Important Vaccination Program Updates for Tasmania from 1 July 2026

The Tasmanian Government and National Immunisation Program (NIP) have announced several important vaccination updates commencing from 1 July 2026, including the introduction of a state-funded infant meningococcal B vaccination program, expanded pneumococcal vaccine eligibility, and a new state-funded diphtheria vaccination initiative.

New State-Funded Infant Meningococcal B (MenB) Program

From 1 July 2026, Tasmania will introduce a state-funded meningococcal B vaccination program for infants.

Who is eligible?

Routine MenB vaccination will be funded at:

• 6 weeks of age
• 4 months of age
• 12 months of age

A catch-up program will also be available for children:

• Born on or after 1 July 2025
• Less than 2 years of age

The funded vaccine is Bexsero®.

Meningococcal disease can cause severe infections including meningitis and bloodstream infections, which can progress rapidly and become life-threatening.

The National Immunisation Program will continue to fund:

• MenB vaccination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under 2 years of age
• MenB vaccination for people of any age with specified medical risk conditions
• MenACWY vaccination at 12 months of age
• MenACWY vaccination for adolescents aged 14–16 years through school-based programs

Important information for parents

• Bexsero® can be safely given at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines.
• Children under 2 years of age are recommended to receive preventative paracetamol with every dose of Bexsero® to help reduce fever after vaccination.

State-Funded Diphtheria Vaccination Program

A time-limited state-funded diphtheria vaccination program commenced on 1 June 2026 in response to diphtheria outbreaks occurring in parts of Australia.

The program is available to:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 20 years and older who are overdue for vaccination
• Tasmanian adults travelling to higher-risk areas who have not received a diphtheria-containing vaccine within the previous 5 years

The vaccine also protects against tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis).

Expanded Adult Pneumococcal Vaccination Program

From 1 July 2026, the new 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Capvaxive®) will replace previous adult pneumococcal vaccines under the NIP.

Eligibility expands to include:

• Adults aged 65 years and older
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 25 years and older
• Adults aged 18 years and older with specified medical conditions that increase their risk of severe disease
• Adults who have previously received another pneumococcal vaccine may also be eligible for Capvaxive® after an appropriate interval.

There are no changes to the childhood pneumococcal vaccination schedule.

Winter Wellness Reminder

We continue to encourage eligible patients to stay up to date with:

• Influenza vaccination
• COVID-19 vaccination
• RSV protection for eligible infants, pregnant women and older adults

These vaccines can often be given together, helping protect you and your family throughout winter.

Book an Appointment

If you would like to discuss your eligibility for any of these vaccination programs, please book an appointment with your GP or practice nurse at Glebe Hill Family Practice or GHFP Nurture.

Our team can provide personalised advice and ensure you and your family remain protected against vaccine-preventable