Latest news
Fighting flu starts with you
Getting your annual flu vaccination can protect you from influenza and its complications. The influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.
Hearing Services Program provider notice 2023-02 – Client relocations
When you request to relocate a client in the portal, you must first obtain and record client consent. The previous provider must send a complete client record to the requesting provider within 7 days.
The new COVID-19 and Influenza Immunisation History Statement
From 15 April 2023, you can use the new COVID-19 and Influenza Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register.
Volunteers in aged care consultation open
We are seeking feedback from aged care volunteers, volunteer managers, and aged care providers to shape the future of aged care volunteering.
New campaign reminds parents and carers about the importance of timely childhood vaccination
The Australian Government has launched a new public awareness campaign.
Mark your calendars: The World Transplant Games are coming to Perth!
From 15-21 April, Perth will host the 2023 World Transplant Games – the world’s largest sporting event for transplant recipients, donors, and their families. The event aims to raise awareness of organ donation as transplant recipients compete in a range of sports.
Report on Medical Research Future Fund funding for early to mid-career researchers
We have published a report on the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) 2021 Early to Mid-Career Researchers (EMCRs) grant opportunity.
A new patient-centred approach to caring for cancer survivors
Cancer survivors don’t always get the follow-up care they need, according to specialist cancer nurse Professor Raymond Chan. To fix this, Ray is trialling a new nurse-led clinic to coordinate shared care between hospitals and GPs. He hopes shared care will give survivors a better care experience.
Young Deadly Free – Safe sex and sexual health
Practising safe sex is everyone's responsibility. Reduce the risk of infection by using condoms and getting regular sexual health checks.
Healthy Lunchbox Week
Thinking about what we feed our bodies every day is important to stay well and strong. Learn how to pack healthy lunches like Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly & Community Health Service Inc. for Healthy Lunchbox Week.
Strong Born
The Strong Born campaign raises awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in rural and remote communities. The campaign addresses the harms of drinking alcohol while pregnant and breastfeeding.
Top up your COVID-19 protection
The Australian Government has launched a new advertising campaign to encourage adults to get a COVID-19 booster if it has been 6 months or more since their last COVID-19 vaccination or infection.
New provider resources about influenza vaccination for First Nations’ people
Vaccination providers play an important role in offering influenza vaccines for First Nations people. New resources are now available to support vaccination providers in having conversations with First Nations’ families.
Moving new video case studies encourage women to breast screen
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer in Australian women. To help encourage women to book a free breast screening mammogram BreastScreen Australia has released 4 new inspirational videos.
Finding new drugs for depression in bipolar disorder
People with bipolar disorder are depressed for almost half their lives but there is no effective treatment. After searching drug profiles, psychiatrist Professor Michael Berk discovered the common high blood pressure drug candesartan could help. He is testing candesartan in a clinical trial.
Answering research administration officer and stakeholder questions about the Medical Research Future Fund
Read our responses to questions from research administration officers (RAOs) and other stakeholders relating to the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Release of the National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework 2023–2027
The Australian Government has announced the National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework. The framework supports registered nurses to work to their full ability in rural and remote healthcare settings.
Principles for consumer involvement in research funded by the Medical Research Future Fund
The MRFF Consumer Reference Panel’s (CRP) Principles for consumer involvement in research funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) are now available.
Performance indicators for measuring the impact of the Medical Research Future Fund
We have published a set of performance indicators for assessing the success and impact of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Responding to ethical issues in genetics research
Professor Dianne Nicol is passionate about talking to the community about ethical, legal and social issues in genetics research. We asked Dianne about becoming an expert in this field and the most urgent issues in genetics research today.
Victorian woman found guilty of defrauding Medicare
A Victorian medical receptionist has been sentenced today to 2 years imprisonment, with a minimum term of 12 months by the Melbourne County Court after pleading guilty to charging more than $181,000 in fraudulent Medicare payments.
$382 million for nearly 200 ground-breaking medical research projects
The Australian Government is investing $382 million in nearly 200 medical research projects, including $32 million to improve First Nations health. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$15 million for research into mitochondrial disease
The Australian Government is investing $15 million for mitochondrial disease research. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Ashgrove pharmacist found guilty for more than $1.9m in Medicare fraud
A pharmacist has been convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment today, after pleading guilty to fraudulently claiming more than $1.9 million in payments under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Is human gene editing good for our health? A citizens’ jury speaks
Gene editing allows us to modify our genes. This can cure diseases. But it could also be used in the future to select for traits that give social or competitive advantages. Professor Nicol asked a citizens’ jury to decide under what circumstances we should allow human gene editing.
Upcoming health and medical research grant opportunities
You can now read about Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities forecast to open from April 2023.
Early cancer detection and screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
It’s easy to forget about cancer screening. But detecting cancer early saves lives. Learn more about cancer screening programs and how to enter the Beautiful Shawl competition.
How to deal with loneliness and get support
Everyone feels down sometimes, but if it’s constant you may want support. Learn some ways to keep yourself strong and how to reach out for help.
Save more on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines
From 1 January 2023, the maximum price of most PBS medicines for non-concessional patients was reduced from $42.50 to $30. Don’t delay buying your PBS Medicines.
Hearing Services Program provider notice 2023-01 – Summons and legal requests for client information
Service providers must not respond to external legal requests for program client information or release client files to external legal entities. Instead, notify us as we facilitate and handle all legal requests for access to client records.
$26 million for research to improve the health of LGBTIQA+ communities
The Australian Government will invest $26 million in health and medical research to improve treatment and care for LGBTIQA+ people. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$12.6 million for international clinical trials to support access to high-quality, evidence-based and effective health care
Researchers can apply for funding under the 2023 International Clinical Trial Collaborations grant opportunity. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
2023 National Immunisation Program influenza vaccination – Early advice for vaccination providers
Vaccination against influenza (flu) continues to be important this year. Vaccination is our best defence against flu viruses.
Release of the Australian Government's response to the Review of COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Purchasing and Procurement
The Australian Government has responded to the Halton review into COVID-19 vaccine and treatment procurement.
ATAGI recommendations on use of the Moderna bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.4/5) COVID-19 vaccine
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the use of the Moderna bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.4/5) COVID-19 vaccine.
This clinical trial is testing a new cure for a deadly rare blood cancer
In 2018 Scott Griffiths developed a deadly rare blood cancer in his brain. He believed he was going to die. But a new precision medicine developed by his doctor Professor Maher Gandhi cured Scott. Maher is conducting a clinical trial to test if his new treatment works for other patients.
Engaging childhood brain cancer survivors
Over 90% of childhood brain cancer survivors develop life threatening and disabling health conditions after they finish cancer treatment. Engage is a consumer co-designed telehealth trial that helps these survivors manage their health and improve their quality of life.
Inviting all research administration officers to our next webinar
We invite all research administration officers (RAOs) to join our next Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) RAO Webinar at 2:00pm (AEDT) on 30 March 2023.
Learn about MRFF grant assessment processes at our next MRFF Webinar
We invite you to join our next Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Webinar at 2:00pm (AEDT) on 15 March 2023.
$6 million for research into antimicrobial resistance and reducing the incidence of hospital infections
Researchers can apply for funding under the 2023 Global Health grant opportunity from 27 March 2023. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$310.3 million for research to improve Australians' health, primary health care and research infrastructure
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities to the value of $310.3 million are now available.
The Big Picture: Helping our medical researchers turn discoveries into products to improve our health
It takes time and money to turn a scientific discovery into a medical product ready for use. To help medical researchers along this road, in 2017 the MRFF began funding medical research commercialisation. The Big Picture asks what impact our funds are having.
ATAGI recommendations on use of the Pfizer bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.4/5) COVID-19 vaccine
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the use of the Pfizer bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.4/5) COVID-19 vaccine.
Jail time for Pharmacist and Practice Manager
A Pharmacist and Practice Manager from across Australia were sentenced last week after fraudulently claiming more than $420,000 in payments under the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Changes to HPV vaccine dose schedule for young Australians
From 6 February 2023 the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine schedule will become a single dose schedule. Catch-up under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) will also be extended to all Australians 25 years and under.
Release of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report
The Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report is now available. It outlines a vision for Australia’s primary care system of the future.
Using big data to find the best health care for older Australians
Big data is giving us a whole picture of Australia’s ageing pathways for the first time. Professor Maria Inacio is working with this data from the Registry of Senior Australians. She aims to find the best aged care and health care services for older Australians.
Medical receptionist sentenced to jail for more than $253k of Medicare fraud
A medical receptionist from south-eastern Queensland has been convicted after fraudulently claiming more than $253,000 in Medicare payments.
Reminder: Have your say on the National Dementia Action Plan
The National Dementia Action Plan is open for consultation. Find out about the plan and how to provide feedback.
Expressions of interest to join the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation
We are seeking expressions of interest to fill 7 vacancies on the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), commencing 1 July 2023. Consider applying if you are a clinical professional, researcher, service delivery expert or consumer expert.
Discovering an Australian antiviral drug for COVID-19
In 2020, 5 Australian research organisations with expertise in infectious diseases and 2 industry partners formed a consortium. Their aim: to produce an Australian antiviral drug for COVID-19. This research is growing Australia’s ability to discover, test, and manufacture antiviral drugs.
Mandatory reporting of Japanese encephalitis virus vaccines to the Australian Immunisation Register began on 21 December 2022
From 21 December 2022, vaccination providers must report all Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccines administered to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
Therapeutic Goods Administration Adj. Professor John Skerritt's interview on ABC Radio National on 9 January 2023
Read the transcript of Therapeutic Goods Administration Adjunct Professor John Skerritt's interview with Hamish Macdonald on ABC Radio National on 9 January 2023.
Be informed before having cosmetic surgery
If you are considering cosmetic surgery, it is important that you get trustworthy information first. Information and resources are now available to help you make the safer choice.
COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers from China, Hong Kong and Macau
See details on the pre-departure testing requirement for COVID-19 for people travelling to Australia from China, including Hong Kong and Macau.
End of the COVIDSafe data period
The Minister for Health has determined the end of the COVIDSafe data period effective from 16 August 2022. All COVIDSafe app data has now been deleted from the National COVIDSafe Data Store.
Travellers from China required to undertake COVID-19 testing before travel
The Australian Government will introduce pre-departure testing for COVID-19 for people travelling to Australia from the People’s Republic of China.
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly’s interview on ABC News Breakfast on 29 December 2022.
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly’s interview on ABC News Breakfast on COVID-19.
13Yarn
How can 13YARN help you?
Keep your spirit strong this holiday season
Most people look forward to the holiday season, but others may find it a challenging time for many different reasons. It is not uncommon for people to feel isolated, sad or anxious, so you’re not alone if you find yourself feeling down this Christmas.
Ensure you are protected against measles and polio before going overseas
A statement from Professor Paul Kelly, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, outlining the importance of vaccination against measles and polio.
Therapeutic Goods Administration Adj. Professor John Skerritt's interview on ABC News on 20 December 2022
Read the transcript of Therapeutic Goods Administration Adjunct Professor John Skerritt's interview with Ros Childs on ABC News on 20 December 2022.
$400 million to help researchers pursue big ideas, develop new health and medical breakthroughs and apply them to clinical practice
Researchers can apply for funding under the 2022 Frontier Health and Medical Research grant opportunity from 13 February 2023. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Social inclusion the big winner at the 2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games
The Oceania Asia Games 2022 leaves a lasting legacy.
$65 million for clinical trials to help people with rare illnesses and to support effective health interventions
Researchers can apply for funding under the 2022 Clinical Trials Activity grant opportunity. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Funnel-web spider venom may provide a new drug for heart attacks
Blocked arteries cause heart attacks by reducing oxygen flow to the heart. Called ischemia, this leads to the death of heart cells. These injuries are permanent and can cause the heart to fail. A new drug could prevent this damage.
Access to PCR testing from 1 January 2023
The Australian Government is committed to supporting effective COVID-19 testing to limit the spread and ensure that those most at risk of severe disease have fast access to care and treatments.
$8 million for research to help prevent mental illness and improve diagnosis and treatment
Researchers can apply for funding under the 2022 Mental Health Research grant opportunity. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
$38.5 million to support the rapid translation of research into clinical practice and quality health care
Researchers can apply for funding under the 2022 Rapid Applied Research Translation grant opportunity from 9 January 2023. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
National DNA screening could save lives for people with high-risk hereditary disease gene variants
The DNA Screen study offers free DNA screening for high-risk hereditary disease gene variants to 10,000 young Australians. When the study launched it received national media coverage. Over 20,000 people registered in the first 3 days. We asked lead researcher Paul Lacaze what happened next.
Updated eligibility for COVID-19 oral treatment
Some people who are at higher risk of getting very ill from COVID-19 are eligible for the COVID-19 oral treatments.
Stay COVIDSafe
During the upcoming holidays it is important that we stay COVIDSafe. As we start to enjoy our summer, we need to be aware the next wave of COVID-19 has arrived. Cases are again on the increase. We know that what can be a mild illness for some people can be life threatening for others.
COVID-19 antivirals prevent severe illness and death
A statement from Australia's acting Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AM, on COVID-19 antiviral treatments.
Recognising our aged care volunteers
We recognise and celebrates our dedicated aged care volunteers today on International Volunteer Day.
Helping researchers plan for Medical Research Future Fund grant opportunities
You can now read about Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant opportunities that are forecast to open from February 2023.
PBS co-payment reduction – What pharmacists need to know
A lower Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) general co-payment from 1 January 2023 will help ease cost-of-living pressures for Australians. Here’s what pharmacists need to know to support their customers.
Ozzie vs Mozzie
The Australian Government has launched a new advertising campaign to encourage Australians to take simple steps to protect themselves against mosquito borne viruses, like Japanese Encephalitis Virus.
Have your say: National Dementia Action Plan
The National Dementia Action Plan is open for consultation. Find out about the plan and how to provide feedback.
Preventing age-related vision loss
Optometrist researcher Lauren Ayton is improving diagnosis and treatment pathways for patients with age-related vision loss.
Keeping young children, families, and educators safe during a health crisis
Early childhood educators have the right skills to prevent infectious diseases and communicate health information fast to families with young children. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, staff struggled to find relevant health information.
World Cup success to continue through She Hoops
She Hoops launched as a lasting legacy from the success of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022.
Medibank Private and AHM data breach
Find out what your need to do if your Medicare number, or Medicare provider number has been exposed.
ATAGI recommendations on use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months to 4 years
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months to 4 years (Pfizer 6 months to 4 years).
ATAGI recommendations on use of the Pfizer bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.1) COVID-19 vaccine
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) the Pfizer bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.1) COVID-19 vaccine.
ATAGI update on boosters following COVID-19 meeting on 11 November 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their meeting on 11 November 2022.
Fraud costs NSW pharmacist two years in jail
A NSW pharmacist has been sentenced to two years imprisonment yesterday after pleading guilty to defrauding taxpayers of almost $290,000.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week – 18 to 24 November 2022
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week runs from 18 to 24 November every year with this year’s theme Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together. It’s an international initiative to increase awareness of the growing problem of resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines.
New COVID-19 variant leads to increase in cases
A statement from Professor Paul Kelly, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, on the increase in COVID-19 cases due to a new Omicron variant.
Television interview with Professor Paul Kelly on The Today Show - Monday 7th November 2022
Read the transcript of the television interview with Chief Medical Office, Professor Paul Kelly on Covid 19 and OMICRON.
Television interview with Professor Paul Kelly and Stephanie Ferrier on ABC News Breakfast on Monday 7 November 2022
Read the transcript of the television interview with Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly on ABC News Breakfast, on COVID-19 and Rapid Antigen Tests.
Television interview with Professor Paul Kelly on Sunrise (Seven) on Monday 7 November 2022
Read the transcript of the television interview with Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly on Sunrise, on COVID-19 and Rapid Antigen Tests.
Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities 2022-2024 finalised
The Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities 2022-2024 came into effect on 6 November 2022. They are the fourth set of priorities for the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
The Virtus Oceania Asia Games are here!
Brisbane is set to welcome hundreds of elite athletes in a celebration of sport inclusion
Changes to the Practice Incentives Program Indigenous Health Incentive
Updates to the Practice Incentives Program Indigenous Health Incentive (PIP IHI) aim to improve continuity of care and health outcomes for First Nations people with chronic disease.
$27.8 million for research to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations people
Researchers can apply for funding under the 2022 Indigenous Health Research grant opportunity. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Presentations and recordings from the recent Australia/New Zealand Allied Health Summit are now available
Revisit the Australia/New Zealand Allied Health Summit held in August 2022. This year’s theme was demonstrating the value and utility of allied health care.
Consultation on the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission
Consultation on the Roadmap and Implementation Plan for the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission is now open.
Report on the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission
Read about the review of the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission.
Join our next Medical Research Future Fund webinar
We invite you to join us for our next Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) webinar at 1:30pm (AEDT) on 15 November 2022.
Budget October 2022–23 information
Health Budget October 2022–23 information is now available.
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