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National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)

National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) is the leading research organisation in Australia that provides independent expert advice on all aspects of vaccine preventable diseases, and other issues related to immunisation, to inform policy and planning for immunisation services in Australia.

Research and surveillance activities include surveillance of vaccine preventable diseases, monitoring of vaccination coverage, evaluation of vaccination programs, monitoring of vaccine safety and social research. NCIRS also provides technical support to the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, including development and review of technical content for The Australian Immunisation Handbook.

NCIRS brings together experts in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, paediatrics, internal medicine, infectious diseases, epidemiology and quantitative and qualitative survey methods.

Vision and mission

Healthy people in Australia and beyond through immunisation.

To lead and support collaborative research and to advance immunisation policy and practice.

How NCIRS can help

Our work

The primary role of NCIRS in Australia is to provide expert technical immunisation advice to government. NCIRS is unable to provide patient-specific medical advice. Please visit your General practitioner (GP) to discuss your specific clinical situation.

Programs, apps and tools

AusVaxSafety

Led by NCIRS and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, AusVaxSafety is a world-leading national vaccine safety surveillance system. Using de-identified data reported directly from people receiving the vaccines (or their parent or carer), AusVaxSafety monitors adverse events following immunisation and facilitates early detection of potential vaccine safety issues. In the days following vaccination, responses are solicited via an automated SMS using AusVaxSafety surveillance tools (SmartVax or Vaxtracker), which have been implemented in more than 300 sentinel sites across Australia. For more information, visit ausvaxsafety.org.au.

SKAI – Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation

The SKAI website for parents contains information that you can trust, including information about the vaccinations recommended for your child between birth and 4 years. It also provides answers to the common questions parents ask about vaccination.

Recommended links

Last reviewed: July 2023

Information from this partner

Found 41 results

Do I need an mpox (monkeypox) vaccine and is it safe? | AusVaxSafety

Mpox (monkeypox) has been declared a communicable disease incident of national significance in Australia. The federal government has secured 450,000 doses of the third generation JYNNEOS mpox vaccine, with the delivery of 22,000 doses imminent.

Read more on NCIRS website

Decision aid: Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine? | NCIRS

A COVID-19 Decision aid has been developed to help people make an informed decision about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. The tool provides evidence-based information about both the disease and the vaccines and, through five simple steps, helps people weigh up the risks and benefits of vaccination.

Read more on NCIRS website

Diphtheria is back in Australia, here’s why – and how vaccines can prevent its spread | NCIRS

An unvaccinated toddler from the far north coast of New South Wales is in intensive care after catching respiratory diphtheria (diphtheria of the throat). A six-year-old close family contact is also infected.

Read more on NCIRS website

Japanese encephalitis | NCIRS

Read more on NCIRS website

Influenza vaccination information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people | NCIRS

Information about influenza vaccination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

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Supporting conversations about vaccinations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people | NCIRS

Read more on NCIRS website

Injection site reactions | NCIRS

Injection site reactions – Information sheet [PDF – 165 KB] July 2019

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Vaccination from community pharmacy – at a glance | NCIRS

This resource includes information previously contained in NCIRS’ ‘COVID-19 vaccination from community pharmacy’ information sheet.

Read more on NCIRS website

COVID-19 vaccination - summary for immunisation providers | NCIRS

A regularly updated summary of latest advice and information about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination program for immunisation providers

Read more on NCIRS website

Specialist immunisation services | NCIRS

A resource to help immunisation providers access additional advice and specialist immunisation support throughout Australia.

Read more on NCIRS website

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