From 1 July 2026, Australia has introduced a new pneumococcal vaccine, Capvaxive®  under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This vaccine provides protection against 21 strains of pneumococcal bacteria, helping to prevent serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. Capvaxive® replaces the previous adult pneumococcal vaccines, Prevenar 13® and [...]

Almost 1.3 million Australians are living with Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 85 to 90 per cent of all diabetes cases. It is a leading public health burden, heavily impacting the healthcare system and older demographics, though largely preventable. Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at [...]

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection which spreads through coughing, sneezing or close contact with infected skin sores. Symptoms may begin with a sore throat, fever, swollen glands and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, the bacteria produce a toxin that can damage the heart and nervous system and may be [...]

Australia introduced the National Lung Cancer Screening Program in July 2025 to help detect lung cancer earlier, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in Australia, partly because many people do not develop symptoms until the disease is advanced. Early [...]

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious, common virus causing infections of the respiratory tract, including the lungs and airways. Common signs include fever, runny nose, cough, sneezing, wheezing, and reduced appetite. It can lead to severe illness, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, in infants, young children, and older adults. [...]

For the month of May, the Lung Foundation of Australia is urging Australians to be aware of any symptoms which may indicate a change in lung function. Every day, you take around 22,000 breaths—so keeping your lungs healthy matters. Simple habits can make a real difference. Stay active, sit and [...]

Flu vaccination clinics will commence at Stirling Central Health Clinic in April. An annual vaccination is recommended prior to winter because the flu changes every year.   South Australia has been experiencing a spike in influenza numbers already in 2026, and Nationally 19,000 cases have been reported.   Everyone 6 [...]

In 2025, 21,120 people were admitted to public hospitals injured after a fall. Over 65% of these people were aged over 65 years. The number of people admitted to hospital after a fall is 10 times higher than those admitted after a motor vehicle accident.   A total of 395 [...]

According to the Melanoma Institute Australia, Australia has the highest rates of melanoma in the world. Melanoma is also the third most common cancer in Australia. The main cause is too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The good news is that if melanoma is found early and [...]

Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Australia. However, early detection can help prevent 90% of cases. The Australian Government has lowered the eligible age for the National Bowel Screening Program from 50 years to 45 years. People aged 50 – 74 will automatically be sent [...]