Kai experienced challenges engaging with the recommended treatment regimen for LPR.
Kai also has a history of chronic migraine, insomnia, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and constipation. Kai’s STOP-BANG score, a 0–8 point screening tool for assessing a person’s risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) also indicated a high risk of OSA (for more on STOP-BANG, visit www.mdcalc.com/calc/3992/stop-bang-score-obstructive-sleep-apnea).
The recommended regimen initially included:
All interventions except the amitriptyline were ceased because of sensory-related challenges.
Kai’s longstanding medicines comprised:
To better manage Kai’s LPR while accommodating sensory preferences, I recommended they trial alternative alginate agents such as the flavourless Gaviscon Infant sachets – two sachets dissolved in 250 mL water after meals and 0.5 hours before bed. Another alternative suggested was Larri oral spray, two sprays to the back of the throat three or four times daily.
For constipation, wheat dextrin (Benefiber) 2 tsp in >1/2 cup water twice daily was suggested as a psyllium alternative, which is flavourless and textureless when dissolved in water. I corrected Kai’s nasal spray technique in the hope that correct use may reduce the unpleasant taste; I recommended the GP change the nasal spray to one with less of a bitter taste if improved technique does not help. I also recommended referral to a neuroaffirming speech pathologist and dietitian. I suggested a sleep study to rule out OSA, and for Kai to consider medicines overuse headache contributing to the chronic migraine, with a 12-week trial of two doses (maximum) of analgesics weekly, with progress recorded in a headache diary.
Box 3: Tips for conducting HMRs with autistic patientsBefore your visit:
|
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[post_content] => Yesterday (19 April) the federal government announced RSV vaccination will soon be funded for older Australians on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to ensure protection against this ‘common and potentially deadly virus’.
Yesterday (19 April) the federal government announced RSV vaccination will soon be funded for older Australians on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to ensure protection against this ‘common and potentially deadly virus’.
‘I encourage eligible Australians to protect themselves and their community this winter by getting vaccinated against RSV,’ said Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing and Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the federal government's decision will safeguard the health of many Australians who, without this vaccine, could face severe illness, hospitalisation or death.
‘Older Australians who receive their RSV vaccine will be protected not just this winter, but for many winters, as this vaccine provides protection against this potentially debilitating illness for a number of years,’ he said.
‘Until being added to the NIP, the vaccine was costing older patients around $300. Removing this cost will go a long way toward protecting the respiratory health of those most at-risk of severe RSV and its complications.’
Here are the 6 things pharmacists need to know ahead of the May 2026 rollout.
1. Who is now funded under the NIP?
The NIP has added older Australians, who are significantly at risk of severe complications from RSV infection.
This includes:
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[post_content] => New strains, updated recommendations and funding changes require pharmacists to stay vigilant this season.
Flu season is underway and it’s already taking a toll, with 112 influenza-related deaths recorded this year.
There were 25,430 recorded cases of influenza in the first quarter of 2026 – following a whopping 48,641 cases in Q1 2025, and 1738 deaths caused by influenza
After the ‘worst flu year on record’, patients have been urged to prioritise receiving their flu shot in 2026.
Vaccination urgency is particularly pertinent this season due to new circulating strains, including Subclade K, a branch of the H3N2 influenza family, which is spreading much earlier – and faster – in the flu season.
Here’s what pharmacists need to know about the 2026 influenza season.
There’s been a slow start to flu vaccine uptake
While it’s early in the 2026 flu vaccine rollout, coverage is concerningly low in certain priority groups – with some jurisdictions faring worse than others.
Vaccination rates are highest in older Australians aged 75 years and over, with national coverage sitting at 11.7%. But young children aged 2–4 years, who are at risk of severe complications, hospitalisation and death from influenza, have some of the lowest vaccination rates in the country (1.4%). And in South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania, vaccine coverage in this age cohort is less than 1%.
Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 2–4, the national vaccine average sits below 1%.
Not just to protect grandkids: ATAGI warns of pertussis in older adults
Recent guidance from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) reminds health professionals that pertussis is not confined to childhood, with cases increasing among adults in recent years.
Older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses have higher pertussis morbidity and mortality rates in comparison to healthy adults.
While not NIP-funded, ATAGI and the Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends adults >65 receive a dose of dTpa every 10 years.
When administering other vaccines such as influenza COVID-19 to patients in the age cohort, pharmacists should either inquire when they had their last dTpa vaccine or check the Australian Immunisation Register.
Pertussis-containing vaccines can be safely co-administered with the influenza or COVID-19 vaccine.
Remember to accurately record funding source
Along with funded flu vaccines under the National Immunisation Program, various state-based programs funded vaccines have also been announced – so pharmacists must ensure they are using the correct stock and claiming process via the Pharmacy Programs Administrator (PPA).
Various funded state and territory flu vaccination programs include:
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[post_content] => The TGA is reviewing andrographis after hundreds of serious adverse events raise safety concerns.
It’s mid April and flu season is kicking into gear. According to Roy Morgan, almost half (44.5%) of Australians over 14 years of age rely on cold and flu medicines to help manage their symptoms.
While orally ingested phenylephrine products have come under scrutiny in recent years due to efficacy concerns, an ingredient in another cold and flu product has risen to the fore – andrographis paniculata.
The herbal ingredient, found in over 100 locally available products, is unscheduled, and is widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets and health food stores.
But this could potentially change, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) proposing swift action following a safety review linking the herb to rare but potentially fatal anaphylaxis.
What did the TGA find?
A consistent pattern of serious allergic reactions over time, including:
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[post_content] => World Immunisation Week 2026 (24–30 April) highlights both the progress and ongoing challenges in vaccine coverage – along with the power of immunisation to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases.
This year's theme for every generation, vaccines work, emphasises the lifelong importance of vaccination – from infancy through to adulthood. The theme emphasises not only the individual importance of vaccination, but the collective responsibility to safeguard families, communities and future generations.
Over the last 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 154 million lives through individuals taking proactive steps towards protecting their health. Yet despite this extraordinary progress, declining vaccination rates and the re-emergence of once-considered controlled diseases have triggered public health concerns.
Here are 6 trends pharmacists should keep in mind.
1. Diphtheria is back
It’s been over 3 decades since Australia has been diphtheria free. But recently, the vaccine-preventable disease has re-emerged due to gaps in routine immunisations – with the first cases being recorded since 1992.
By the final quarter of 2025, on-time coverage for the second dose of a DTP-containing vaccine in young children was 9.2 percentage points lower compared with the first quarter of 2020 – found the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance’s (NCIRS) Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2025.
This potentially deadly infection results in swelling of the neck and throat, and can cause breathing problems, while the bacterial toxin can also damage the brain, heart, kidneys and nerves – and was once among the top-ten causes of childhood mortality.
Globally, routine vaccination rates dropped by 33% during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to increased vulnerability to this infectious disease, and others.
In 2025, the Kimberley recorded its first cases in 50 years, with rates in Western Australia’s far north tripling in the past month – reaching 27 cases.
To combat this increase, health experts have stressed the importance of ensuring at-risk individuals stay up-to-date with booster doses.
‘This is not a disease most doctors have seen so we're reminding them it does exist, it is now increasing in prevalence,’ said public health physician Gary Dowse.
Curtin University professor of international health Jaya Dantas said the National Immunisation Program funding for the dTpa vaccine should expand.
‘Childhood vaccination is completely free under the scheme, but with the adult one, it's still not,’ she said.
2. Vaccination rates keep declining
Recent data shows a concerning drop in childhood and teenage vaccination rates –with figures lower than pre-pandemic rates – and a rise in parental hesitancy, with 8.3% of parents in the 2025 NCIRS report not believing vaccines are safe.
Childhood vaccination rates are currently sitting at 90.5% at 12 months, 88.4% at 24 months, and 92.5% at 60 months, which marks a 2.3–4.3% drop since 2020.
The rates of vaccination occurring within 30 days of the recommended age remains low among young children, while 2 in 10 adolescents don’t receive the HPV vaccine by 15, and 3 in 10 won’t receive the meningococcal ACWY dose by 17.
Pharmacists are essential to reversing this downward trend, reminding patients and parents about catch-up vaccinations and providing evidence for the importance of vaccination in a non-judgemental manner.
The PSA continues to advocate for a ‘no wrong door’ stance to vaccination.
‘What [this] does do is increase the convenience for someone to be able to get the vaccine at a time and place of their choosing,’ said PSA’s Head of Policy and Strategy Chris Campbell FPS.
‘There should be an increase in vaccine uptake in children under 5 years of age when there’s an opportunity for an entire family to come to the pharmacy and get vaccinated.’
3. Pharmacist's busiest flu-vaccine week on record!
Pharmacists continue to demonstrate just how essential they are to vaccine uptake across Australia.
Over the past week 281,540 doses of the influenza vaccine have been administered surpassing all previous records, according to the latest Australian Immunisation Register data released by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
And in signs that a needle-free flu vaccine might be making an impact, influenza vaccine doses for children 6 months to 5 years of age are up by 30% year-to-date compared to previous years.
4. HPV vaccination success
The Gardasil vaccine protects individuals against HPV and is offered for free to people aged 9–25 under the NIP.
Early vaccination against HPV has demonstrated success in preventing cervical cancer, with results showing a 40% reduction in cervical precancers. The national cervical cancer rate decreased from 6.6 per 100,000 in 2020 to 6.3 per 100,000 in 2021 and in the same year no cervical cancer cases were diagnosed in women under 25 for the first time since records commenced in 1982.
Despite this progress, boosting vaccination rates and improving participation in cervical screening remain crucial. Vaccination rates have declined slightly compared to previous years, indicating that more work needs to be done if Australia is expected to become the first country to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035.
And the disparity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the general population remains. While 84.2% of non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescent females and 81.8% of adolescent males who turned 15 in 2023 received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine by their 15th birthday, coverage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents was lower, at 80.9% for females and 75.0% for males.
5. Maternal and infant RSV vaccination rates have already improved
Last year, the federal government introduced the funded RSV maternal vaccination under the NIP, with some state programs also offering RSV monoclonal antibody nirsevimab for eligible infants and children whose mother did not receive the RSV vaccine.
A single dose of Abrysvo is recommended for all pregnant women to protect their infant, reducing the risk of severe RSV disease in infants under 6 months of age by an astounding 70%.
Contracting RSV during pregnancy may be associated withearly delivery and low birth weight, with studies suggesting that babies born with RSV are more likely to develop asthma, acute respiratory illnesses and wheezing.
Prior to the rollout, RSV was the leading cause of hospitalisation among infants under 6 months. But in June 2025 this had decreased by 75% through the incorporation of the vaccine into the NIP.
The federal government also announced RSV vaccination will soon be funded for older Australians under the NIP to ensure protection for this vulnerable cohort.
6. What does the future hold for vaccination?
Looking ahead, the future of vaccination in Australia is bright, fuelled by new product developments and modes of administration.
Leveraging mRNA technology for broader disease protection is a crucial component of the future of vaccination, with researchers at Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University pushing beyond seasonal shots to develop a universal influenza vaccine to provide broader and longer-lasting immunity against diverse influenza strains.
Novel product developments include alternative forms of vaccine delivery that move beyond needles, such as FluMist and emerging intranasal COVID-19 vaccines. These intranasal forms offer a needle-free approach which is set to improve uptake.
The development of combination vaccines will also reduce how often people require immunisation, including efforts to merge protection against COVID-19 and influenza into a single shot aim to simplify vaccine administration.
See the PSA Vaccination (Immunisation) Education Hub for more information.
[post_title] => 6 vaccine trends to watch this World Immunisation Week
[post_excerpt] => World Immunisation Week 2026 (24–30 April) highlights both the progress and ongoing challenges in vaccine coverage – along with the power of immunisation to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases.
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[title_attribute] => 6 vaccine trends to watch this World Immunisation Week
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[post_content] => The autistic community accesses pharmacy services frequently. Yet pharmacists often report uncertainty about how best to communicate, counsel and build rapport in ways that are respectful, effective and person-centred.
Autism spectrum disorder is heterogeneous, points out disability specialist pharmacist and 2021 Consultant Pharmacist of the Year, Dr Manya Angley FPS.
Communication needs can vary, not only between individuals, but also for the same person from day to day – influenced by anxiety, illness, sensory processing, circadian rhythms or environmental factors, Dr Angley says.
Ideally, pharmacists should use validating, trauma-informed language that fosters safety, trust and empowerment, reducing the risk of re-traumatising individuals, says credentialed pharmacist and casual NSW academic Penny Beirne MPS – who has performed many Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) for autistic people.
She says such patients have often had their concerns dismissed or minimised due to implicit bias and communication differences.
Best practice principles of communication – including using clear language, confirming understanding and avoiding overload – apply to all patients, Ms Beirne explains. But they are particularly pertinent when it comes to autistic patients and anyone who might need additional accommodations, such as individuals with cognitive impairment, people who have had a stroke or who have dementia.
Pharmacists in community and consultant settings can improve medicine safety and patient experience by adopting flexible strategies that respect each individual’s preferred mode of communication. Disability pharmacists such as Dr Angley emphasise that supporting autonomy and ensuring direct engagement are central to effective, inclusive care.
Ms Beirne also stresses that prioritising structure, predictability and transparency in interactions with autistic patients can be helpful in reducing anxiety, improving comfort and facilitating better access to healthcare.
Practical guidance
A simple Pharmacist Visit Communication Aid (see Case Study 1, page 61) or handover card can communicate a patient’s needs directly to the pharmacist/pharmacy staff without requiring patients to verbalise them repeatedly.
Further professional guidance will be available from the PSA Spectrum Foundation Program when it is launched later this year, and autism-specific organisations (e.g. Aspect at www.aspect.org.au/about-aspect). Referral to a GP, specialist, speech pathologist, behaviour support practitioner or allied health professional may be needed if medicine management is complex or if additional support is required for safe administration (see boxes, pages 59, 61, 62).
Box 1: Practical advice for communicating with autistic patients
|
Box 2: Using AAC to support communication
|
Patient BG, aged 25, is non-speaking, autistic, lives with epilepsy (tonic-clonic seizures) and communicates using a Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system on their iPad.
Medicines include:
[caption id="attachment_31860" align="alignright" width="300"] Adjunct Professor Manya Angley FPS (CredPharm MMR) Credentialed and Disability PharmacistBG occasionally chooses not to take antiseizure medicines, reporting fatigue, headaches and dizziness related to dosing via their AAC.
To support BG, consultations were conducted in a quiet room using a Pharmacist Visit Communication Aid. The pharmacist collaborated with BG’s disability support worker to use the PODD AAC to:
2. Explain that missing a dose can increase the risk of seizures, which can also result in the same types of symptoms that are often worse, can limit participation in enjoyable activities, and can be associated with risks like falls and injury.
3. Explore an adjusted routine: trying to take antiseizure medicines at the earliest opportunity in the morning to reduce daytime fatigue.
Visual and literal explanations, combined with carer support for medicine administration, allowed BG to engage in decision-making. Liaison with the GP confirmed safety and appropriateness of the adapted schedule.
BG tolerated pharmacy visits with reduced anxiety and adherence improved. The care team reported increased confidence in managing medicines. Using the PODD AAC enabled BG to actively participate in their medication plan, demonstrating the value of flexible, personalised communication strategies.
Pharmacists can enhance safety, trust and autonomy by adopting flexible, person-centred communication strategies. Direct engagement, active listening, environmental adjustments, and collaboration with carers and communication aids like PODD AAC are key.
Tailoring communication to the individual and their specific support needs ensures inclusive, effective and empowering pharmacy care.
Penny Beirne MPSMx Kai (they/them), aged 38, is an autistic person with a new diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Kai’s GP requested an HMR after Kai experienced challenges engaging with the recommended treatment regimen for LPR.
Kai also has a history of chronic migraine, insomnia, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and constipation. Kai’s STOP-BANG score, a 0–8 point screening tool for assessing a person’s risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) also indicated a high risk of OSA (for more on STOP-BANG, visit www.mdcalc.com/calc/3992/stop-bang-score-obstructive-sleep-apnea).
The recommended regimen initially included:
All interventions except the amitriptyline were ceased because of sensory-related challenges.
Kai’s longstanding medicines comprised:
To better manage Kai’s LPR while accommodating sensory preferences, I recommended they trial alternative alginate agents such as the flavourless Gaviscon Infant sachets – two sachets dissolved in 250 mL water after meals and 0.5 hours before bed. Another alternative suggested was Larri oral spray, two sprays to the back of the throat three or four times daily.
For constipation, wheat dextrin (Benefiber) 2 tsp in >1/2 cup water twice daily was suggested as a psyllium alternative, which is flavourless and textureless when dissolved in water. I corrected Kai’s nasal spray technique in the hope that correct use may reduce the unpleasant taste; I recommended the GP change the nasal spray to one with less of a bitter taste if improved technique does not help. I also recommended referral to a neuroaffirming speech pathologist and dietitian. I suggested a sleep study to rule out OSA, and for Kai to consider medicines overuse headache contributing to the chronic migraine, with a 12-week trial of two doses (maximum) of analgesics weekly, with progress recorded in a headache diary.
Box 3: Tips for conducting HMRs with autistic patientsBefore your visit:
|
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[post_content] => Yesterday (19 April) the federal government announced RSV vaccination will soon be funded for older Australians on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to ensure protection against this ‘common and potentially deadly virus’.
Yesterday (19 April) the federal government announced RSV vaccination will soon be funded for older Australians on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to ensure protection against this ‘common and potentially deadly virus’.
‘I encourage eligible Australians to protect themselves and their community this winter by getting vaccinated against RSV,’ said Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing and Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the federal government's decision will safeguard the health of many Australians who, without this vaccine, could face severe illness, hospitalisation or death.
‘Older Australians who receive their RSV vaccine will be protected not just this winter, but for many winters, as this vaccine provides protection against this potentially debilitating illness for a number of years,’ he said.
‘Until being added to the NIP, the vaccine was costing older patients around $300. Removing this cost will go a long way toward protecting the respiratory health of those most at-risk of severe RSV and its complications.’
Here are the 6 things pharmacists need to know ahead of the May 2026 rollout.
1. Who is now funded under the NIP?
The NIP has added older Australians, who are significantly at risk of severe complications from RSV infection.
This includes:
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[post_content] => New strains, updated recommendations and funding changes require pharmacists to stay vigilant this season.
Flu season is underway and it’s already taking a toll, with 112 influenza-related deaths recorded this year.
There were 25,430 recorded cases of influenza in the first quarter of 2026 – following a whopping 48,641 cases in Q1 2025, and 1738 deaths caused by influenza
After the ‘worst flu year on record’, patients have been urged to prioritise receiving their flu shot in 2026.
Vaccination urgency is particularly pertinent this season due to new circulating strains, including Subclade K, a branch of the H3N2 influenza family, which is spreading much earlier – and faster – in the flu season.
Here’s what pharmacists need to know about the 2026 influenza season.
There’s been a slow start to flu vaccine uptake
While it’s early in the 2026 flu vaccine rollout, coverage is concerningly low in certain priority groups – with some jurisdictions faring worse than others.
Vaccination rates are highest in older Australians aged 75 years and over, with national coverage sitting at 11.7%. But young children aged 2–4 years, who are at risk of severe complications, hospitalisation and death from influenza, have some of the lowest vaccination rates in the country (1.4%). And in South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania, vaccine coverage in this age cohort is less than 1%.
Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 2–4, the national vaccine average sits below 1%.
Not just to protect grandkids: ATAGI warns of pertussis in older adults
Recent guidance from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) reminds health professionals that pertussis is not confined to childhood, with cases increasing among adults in recent years.
Older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses have higher pertussis morbidity and mortality rates in comparison to healthy adults.
While not NIP-funded, ATAGI and the Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends adults >65 receive a dose of dTpa every 10 years.
When administering other vaccines such as influenza COVID-19 to patients in the age cohort, pharmacists should either inquire when they had their last dTpa vaccine or check the Australian Immunisation Register.
Pertussis-containing vaccines can be safely co-administered with the influenza or COVID-19 vaccine.
Remember to accurately record funding source
Along with funded flu vaccines under the National Immunisation Program, various state-based programs funded vaccines have also been announced – so pharmacists must ensure they are using the correct stock and claiming process via the Pharmacy Programs Administrator (PPA).
Various funded state and territory flu vaccination programs include:
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[post_content] => The TGA is reviewing andrographis after hundreds of serious adverse events raise safety concerns.
It’s mid April and flu season is kicking into gear. According to Roy Morgan, almost half (44.5%) of Australians over 14 years of age rely on cold and flu medicines to help manage their symptoms.
While orally ingested phenylephrine products have come under scrutiny in recent years due to efficacy concerns, an ingredient in another cold and flu product has risen to the fore – andrographis paniculata.
The herbal ingredient, found in over 100 locally available products, is unscheduled, and is widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets and health food stores.
But this could potentially change, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) proposing swift action following a safety review linking the herb to rare but potentially fatal anaphylaxis.
What did the TGA find?
A consistent pattern of serious allergic reactions over time, including:
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[post_content] => World Immunisation Week 2026 (24–30 April) highlights both the progress and ongoing challenges in vaccine coverage – along with the power of immunisation to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases.
This year's theme for every generation, vaccines work, emphasises the lifelong importance of vaccination – from infancy through to adulthood. The theme emphasises not only the individual importance of vaccination, but the collective responsibility to safeguard families, communities and future generations.
Over the last 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 154 million lives through individuals taking proactive steps towards protecting their health. Yet despite this extraordinary progress, declining vaccination rates and the re-emergence of once-considered controlled diseases have triggered public health concerns.
Here are 6 trends pharmacists should keep in mind.
1. Diphtheria is back
It’s been over 3 decades since Australia has been diphtheria free. But recently, the vaccine-preventable disease has re-emerged due to gaps in routine immunisations – with the first cases being recorded since 1992.
By the final quarter of 2025, on-time coverage for the second dose of a DTP-containing vaccine in young children was 9.2 percentage points lower compared with the first quarter of 2020 – found the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance’s (NCIRS) Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2025.
This potentially deadly infection results in swelling of the neck and throat, and can cause breathing problems, while the bacterial toxin can also damage the brain, heart, kidneys and nerves – and was once among the top-ten causes of childhood mortality.
Globally, routine vaccination rates dropped by 33% during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to increased vulnerability to this infectious disease, and others.
In 2025, the Kimberley recorded its first cases in 50 years, with rates in Western Australia’s far north tripling in the past month – reaching 27 cases.
To combat this increase, health experts have stressed the importance of ensuring at-risk individuals stay up-to-date with booster doses.
‘This is not a disease most doctors have seen so we're reminding them it does exist, it is now increasing in prevalence,’ said public health physician Gary Dowse.
Curtin University professor of international health Jaya Dantas said the National Immunisation Program funding for the dTpa vaccine should expand.
‘Childhood vaccination is completely free under the scheme, but with the adult one, it's still not,’ she said.
2. Vaccination rates keep declining
Recent data shows a concerning drop in childhood and teenage vaccination rates –with figures lower than pre-pandemic rates – and a rise in parental hesitancy, with 8.3% of parents in the 2025 NCIRS report not believing vaccines are safe.
Childhood vaccination rates are currently sitting at 90.5% at 12 months, 88.4% at 24 months, and 92.5% at 60 months, which marks a 2.3–4.3% drop since 2020.
The rates of vaccination occurring within 30 days of the recommended age remains low among young children, while 2 in 10 adolescents don’t receive the HPV vaccine by 15, and 3 in 10 won’t receive the meningococcal ACWY dose by 17.
Pharmacists are essential to reversing this downward trend, reminding patients and parents about catch-up vaccinations and providing evidence for the importance of vaccination in a non-judgemental manner.
The PSA continues to advocate for a ‘no wrong door’ stance to vaccination.
‘What [this] does do is increase the convenience for someone to be able to get the vaccine at a time and place of their choosing,’ said PSA’s Head of Policy and Strategy Chris Campbell FPS.
‘There should be an increase in vaccine uptake in children under 5 years of age when there’s an opportunity for an entire family to come to the pharmacy and get vaccinated.’
3. Pharmacist's busiest flu-vaccine week on record!
Pharmacists continue to demonstrate just how essential they are to vaccine uptake across Australia.
Over the past week 281,540 doses of the influenza vaccine have been administered surpassing all previous records, according to the latest Australian Immunisation Register data released by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
And in signs that a needle-free flu vaccine might be making an impact, influenza vaccine doses for children 6 months to 5 years of age are up by 30% year-to-date compared to previous years.
4. HPV vaccination success
The Gardasil vaccine protects individuals against HPV and is offered for free to people aged 9–25 under the NIP.
Early vaccination against HPV has demonstrated success in preventing cervical cancer, with results showing a 40% reduction in cervical precancers. The national cervical cancer rate decreased from 6.6 per 100,000 in 2020 to 6.3 per 100,000 in 2021 and in the same year no cervical cancer cases were diagnosed in women under 25 for the first time since records commenced in 1982.
Despite this progress, boosting vaccination rates and improving participation in cervical screening remain crucial. Vaccination rates have declined slightly compared to previous years, indicating that more work needs to be done if Australia is expected to become the first country to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035.
And the disparity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the general population remains. While 84.2% of non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescent females and 81.8% of adolescent males who turned 15 in 2023 received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine by their 15th birthday, coverage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents was lower, at 80.9% for females and 75.0% for males.
5. Maternal and infant RSV vaccination rates have already improved
Last year, the federal government introduced the funded RSV maternal vaccination under the NIP, with some state programs also offering RSV monoclonal antibody nirsevimab for eligible infants and children whose mother did not receive the RSV vaccine.
A single dose of Abrysvo is recommended for all pregnant women to protect their infant, reducing the risk of severe RSV disease in infants under 6 months of age by an astounding 70%.
Contracting RSV during pregnancy may be associated withearly delivery and low birth weight, with studies suggesting that babies born with RSV are more likely to develop asthma, acute respiratory illnesses and wheezing.
Prior to the rollout, RSV was the leading cause of hospitalisation among infants under 6 months. But in June 2025 this had decreased by 75% through the incorporation of the vaccine into the NIP.
The federal government also announced RSV vaccination will soon be funded for older Australians under the NIP to ensure protection for this vulnerable cohort.
6. What does the future hold for vaccination?
Looking ahead, the future of vaccination in Australia is bright, fuelled by new product developments and modes of administration.
Leveraging mRNA technology for broader disease protection is a crucial component of the future of vaccination, with researchers at Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University pushing beyond seasonal shots to develop a universal influenza vaccine to provide broader and longer-lasting immunity against diverse influenza strains.
Novel product developments include alternative forms of vaccine delivery that move beyond needles, such as FluMist and emerging intranasal COVID-19 vaccines. These intranasal forms offer a needle-free approach which is set to improve uptake.
The development of combination vaccines will also reduce how often people require immunisation, including efforts to merge protection against COVID-19 and influenza into a single shot aim to simplify vaccine administration.
See the PSA Vaccination (Immunisation) Education Hub for more information.
[post_title] => 6 vaccine trends to watch this World Immunisation Week
[post_excerpt] => World Immunisation Week 2026 (24–30 April) highlights both the progress and ongoing challenges in vaccine coverage – along with the power of immunisation to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases.
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[title_attribute] => 6 vaccine trends to watch this World Immunisation Week
[title] => 6 vaccine trends to watch this World Immunisation Week
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[post_content] => The autistic community accesses pharmacy services frequently. Yet pharmacists often report uncertainty about how best to communicate, counsel and build rapport in ways that are respectful, effective and person-centred.
Autism spectrum disorder is heterogeneous, points out disability specialist pharmacist and 2021 Consultant Pharmacist of the Year, Dr Manya Angley FPS.
Communication needs can vary, not only between individuals, but also for the same person from day to day – influenced by anxiety, illness, sensory processing, circadian rhythms or environmental factors, Dr Angley says.
Ideally, pharmacists should use validating, trauma-informed language that fosters safety, trust and empowerment, reducing the risk of re-traumatising individuals, says credentialed pharmacist and casual NSW academic Penny Beirne MPS – who has performed many Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) for autistic people.
She says such patients have often had their concerns dismissed or minimised due to implicit bias and communication differences.
Best practice principles of communication – including using clear language, confirming understanding and avoiding overload – apply to all patients, Ms Beirne explains. But they are particularly pertinent when it comes to autistic patients and anyone who might need additional accommodations, such as individuals with cognitive impairment, people who have had a stroke or who have dementia.
Pharmacists in community and consultant settings can improve medicine safety and patient experience by adopting flexible strategies that respect each individual’s preferred mode of communication. Disability pharmacists such as Dr Angley emphasise that supporting autonomy and ensuring direct engagement are central to effective, inclusive care.
Ms Beirne also stresses that prioritising structure, predictability and transparency in interactions with autistic patients can be helpful in reducing anxiety, improving comfort and facilitating better access to healthcare.
Practical guidance
A simple Pharmacist Visit Communication Aid (see Case Study 1, page 61) or handover card can communicate a patient’s needs directly to the pharmacist/pharmacy staff without requiring patients to verbalise them repeatedly.
Further professional guidance will be available from the PSA Spectrum Foundation Program when it is launched later this year, and autism-specific organisations (e.g. Aspect at www.aspect.org.au/about-aspect). Referral to a GP, specialist, speech pathologist, behaviour support practitioner or allied health professional may be needed if medicine management is complex or if additional support is required for safe administration (see boxes, pages 59, 61, 62).
Box 1: Practical advice for communicating with autistic patients
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Box 2: Using AAC to support communication
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Patient BG, aged 25, is non-speaking, autistic, lives with epilepsy (tonic-clonic seizures) and communicates using a Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system on their iPad.
Medicines include:
[caption id="attachment_31860" align="alignright" width="300"] Adjunct Professor Manya Angley FPS (CredPharm MMR) Credentialed and Disability PharmacistBG occasionally chooses not to take antiseizure medicines, reporting fatigue, headaches and dizziness related to dosing via their AAC.
To support BG, consultations were conducted in a quiet room using a Pharmacist Visit Communication Aid. The pharmacist collaborated with BG’s disability support worker to use the PODD AAC to:
2. Explain that missing a dose can increase the risk of seizures, which can also result in the same types of symptoms that are often worse, can limit participation in enjoyable activities, and can be associated with risks like falls and injury.
3. Explore an adjusted routine: trying to take antiseizure medicines at the earliest opportunity in the morning to reduce daytime fatigue.
Visual and literal explanations, combined with carer support for medicine administration, allowed BG to engage in decision-making. Liaison with the GP confirmed safety and appropriateness of the adapted schedule.
BG tolerated pharmacy visits with reduced anxiety and adherence improved. The care team reported increased confidence in managing medicines. Using the PODD AAC enabled BG to actively participate in their medication plan, demonstrating the value of flexible, personalised communication strategies.
Pharmacists can enhance safety, trust and autonomy by adopting flexible, person-centred communication strategies. Direct engagement, active listening, environmental adjustments, and collaboration with carers and communication aids like PODD AAC are key.
Tailoring communication to the individual and their specific support needs ensures inclusive, effective and empowering pharmacy care.
Penny Beirne MPSMx Kai (they/them), aged 38, is an autistic person with a new diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Kai’s GP requested an HMR after Kai experienced challenges engaging with the recommended treatment regimen for LPR.
Kai also has a history of chronic migraine, insomnia, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and constipation. Kai’s STOP-BANG score, a 0–8 point screening tool for assessing a person’s risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) also indicated a high risk of OSA (for more on STOP-BANG, visit www.mdcalc.com/calc/3992/stop-bang-score-obstructive-sleep-apnea).
The recommended regimen initially included:
All interventions except the amitriptyline were ceased because of sensory-related challenges.
Kai’s longstanding medicines comprised:
To better manage Kai’s LPR while accommodating sensory preferences, I recommended they trial alternative alginate agents such as the flavourless Gaviscon Infant sachets – two sachets dissolved in 250 mL water after meals and 0.5 hours before bed. Another alternative suggested was Larri oral spray, two sprays to the back of the throat three or four times daily.
For constipation, wheat dextrin (Benefiber) 2 tsp in >1/2 cup water twice daily was suggested as a psyllium alternative, which is flavourless and textureless when dissolved in water. I corrected Kai’s nasal spray technique in the hope that correct use may reduce the unpleasant taste; I recommended the GP change the nasal spray to one with less of a bitter taste if improved technique does not help. I also recommended referral to a neuroaffirming speech pathologist and dietitian. I suggested a sleep study to rule out OSA, and for Kai to consider medicines overuse headache contributing to the chronic migraine, with a 12-week trial of two doses (maximum) of analgesics weekly, with progress recorded in a headache diary.
Box 3: Tips for conducting HMRs with autistic patientsBefore your visit:
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[post_content] => Yesterday (19 April) the federal government announced RSV vaccination will soon be funded for older Australians on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to ensure protection against this ‘common and potentially deadly virus’.
Yesterday (19 April) the federal government announced RSV vaccination will soon be funded for older Australians on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to ensure protection against this ‘common and potentially deadly virus’.
‘I encourage eligible Australians to protect themselves and their community this winter by getting vaccinated against RSV,’ said Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing and Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the federal government's decision will safeguard the health of many Australians who, without this vaccine, could face severe illness, hospitalisation or death.
‘Older Australians who receive their RSV vaccine will be protected not just this winter, but for many winters, as this vaccine provides protection against this potentially debilitating illness for a number of years,’ he said.
‘Until being added to the NIP, the vaccine was costing older patients around $300. Removing this cost will go a long way toward protecting the respiratory health of those most at-risk of severe RSV and its complications.’
Here are the 6 things pharmacists need to know ahead of the May 2026 rollout.
1. Who is now funded under the NIP?
The NIP has added older Australians, who are significantly at risk of severe complications from RSV infection.
This includes:
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[post_content] => New strains, updated recommendations and funding changes require pharmacists to stay vigilant this season.
Flu season is underway and it’s already taking a toll, with 112 influenza-related deaths recorded this year.
There were 25,430 recorded cases of influenza in the first quarter of 2026 – following a whopping 48,641 cases in Q1 2025, and 1738 deaths caused by influenza
After the ‘worst flu year on record’, patients have been urged to prioritise receiving their flu shot in 2026.
Vaccination urgency is particularly pertinent this season due to new circulating strains, including Subclade K, a branch of the H3N2 influenza family, which is spreading much earlier – and faster – in the flu season.
Here’s what pharmacists need to know about the 2026 influenza season.
There’s been a slow start to flu vaccine uptake
While it’s early in the 2026 flu vaccine rollout, coverage is concerningly low in certain priority groups – with some jurisdictions faring worse than others.
Vaccination rates are highest in older Australians aged 75 years and over, with national coverage sitting at 11.7%. But young children aged 2–4 years, who are at risk of severe complications, hospitalisation and death from influenza, have some of the lowest vaccination rates in the country (1.4%). And in South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania, vaccine coverage in this age cohort is less than 1%.
Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 2–4, the national vaccine average sits below 1%.
Not just to protect grandkids: ATAGI warns of pertussis in older adults
Recent guidance from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) reminds health professionals that pertussis is not confined to childhood, with cases increasing among adults in recent years.
Older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses have higher pertussis morbidity and mortality rates in comparison to healthy adults.
While not NIP-funded, ATAGI and the Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends adults >65 receive a dose of dTpa every 10 years.
When administering other vaccines such as influenza COVID-19 to patients in the age cohort, pharmacists should either inquire when they had their last dTpa vaccine or check the Australian Immunisation Register.
Pertussis-containing vaccines can be safely co-administered with the influenza or COVID-19 vaccine.
Remember to accurately record funding source
Along with funded flu vaccines under the National Immunisation Program, various state-based programs funded vaccines have also been announced – so pharmacists must ensure they are using the correct stock and claiming process via the Pharmacy Programs Administrator (PPA).
Various funded state and territory flu vaccination programs include:
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[post_content] => The TGA is reviewing andrographis after hundreds of serious adverse events raise safety concerns.
It’s mid April and flu season is kicking into gear. According to Roy Morgan, almost half (44.5%) of Australians over 14 years of age rely on cold and flu medicines to help manage their symptoms.
While orally ingested phenylephrine products have come under scrutiny in recent years due to efficacy concerns, an ingredient in another cold and flu product has risen to the fore – andrographis paniculata.
The herbal ingredient, found in over 100 locally available products, is unscheduled, and is widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets and health food stores.
But this could potentially change, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) proposing swift action following a safety review linking the herb to rare but potentially fatal anaphylaxis.
What did the TGA find?
A consistent pattern of serious allergic reactions over time, including:
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Australian Pharmacist is the official journal for Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.
