News
In Practice: NIP vaccine changes
The Government has updated RSV vaccine administration rules, and announced incoming changes to childhood pneumococcal vaccines.
GPs are reminded to prepare for upcoming changes to the National Immunisation Program for administering RSV and children’s pneumococcal vaccines.
This week’s In Practice also includes a reminder for RACGP members to submit Convocation items, registrations for the GP25 conference, expanded access to an allergy care resource, and new dates for bulk-billing changes information sessions.
RSV vaccine administration updates
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA) has updated resources to support the correct administration of RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
GPs should be aware of the following updates:
- A single dose of RSV vaccine Abrysvo is recommended for women at 28–36 weeks of pregnancy and is available for free through the National Immunisation Program (NIP)
- Arexvy must not be administered to pregnant women. States and territories are offering the RSV monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus (nirsevimab) for free to eligible infants and children
- Abrysvo and Arexvy must not be administered to infants or children
The DoHDA has produced a poster outlining the correct administration of RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies by cohort. These resources will shortly be available on the
DoHDA’s website, with the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI)
recently releasing a statement to outline the importance of correct administration of RSV vaccines.
Healthcare professionals can
subscribe to receive the latest NIP updates.
Changes to childhood pneumococcal vaccines
The ATAGI has reviewed pneumococcal vaccines on the current childhood immunisation schedule. Based on ATAGI’s advice, the Government has made changes to the NIP.
From 1 September 2025, Prevenar 20 will be introduced to the NIP to replace Prevenar 13 and Pneumovax 23 on the childhood schedule. The introduction of Prevenar 20 simplifies the vaccine schedule, reduces the number of doses and covers more strains of the disease.
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will receive four doses, making the program consistent across all states and territories. From 1 September, children under five years, who have:
- not yet started their pneumococcal schedule should receive three doses of Prevenar 20
- previously received one or two doses of Prevenar 13 should receive Prevenar 20 for all subsequent doses to complete the recommended vaccination course (where required)
- already completed a Prevenar 13 vaccination course who are due for a Pneumovax 23 booster should receive one dose of Prevenar 20 instead. Do not delay vaccination, if required, Pneumovax 23 can still be used (while stock is available).
Further advice and resources will be available on the
DoHDA website from 1 September 2025. In the meantime, the
RACGP has updated its webpage with the information.
Ninety-nine days until GP25
In just over three months, GP25 will be arriving in Brisbane, on Turrbal and Jagera Country, with a packed program of informative sessions, keynote presentations, workshops and social events.
The RACGP will welcome keynote speakers celebrated journalist Leigh Sales,
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd, and Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay, with further program details and pre-conference workshops still to be announced.
Early bird registrations are open to secure discounted conference rates – all details are available on the
GP25 website.
Have your say in the future work of the RACGP
Members are invited to submit ideas that could help shape the RACGP’s future projects, via
a Convocation proposal before 19 August.
Convocation is an opportunity to raise the issues that matter most to members, their patients and profession. This formal process allows RACGP members to propose ideas, vote on key issues, and influence where the College directs its efforts in the coming year and beyond.
The top three submissions will be put to a member vote, with the winning idea to be announced during the Convocation event at
GP25 in November.
Expansion of allergy assist
The free education and advice platform,
allergy assist, is now available to all GPs across Australia, including those in metropolitan areas.
Launched in February for GPs and rural generalists in MM2–MM7 locations, allergy assist is a collaboration between the National Allergy Council and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), which:
- is a secure asynchronous doctor-to-doctor consultation platform
- provides access to clinical immunology/allergy specialists within 48 hours
- requires no formal referral or access to patient records
- supports GPs managing allergic conditions, with shared case learning
- includes best practice education and practical tools.
GPs can post cases related to food, medication, or insect sting/bite allergies, a history of anaphylaxis, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis.
GPs and Rural Generalists can apply through the
ACRRM website using their AHPRA registration number. This service is part of the
National Allergy Council’s Shared Care for Allergy initiative which aims to improve access to quality allergy care, particularly for people in rural and remote areas.
New dates for bulk-billing incentives webinars
Registration is now available for two additional DoHDA webinars on understanding bulk-billing changes for GPs and practice managers, with previously advertised sessions now fully booked.
The 1 November bulk-billing changes will provide additional funding to GPs and practices that bulk bill their patients and support patients to access the primary care services they need.
Register for each webinar:
Tuesday 12 August, 2.00 pm (AEST)
Tuesday 12 August, 6.30 pm (AEST)
TGA limits to pancreatic medicine
The TGA has been notified by Viatris, the sponsor of Creon (pancreatic extract) capsules, about anticipated supply constraints relating to Creon 25,000 U and Creon 35,000 U capsules between 21 August and 31 December 2025. The supply constraints are due to an unexpected increase in demand that has also affected other countries.
Viatris is continuing to get regular supply of all strengths, however supply may be limited at times and may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. The TGA is advising healthcare professionals to not stockpile and limit dispensing to one-month supply at a time to enable equitable distribution over the period of limited supply.
Details about shortage information is available on the TGA
database, alongside a dedicated
webpage.
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