News and Media

e-Newsletters

We communicate regularly with our members via newsletters. The latest issues are posted below.

December 24 Newsletter

November 24 Newsletter

October 24 Newsletter

Latest IDFA Updates

In Memory of Geoffrey McAlary

IDFA would like to send their condolences to the family and friends of Geoffrey McAlary and thank them for their donations that have been made in memory of Geoffrey.  Geoffrey...

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Media Releases

Local Not-For-Profit Hosts ‘Plasma Party’

In recognition of International Plasma Awareness Week, Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia (IDFA) is joining forces with Lifeblood Australia to host a ‘Plasma Party’ at the Wollongong donor centre on Tuesday, 1 October.

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Nationwide Implementation of SCID Newborn Screening Ends Postcode Lottery

The role of the collective voice was pertinent for the implementation of SCID testing Australia wide, with Rare Voices Australia bringing patients and organisations together to advocate for the inclusion into newborn screening.

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It is time to shine a light on ‘Hidden Disabilities’

In recent times, there has been increased recognition around ‘hidden disabilities,’ and patient organisations Australian Primary Immunodeficiency Patient Support (AusPIPS Inc.) and Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia (IDFA) are joining the conversation.

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Upcoming Events

IDFA hosts a range of different events, meetings and webinars for our members.

Upcoming events are listed on our events page. 

Important Dates

Rare Disease Day - Last day of February

Held on the last day of February each year Rare Disease Day is an international campaign aimed at raising awareness of rare diseases amongst the general public and decision makers about the impact of rare disease on patients’ lives.

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World PI Week - 22-29 April

Observed every year from April 22 to April 29 World PI Week is a global initiative that aims to increase awareness and improve the early diagnosis and treatment of primary immunodeficiencies (PI).

 

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International Plasma Awareness Week - First week of October

Held annually, International Plasma Awareness Week raises global awareness about source plasma collection, recognises the valued contributions of donors, and increases understanding about plasma protein therapies and rare diseases.

 

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

The global pandemic is an ever-changing situation so it’s important you keep up to date with the current status in your state or territory. For those living with an immunodeficiency please seek guidance specific to your illness from your medical team particularly if you suffer from respiratory issues.

COVID-19 – immunodeficiency and vaccines

With the implementation of Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine national rollout strategy, we have had a range of questions from our members about what this will mean for people with primary or secondary immunodeficiency.

We have compiled a list of resources for you which provide information specific to the immunodeficiency community, the vaccines available in Australia and the national rollout strategy.