Immunisation handbook COVID-19 chapter updated; ATAGI releases first GP bulletin

The Australian Immunisation Handbook COVID-19 chapter has been updated, and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has published its first meeting summary specifically for general practitioners (GPs). 
 

What’s new in the COVID-19 chapter?

The Handbook chapter on COVID-19 has been updated to ensure healthcare providers have the most current guidance on vaccine formulations, safety and effectiveness.

Changes include:

• removal of the outdated formulation Comirnaty XBB.1.5 (Pfizer) for ages 6 months to <5 years, 5 years to <12 years and ≥12 years
• addition of updated strain vaccine formulation Comirnaty LP.8.1  
• updates to reflect the most recent data on immunogenicity, efficacy and effectiveness of Comirnaty JN.1 and JN.1-derived sublineage formulations, where available.

A further dose of COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for all adults aged ≥75 years every 6 months, and for adults aged 65–74 years with no severe immunocompromising conditions every 12 months.

Access the chapter
 

ATAGI’s new GP bulletin

The first ATAGI GP bulletin is designed to provide practical advice for GPs. The November 2025 edition highlights:

• declining immunisation coverage and increased risk of measles and pertussis cases
• the upcoming introduction of intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine for children and adolescents in 2026
• funded measles-mumps-rubella catch-up vaccinations for adults, and additional doses for infants aged over 6 months who are travelling internationally. 

Read the GP bulletin