Department of Health launches two national immunisation campaigns
Updated
Updated · cesphn.org.au · May 6
Department of Health launches two national immunisation campaigns
9 articles · Updated · cesphn.org.au · May 6
The childhood drive targets parents and carers, while a winter campaign urges older Australians to get influenza, RSV and Covid-19 vaccines.
The campaigns were launched by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to counter falling vaccination rates and reinforce routine and seasonal protection against serious illness.
The update comes as Perth wastewater testing detected poliovirus and the Australian Immunisation Register introduced annual due and overdue rules for National Immunisation Program-funded flu vaccines.
As Australian childhood vaccination hits a 12-year low, are awareness campaigns enough to stop disease outbreaks?
Could expanding free adult vaccinations be Australia's most cost-effective plan against the rising tide of dementia?
With vaccines now linked to dementia prevention, which specific shots should older adults prioritize for brain health?
2026 Childhood Immunization Crisis: UK's Measles Resurgence and New Jersey's Campaign to Reach 80% Vaccine Coverage
Overview
In 2026, both the UK and New Jersey launched urgent vaccination campaigns to combat declining childhood immunization rates that led to rising measles cases and loss of elimination status in the UK, and falling coverage in New Jersey. The UK introduced the new MMRV vaccine with an accelerated schedule, while New Jersey intensified its 'Hot Shots for Tots' program targeting childcare facilities. These efforts respond to root causes including COVID-19 disruptions, misinformation, access barriers, and shifting policies. Meanwhile, the US faced controversy over the CDC's 2026 vaccine schedule overhaul, which reduced universal vaccine recommendations and conflicted with the American Academy of Pediatrics, causing confusion and risking lower uptake. Legislative actions in New Jersey and other states aim to improve safety monitoring and maintain consistent guidance amid federal instability.