In April 2026, the Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) delivered its Annual Immunisation Conference, bringing together 314 health professionals in Dubbo and Orange for high‑quality learning and clinical practice updates.
For more than a decade, the Immunisation Conference has engaged 4,000 health professionals with the latest evidence, expert advice and practical tools they need to deliver safe, high‑quality care.
Alongside the face-to-face events, the virtual event continues to have strong engagement and plays a critical role in strengthening immunisation knowledge and practice in Western and Far West NSW.
The Annual Immunisation Conference features national and local experts, including presenters from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance and Western NSW Local Health District.
The conference provides practical, evidence‑based learning, including:
- Current advice on COVID‑19, influenza, RSV and pneumococcal vaccines
- Safe management of anaphylaxis following immunisation
- Effective use of the Australian Immunisation Register
- Travel and meningococcal vaccination recommendations
- Strategies to reduce vaccine‑preventable disease transmission and improve population health outcomes.
The event reflects the organisation’s long‑term commitment to supporting a skilled and confident regional health workforce. By offering face‑to‑face events in Dubbo and Orange, and a virtual option, the sessions provide place-based learning opportunities that directly supports patient safety and community wellbeing.
Primary Healthcare and Integration Executive Manager Katie Prior said the strong and consistent engagement reflects the value participants place on the event.
“Each year, hundreds of health professionals in the region take part, which shows how important it is to create learning opportunities that are accessible and relevant.
“This year, 99.6% of survey respondents reported gaining a positive impact on their immunisation knowledge and clinical practice.
“This event supports sector confidence in managing complex immunisation scenarios, improved data quality, and stronger local responses to emerging public health risks,” Ms Prior said. This year, WNSW PHN acknowledged and celebrated some of the region’s long-standing local Nurse Immunisers. Five Nurse Immunisers, who have a combined 140 years of service were awarded with the Recognition of Local Immunisation Service Award.
