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
Expressions of Interest – IDFA Board Members
Expressions of Interest – Immune Deficiency Foundation Australia Board Members Are you looking for a Board role where you can make a difference? We are seeking Board members with...
SCID Newborn Screening Update
SCID NEWBORN SCREENING UPDATE IDFA have been advocating for SCID newborn screening to be included in routine screening for newborn babies for a number of years. At the moment...
Primary Immune Education (PIE) Program
We are excited to announce the beginning of our Primary Immune Education (PIE) Program. The PIE Program is a series of 12 educational webinars held each Thursday evening from 3 June through to 19 August 2021. The program aims to educate and inform Australians affected by primary immunodeficiency (PI) on topics relevant to diagnosis and lifestyle, addressing PI from a wholistic perspective.
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
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.
COVID-19 Resources
ASCIA COVID-19 Resources
- ASCIA – COVID-19 vaccine FAQ’s for those living with allergy, immunodeficiency and autoimmunity
- ASCIA – Guide: Immunodeficiency, Autoimmunity and COVID-19 Vaccination
- ASCIA – Allergy, Immunodeficiency and Autoimmunity COVID-19 Vaccination Position Statement
- ASCIA Position Statement – COVID-19 Prophylaxis in People with Immune Deficiencies
- ASCIA – Evusheld for COVID-19 prophylaxis
Australia Government COVID-19 Resources
- Australian Government – Department of Health – updates for COVID-19 vaccines
- Australian Government – Department of Health – Australia’s vaccine national rollout strategy
- Australian Government – Department of Health – Information for people with disability about COVID-19 vaccines
- Australian Government – Department of Health – COVID-19 health alert information