Lyla Lindsey
Australia has been working towards eliminating various viruses from the country. The World Health Organization declared measles eliminated from Australia in 2014. However, small outbreaks occur regularly due to international travel. The country has also been on high alert to prevent the H5N1 variety of bird flu from reaching its shores. Additionally, Australia offers free vaccines for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to pregnant women to protect their newborns. While there are no RSV vaccines funded by the National Immunization Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, private purchases are available. Australia also provides a range of free and premium antivirus software to protect against computer viruses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Measles | Measles was eliminated from Australia, but there are concerns that outbreaks in the US and Asia could bring it back. |
| Vaccination rate | Australia's vaccination rate for measles is below the WHO's recommended 95% target, with 92.21% of two-year-olds vaccinated. |
| Bird flu | Australia is the only continent free of the H5N1 variety of bird flu, but scientists are urging the government to increase biosecurity measures to prevent its spread. |
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What You'll Learn
Measles outbreaks in other countries could bring the disease back to Australia
Australia was declared measles-free by the World Health Organization in 2014. However, small outbreaks occur regularly due to international travel. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can easily cross borders. Outbreaks in the US and Southeast Asia pose a risk to Australia, as the country's vaccination rate is below the WHO's recommended coverage of 95% of the population. In 2024, there were 18 cases in NSW, and Victoria had 13 cases in the same year. Experts warn that Australia could become a "fertile ground" for measles if the disease is introduced amid outbreaks in other countries.
The measles outbreaks in the US and Vietnam are of particular concern. A returned traveller from Vietnam became a confirmed case in Sydney, and a health alert was issued in Perth following a case in a returned traveller. Australia's low vaccination rate means it lacks "herd immunity," increasing the risk of an outbreak. The MMR vaccine is free for all Australians, but the country's vaccination rate for two-year-olds is only 92.21%.
The measles virus is highly infectious, and people are most contagious before the most conspicuous signs appear, such as a rash and spots on the gums and conjunctivitis. If a non-immune traveller contracts measles abroad and returns to Australia while infectious, they can transmit the disease to other non-immune individuals, leading to an outbreak. Measles is still circulating globally, with cases rising in multiple regions, including Vietnam, Thailand, India, Africa, Europe, the UK, the Middle East, and the US.
Two doses of the measles vaccine in childhood are about 99% effective in preventing the disease, and this protection is generally lifelong. However, Australia only started providing two doses in 1992, so the at-risk population includes unvaccinated individuals and adults who received only one dose. Other vulnerable groups include children under one year who are too young to be vaccinated and immunocompromised individuals who cannot receive live vaccines.
The risk of measles outbreaks in Australia highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and being vigilant about potential exposures, especially when returning from international travel. While Australia has successfully eliminated measles, the highly contagious nature of the disease means ongoing vigilance and proactive public health measures are necessary to prevent future outbreaks.
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Australia is the only continent free of the H5N1 bird flu
Australia has long been free of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain, which has caused mass mortality in birds worldwide and a massive outbreak in dairy cattle in the United States. However, in 2024, Australia reported its first human case of H5N1. A 2.5-year-old girl contracted the virus in Kolkata, India, and was confirmed to have the infection on May 18, 2024, with the World Health Organization being notified four days later. The patient was admitted to the ICU in Melbourne on March 4 and discharged after 2.5 weeks.
While this was Australia's first human case of H5N1, the country has experienced severe avian influenza epidemics in poultry farms from 1976 to 2024. In response, Australia has implemented stringent biosecurity and public health measures to prevent and control avian influenza, protecting both the poultry industry and public health. These measures include maintaining hygienic facilities, restricting contact between poultry and wild birds, and conducting ongoing surveillance to prevent the virus's spread.
Despite these efforts, Australia is currently preparing for a possible outbreak of the highly contagious H5 bird flu strain, which has spread quickly across the globe. The Australian government is investing over $100 million to enhance national preparedness and response capabilities. This funding aims to strengthen surveillance, improve preparedness, and mitigate the impacts of a potential outbreak on Australia.
While Australia remains free of the H5 bird flu strain, there was one reported bird flu case in a human in 2024. The person was infected overseas, received treatment in Australia, and made a full recovery. This case did not involve the H5 bird flu strain that is currently spreading globally. Overall, the risk of bird flu to Australians remains low, and the Australian government is taking proactive measures to ensure the country's continued freedom from this particular strain.
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The MMR vaccine is free for all Australians
Australia has been facing outbreaks of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a highly contagious virus that infects the airways and lungs. The virus is a common cause of the cold and can be particularly dangerous for children under two years of age.
The Australian government has taken steps to combat the spread of RSV, offering free vaccinations to pregnant women to protect their newborns. This maternal RSV vaccine is available under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and is recommended for administration between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Additionally, states and territories provide the RSV immunisation product Beyfortus™ for free to eligible infants and children.
While Australia had previously eliminated measles, recent outbreaks in the US and Southeast Asia have raised concerns about the potential for measles to gain a foothold in the country. The low vaccination rate in Australia, which falls below the WHO's recommended target of 95%, makes the country vulnerable to measles outbreaks.
To address this issue, the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is free for all Australians, regardless of age. Anyone can receive the MMR vaccine through their GP or, in some states, at council immunisation clinics. This accessibility ensures that individuals can protect themselves and contribute to achieving herd immunity, where enough people are immune to prevent the spread of the disease.
The MMR vaccine is typically given in two doses during childhood, with the first dose administered at 12 months and the second at 18 months. However, older children and adults who missed their vaccinations earlier in life can still receive the MMR vaccine. The vaccine is generally safe, but mild side effects may occur, including a rash, fever, and swollen glands. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine eligibility, especially for those with specific health conditions or allergies.
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The RSV vaccine is free for pregnant women
Australia has been facing threats of virus outbreaks, especially with the rising cases of measles in the US, Asia, and Australia. Measles was previously eliminated in Australia, but the country is now below the WHO's recommended 95% vaccination rate target, which is crucial for achieving herd immunity.
In light of these concerns, Australia has taken steps to protect its citizens, especially pregnant women and children, from various viruses. The RSV vaccine is now free for pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program. This vaccine, called Abrysvo®, is recommended for women between 28 and 36 weeks into their pregnancy to protect their babies from the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe respiratory infections in infants, leading to hospitalisation and, in rare cases, even death.
The maternal RSV vaccine helps protect newborns from RSV by generating antibodies in the mother, which are then transferred to the baby through the placenta. These antibodies provide protection to the infant for up to six months after birth. The vaccine has been used successfully in the Americas and Europe since 2023, and real-world data shows that it can prevent a significant proportion of lower respiratory tract infections caused by RSV in infants, reducing hospitalisations and deaths.
While the maternal RSV vaccine is free, it may not be offered by all health services, so pregnant women are advised to check with their healthcare provider. Additionally, the RSV vaccine is not the only vaccine recommended during pregnancy. The flu vaccine is advised at any time during pregnancy, and the whooping cough vaccine is recommended from 20 weeks, ideally before 32 weeks. These vaccines are also free and provide important protection for newborn babies.
By offering free vaccines to pregnant women, Australia is taking proactive measures to safeguard the health of its citizens, especially the most vulnerable infants and children, against potentially harmful viruses.
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Australia has free antivirus software to protect against computer viruses
Australia has not been completely virus-free in recent years, with small outbreaks of measles occurring regularly since 2024 due to international travel and a below-recommended vaccination rate. However, Australia has a range of free antivirus software to protect against computer viruses.
While some of the most popular antivirus software, such as Norton and McAfee, are not free, there are other options available that can provide adequate protection for your devices. For example, Malwarebytes Free is a cleanup-only tool that can be used when your regular antivirus software falls short. Windows users also have access to the built-in Windows Defender, which can be effective when coupled with safe browsing habits and common sense.
Mobile protection can be more challenging, as many apps are free to download but require in-app purchases to access the full-featured version. Additionally, some apps may be free for a trial period only, with the price being revealed once the trial ends. However, some security suites bundle multiple products together, making it easier to keep track of updates and passwords.
When choosing an antivirus program, it is essential to consider the specific features included, such as antivirus, anti-spam, anti-spyware, and a firewall. It is also crucial to keep your chosen software up to date, as no program can protect against every threat, but updated apps provide the best chance for a secure system.
By utilising a combination of free antivirus software, safe browsing practices, and regular updates, Australians can protect themselves against computer viruses effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
No, measles outbreaks have been reported in Australia in 2024 and 2025, with cases in NSW and Victoria. Measles was eliminated in Australia in 2014, but small outbreaks continue to occur due to international travel.
The RSV virus, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common, highly contagious virus that infects the airways and lungs. It spreads when an infected person produces small water droplets while coughing, sneezing, or talking. RSV most often affects children under 2 years of age.
Yes, the maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) is available for free under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. The vaccine helps protect newborns from RSV by transferring antibodies through the placenta to the baby's bloodstream.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of 95% immunisation coverage to prevent measles outbreaks. Currently, Australia has a vaccination rate of 92.21% for two-year-old children, which is below the WHO's target.
