News and Media
e-Newsletters
We communicate regularly with our members via newsletters. The latest issues are posted below.
April 25 Newsletter
March 25 Newsletter
February 25 Newsletter
Latest IDFA Updates
IDFA at the ASCIA Conference 2024
From 2–6 September 2024, IDFA had the privilege of attending the ASCIA (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy) Conference in Adelaide. Our booth, positioned...
South Australia Member Meet-Up
This September, we travelled to Adelaide to host a member meeting for our South Australian community at the beautiful Rydges in South Park. The event, aptly named “Inspiring...
Western Australia Member Meet-up
This casual member meet-up, aptly named ‘Conversations with IDFA,’ symbolised our community’s commitment to learning about and supporting one another. It was a reflection of our collective growth, resilience, and vibrancy.
Podcasts
Live and Learn
25 Nov 2024
‘Ep.13: Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia’
Too Peas in a Podcast
13 March 2024
‘Louise talks about her little bumblebee Isabelle’
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