Abstract
Background and Aim: The inaugural Australian Vaccinology Course (AVC) was conducted in 2025 as a three-day face-to-face course aiming to build capacity in emerging and future leaders in immunisation. The course was developed in response to a perceived lack of advanced vaccinology courses within the Western Pacific region and is a member of the International Collaboration on Advanced Vaccinology Training. Well-trained leaders with advanced skills in vaccinology and immunisation system management are vital to address the many challenges facing vaccination globally.
Methods and Analysis: Out of 100 applications, 67 participants were selected to attend the 2025 inaugural AVC, including supported positions for three attendees from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and two attendees from low-middle income countries (LMICs). Participants attended from a range of locations across Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region (13%). Participant roles also varied including immunisation providers (55%), local, state and national government (21%), epidemiologists / researchers (12%) and pharmaceutical industry (12%).
The AVC is led by NCIRS, in partnership with Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute. The teaching faculty is comprised of 15 leading immunisation policy and program experts from around Australia and New Zealand (4 NCIRS, 11 other organisations).
Evaluative feedback was collected from ∼50% of participants twice daily and at completion of course using online surveys, and from the teaching faculty through a mix of online survey and focused discussion.
Outcomes: Qualitative feedback about the course was very positive, with participants highlighting the high calibre and approachability of the expert faculty, breadth and depth of content, and networking opportunities with diverse attendees as most valuable. 91% of survey respondents reported that they were very likely to recommend the AVC to colleagues.
Conclusion and Future Actions: Advanced vaccinology courses are a key component in developing immunisation workforce leaders. The AVC will run yearly, aiming to increase capacity and relationships between immunisation leaders in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region including a focus on priority populations and LMICs.