Australian Vaccinology Course 202619–21 October 2026 | Q Station – Sydney, AustraliaBoost your impact in immunisationA member of the International Collaboration on Advanced Vaccinology Training (ICAVT) Apply now The Australian Vaccinology Course is the leading in-person vaccinology program for professionals across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region seeking a deep, evidence-based understanding of vaccines, immunology and vaccination programs. Our 2026 program offers an immersive learning experience aimed at building capability in vaccine science, policy and program implementation. Led by NCIRS, in partnership with the University of Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, the program is designed and delivered by a faculty of Australian and international immunisation experts.Participants will gain practical knowledge and skills to help them: navigate the evolving landscape of vaccine science and policyrespond confidently to immunisation program questionsstrengthen vaccine uptake in their communities.Whether you're involved in policymaking, clinical practice, public health or research, this course will empower you to contribute meaningfully to local and national immunisation strategies; enhance vaccine decision-making processes; and become a trusted advocate for immunisation in your community and country. Course summaryCourse fee: $2,500 AUDDay 1 Monday 19 October 20269:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Day 2 Tuesday 20 October 20269:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Day 3 Wednesday 21 October 20269:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. How do vaccines work? How are vaccines developed? How do we know vaccines are effective? Followed by course networking reception 5:30–7:30 p.m. How are vaccination programs developed? How do we know that vaccines are safe? How do we communicate effectively to the public about vaccination? How do we monitor and increase vaccination uptake? How do we tailor vaccination for priority populations and those who are medically at risk? What are the challenges and opportunities for immunisation in a changing world? ApplicationsAustralian Vaccinology Course places are strictly limited. Applications will be assessed according to participant selection criteria. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. AEST on Sunday 10 May 2026. Applicants are required to provide contact information and their up-to-date CV, and answer 3 short questions addressing:Your motivation for attending the courseYour relevant experienceAnticipated impact of the course on your work and careerPlease note, you will not be charged the course fee until your place in the course is confirmed. Apply now Draft program Day 1 9:00 a.m.Course open9:30 a.m. Vaccination in 202610:10 a.m. How vaccines work11:10 a.m. Morning tea11:35 a.m. Vaccines from research to implementation1:00 p.m. Lunch2:00 p.m. Vaccines from research to implementation cont.2:40 p.m. Measuring the impact of vaccination3:25 p.m.Afternoon tea 3:40 p.m. Measuring the impact of vaccination cont. 4:50 p.m.Day 1 summary and closing remarks 5:00 p.m. Day 1 teaching close 5:30–7:30 p.m. Course networking reception – including drinks and canapes Day 29:00 a.m.Day 2 open9:10 a.m.Decision-making for vaccine policy 11:00 a.m.Morning tea11:15 a.m.Decision-making for vaccine policy cont.1:00 p.m.Lunch 2:00 p.m.Vaccine safety 3:30 p.m.Afternoon tea3:45 p.m.Vaccine risk communication4:50 p.m.Day 2 summary and closing remarks5:00 p.m.Day 2 close Day 39:00 a.m.Day 3 open 9:10 a.m.Increasing vaccine uptake 11:10 a.m.Morning tea 11:25 a.m.Vaccinations for priority populations 12:15 p.m.Vaccinations for medically at-risk populations1:00 p.m.Lunch 2:00 p.m.Immunisation in a changing world – future challenges 2:50 p.m.Vaccines for the Asia-Pacific region3:25 p.m.Afternoon tea3:40 p.m.Immunisation in a changing world – future opportunities 4:10 p.m.Panel discussion – course questions and answers 4:40 p.m. Closing remarks 5:00 p.m. Day 3 and Course close Australian Vaccinology Course 2026 Faculty Professor Kristine Macartney Director, NCIRS Professor Nicholas Wood Associate Director, Clinical Research and Services, NCIRSProfessor Peter McIntyre Head, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of OtagoProfessor Chris Blyth Centre Head, Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Professor Allen Cheng Director, Infectious Diseases, Monash HealthMs Katrina Clark Aboriginal Immunisation Manager, Health Protection, Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health DistrictProfessor Katie Flanagan Senior Staff Specialist, Westmead Hospital Professor Julie Leask AO Professor and Social Scientist, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney Professor Julia BrothertonProfessor of Cancer Prevention Policy and Implementation, The University of MelbourneAssociate Professor Aditi DeySenior Research Fellow/Manager, Surveillance, NCIRSProfessor Michelle Giles Lead Clinical and Health Systems Research, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Professor Michael GoldProfessor, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide Professor Paul Kelly PK Public Health AdvisoryHonorary Professor Australian National University College of Law, Governance and PolicyProfessor Bette LiuAssociate Director, Population Health, NCIRSProfessor Helen MarshallConsultant and Professor in Vaccinology, The University of AdelaideProfessor Meru Sheel Professor of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney Learning outcomes By the end of this course, participants should be able to: Describe how vaccines create immunity in patients across the life span Outline the process of vaccine development, from research to implementation, in high- and low-/middle-income settings Measure the impact of vaccination on disease burden and vaccine effectiveness using surveillance data and coverage assessments Describe evidence-based approaches to vaccination program decision-making processes Explain the principles of vaccine safety, including reporting of adverse events following immunisation Apply the principles of public risk communication to a vaccine safety issue Critique the main explanatory models and frameworks used to explain low vaccination coverage Describe strategies to increase vaccination coverage for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other priority populations Apply evidence on the strategies that increase uptake to a real-world scenario Analyse challenges and opportunities facing vaccination programs in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region Describe vaccine characteristics, program recommendations and conversation approaches for medically at-risk patients Course fee The fee to attend the Australian Vaccinology Course 2026 is $2,500 AUD, which includes catering for the duration of the course. A proportion of course places will be specifically reserved, and may be supported, for professionals who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander immunisation.A small number of applicants from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) may be eligible to receive partial funding support to attend.All supported places will be allocated based on merit and rankings, determined via the standard course application process. Accommodation Accommodation is not included in the course fee. Accommodation is available at the Q Station Manly at the expense of participants. Successful applicants will be offered a discounted rate in their course confirmation email. Enquiries Please email schn-ncirs-avc@health.nsw.gov.au 9591 views
