Nature: Mix-and-match COVID vaccines trigger potent immune response

Preliminary results from a trial involving 663 participants receiving a mixed schedule of COVID-19 vaccine brands has been released. Participants who had received their first COVID-19 vaccine as AstraZeneca were then offered their second dose as Pfizer at least 8 weeks later.

Higher antibody levels were produced following dose 2 than had been produced following receipt of dose 1. The immune response generated was also stronger compared with a standard 2 dose course of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The side effects reported following a mixed schedule were similar to those experienced by those who received a same brand schedule. This is in contrast to a similar study in the UK which showed higher reports of common side effects following a mixed schedule of COVID-19 vaccination.

To read the article in full refer to the link below:

Nature: Mix-and-match COVID vaccines trigger potent immune response

 

 

 


Raising Children Network - new COVID-19 vaccination: pregnancy and breastfeeding resource

MVEC have partnered with the Raising Children Network to develop a new resource focused on providing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy.

To view this article follow the link below:

COVID-19 vaccination: pregnancy and breastfeeding

Further information on vaccines for pregnant and breastfeeding women can be found via our immunisation reference pages below:

MVEC: Maternal vaccination during pregnancy

MVEC: Breastfeeding and immunisations

 

 


BBC News: Covid: Pfizer and AstraZeneca jabs work against Indian variant - study

A study conducted by Public Health England (PHE) has shown that either of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine brands are highly effective against the COVID-19 Indian strain. Two weeks after the administration of dose 2, the Pfizer vaccine was found to be 88% effective at stopping symptomatic disease and the AstraZeneca vaccine was 60% effective.

The effectiveness of only 1 dose of either brand was reduced to 33%, highlighting the importance of administering both doses.

To read more, follow the link below:

BBC News: Covid: Pfizer and AstraZeneca jabs work against Indian variant - study


WHO: COVID-19 subcommittee of the WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) reviews cases of mild myocarditis reported with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines

The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) COVID-19 subcommittee has released a statement following the review of a small number of cases of myocarditis reported in individuals who have received COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.

Cases have predominantly been reported in adolescents and young adults, with a typical symptom onset occurring within 4 days of vaccination. Reports were more common following receipt of a second dose of the vaccine. GACVS notes that most cases of myocarditis appear to be mild.

The COVID-19 subcommittee reiterates that the benefit of vaccination in reducing deaths and hospitalisations due to COVID-19 disease outweighs potential risk of vaccine side effects.

To read more follow the link below:

WHO: COVID-19 subcommittee of the WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) reviews cases of mild myocarditis reported with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines

 


Joint statement from ATAGI and THANZ on Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) and the use of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca

ATAGI and the Thrombosis and Haemostasis Society of Australia and New Zealand (THANZ) have released a joint statement surrounding the administration of COVID-19 AstraZeneca and Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS).

Following close monitoring of local and international data it has been noted that the risk of TTS is not likely to be increased in people who:

  • Have a history of blood clots in typical sites
  • Have an increased clotting tendency that is not immune mediated
  • Have a family history of blood clots
  • Have a history of ischaemic heart disease
  • Currently have or has a history of thrombocytopenia
  • Are receiving anticoagulation therapy

Comirnaty™ is the preferred COVID-19 vaccine for people who:

  • Have a history of idiopathic splanchnic vein thrombosis
  • Have a history of antiphospholipid syndrome with thrombosis
  • Individuals < 50 years of age
  • Have a history of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST)
  • Have a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
  • Have a contraindication to COVID-19 AstraZeneca (including anaphylaxis to a previous dose or anaphylaxis to a component of COVID-19 AstraZeneca, TTS occurring after a dose of COVID-19 AstraZeneca or other serious adverse event following receipt of COVID-19 AstraZeneca)

To read the statement in full please refer to the following link:

Joint statement from ATAGI and THANZ on Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) and the use of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca

 

 


ABC news: Multilingual women are countering vaccine hesitancy in Victoria's culturally diverse communities

In an effort to improve communication and address vaccine misinformation within culturally diverse communities, the Victorian Department of Health has partnered with the Multicultural Centre for Women's Health and other women's health organisations to deliver a range of information in various languages. Multilingual health educators will be actively engaging within the community by doorknocking public housing, holding online education sessions and answering questions about COVID-19 vaccines, the virus and other health related issues.

To read more about this program follow the link below:

ABC news: Multilingual women are countering vaccine hesitancy in Victoria's culturally diverse communities


The Guardian: Vaccinate vulnerable global poor before children in rich countries, WHO says

The World Health Organization's director-general, Tedros Adhanom, has urged wealthy countries to donate COVID-19 vaccines to poorer nations.

Of the 1.4 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered globally, 44% of those have been administered in high-income countries. Only 0.3% of vaccines have reached the 29 lowest income countries, where 9% of the world's population call home. The WHO has warned that this inequity in vaccine access could result in 2021 experiencing more death than in the first year of the pandemic. With wealthy countries now looking to vaccinate adolescents and children, the WHO are encouraging these countries to instead donate their vaccines through COVAX. This would allow poorer nations to access vaccines and protect their healthcare workers and vulnerable priority groups.

To read more, follow the link below:

The Guardian: Vaccinate vulnerable global poor before children in rich countries, WHO says

 


New immunisation reference page: COVID-19 vaccination in children

COVID-19 infections have generally produced more severe disease outcomes in adults and the older population, with children generally experiencing milder symptoms. For this reason, initial COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials and vaccine rollouts focused on the adult population.  However, it is recognised that in order to achieve herd immunity within the community, the vaccination of children needs to be considered.

Our new reference page outlines the importance of conducting paediatric focused COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials and summarises the trials that are currently underway.

To read more follow the link below:

MVEC: COVID-19 vaccination in children

 


Australian Academy of Science- The Science of Immunisation: Questions and Answers

The Australian Academy of Science have released an updated edition of The Science of Immunisation- Questions and Answers. This resource has been developed to assist in the understanding of the scientific processes behind vaccination and to encourage trust in vaccines for COVID-19 and other diseases.

Topics include:

  • What is immunisation?
  • What is in a vaccine?
  • Who benefits from vaccines?
  • Are vaccines safe?
  • What does the future hold for vaccination?

You can view this resource online via the following link:

Australian Academy of Science- The Science of Immunisation: Questions and Answers

 


Provisional determination granted to Pfizer in relation to COVID 19 vaccine, COMIRNATY - for use in individuals 12 years of age and older

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has granted provisional determination to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty™ as part of an application process to lower the approved age limit of vaccine administration from 16 years and above, to individuals aged 12 years and above.

Provisional determination is the first step in the provisional registration pathway. The provisional pathway for registration provides a formal and transparent mechanism for speeding up the registration of promising new medicines based on preliminary clinical data. Having provisional determination does not mean that provisional registration will be granted.

To read more follow the link below:

Provisional determination granted to Pfizer in relation to COVID 19 vaccine, COMIRNATY - for use in individuals 12 years of age and older