New immunisation reference page: Multi-dose vials
Our new reference page Multi-dose vials details the safe preparation and storage of vaccines from multi-dose vials that require reconstitution and from those that do not, as well as infection control and storage and handling principles to consider.
To access this resource please visit our Immunisation References or follow the link below:
Building a stronger Australian Immunisation Register
A change in legislation, making it a requirement for all vaccination providers to report every vaccine to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), has passed through Parliament.
This will allow for a more comprehensive reporting of immunisation data to help enhance vaccination coverage rates and monitor the effectiveness of Australia's immunisation program.
Every COVID-19 vaccine administered within Australia must reported to AIR. From March 1, 2021 every Influenza vaccine must be included and all other NIP vaccines must be reported from July 1, 2021.
To understand more about the new legislation please refer to the press release below:
Building a stronger Australian Immunisation Register
Imperial College London survey suggests confidence in coronavirus vaccines is rising globally
A recent survey from the Imperial College London’s Institute of Global Health Innovation has shown that willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine is increasing.
The survey was initially run in November 2020 across 15 countries and demonstrated that just 41% of people would be willing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time. This number has risen to 54% in results from the same survey, run again in January 2021. Results demonstrated vast differences in attitudes towards vaccination based on location, with 78% of people surveyed in the UK willing to be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine. People in France demonstrated the least willingness, with 44% of people stating they would not be vaccinated.
The survey further demonstrated that worry over vaccine side effects has decreased in 9 of the 15 countries who participated. The report is part of a global effort to monitor health related behaviours and attitudes during the pandemic to inform decision-makers based on a country’s needs.
Read more about the results of the survey via the link below:
Imperial College London: Confidence in coronavirus vaccines is rising globally, survey suggests
ASCIA release COVID-19 vaccination position statement
The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) have released a position statement on COVID-19 vaccination. The statement reflects the COVID-19 vaccines the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has granted provisional approval for use in Australia, as well as vaccines that may also be granted provisional approval in the future. It contains guidance based on current data for COVID-19 vaccination in people with allergic conditions, immunodeficiencies and autoimmune conditions, pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 16 years of age.
You can access the full statement via the link below:
ASCIA: Allergy, Immunodeficiency, Autoimmunity and COVID-19 Vaccination Position Statement
BBC- Covid: New Oxford vaccine 'ready by the autumn' to tackle mutations
With the emergence of various mutations of SARS-CoV-2 there is still reassuring evidence that existing vaccines are providing good protection, although at a slightly less rate than with the initial variants. Additionally, interim results released by the Oxford/AstraZeneca team showed that vaccination with the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine could cut transmission of the virus by up to 67%.
In the following article published in the BBC, Professor Andy Pollard from Oxford University suggests that updating vaccines to make them more effective against mutations is a quick process. With manufacturing processes already established, newer vaccines could be available relatively quickly.
To read more follow the link below:
BBC- Covid: New Oxford vaccine 'ready by the autumn' to tackle mutations
New immunisation reference page: Drive-through immunisation clinics
Drive-through immunisation clinics are an alternative venue for supporting vaccine delivery and can assist members of the community to continue to receive recommended immunisations whilst maintaining physical distancing.
Our new reference page highlights the equipment, staffing and logistics to consider when setting up a drive-through clinic.
To access this resource please visit our Immunisation References or follow the link below:
MVEC: Drive-through immunisation clinics
Latest monitoring data confirms safety of COVID-19 vaccines
Data from the UK's independent medicines regulator (MHRA) has confirmed that the safety profile of the approved COVID-19 vaccines (Oxford Astra/Zeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech) remains as high as reported in the clinical trial data that supported those approvals.
With over 10 million doses already delivered, there have been 22,820 reports of suspected side effects with the majority being short-lasting, mild and expected side effects including sore arms and 'flu-like' symptoms.
To read the press release in full follow the link below:
Latest monitoring data confirms safety of COVID-19 vaccines
CVU Miniseries event February 8, 2021- registration closing soon
COVID-19 vaccines: A Victorian landscape is the first event in our CVU Miniseries for 2021.
Please join us online on Monday the 8th of February at 7pm to hear about COVID-19 vaccine safety and Victorian COVID-19 vaccine rollout information.
To view the full program and to register, please visit our Event page.
Registrations for this FREE event will close on Monday the 8th of February at 2pm.
A recording of COVID-19 vaccines: A Victorian landscape will be accessible on our Education Portal following the event.
JAMA Pediatrics: Assessment of Maternal and Neonatal Cord Blood SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Placental Transfer Ratio
A recent cohort study conducted at Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia involving 1714 participants assessed maternal and cord blood for the transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Trial participants were from various ethnic backgrounds with ages ranging from 28-35 years. IgG and/or IgM was detected in 83 woman at the time of delivery and IgG was detected in the cord blood of 72 of the 83 infants. The transfer of antibodies occurred after symptomatic and asymptomatic infections during pregnancy.
To read the article in full refer to the link below:
December 2020 CVU recording is now available via our Education Portal
Our December CVU covered topics such as COVID-19 vaccines, influenza, vaccine safety and vaccine communication. A recording of this event is now available for viewing.
To access this recording please sign in to our Education Portal and follow the prompts.
Please note that if you have not visited our new Education Portal, you will need to sign up to access content.