ATAGI statement in response to NSW COVID-19 outbreak 24th July 2021

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has released a statement to address the current risk of COVID-19 in NSW and the ongoing constraints on Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine supplies.

Due to increasing risk of COVID-19 and ongoing constraints of Comirnaty (Pfizer) supplies, ATAGI recommends all individuals aged 18 years and above in greater Sydney, including adults under 60 years of age, should strongly consider getting vaccinated with any available vaccine including COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.

ATAGI also advises that people in areas where outbreaks are occurring can receive the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine 4 to 8 weeks after the first dose, rather than the usual 12 weeks, to bring forward optimal protection. ATAGI also reinforces that the interval between the first and second doses of Comirnaty (Pfizer) is 3-6 weeks, providing flexibility in managing available supplies of vaccines, whilst also noting two doses are required for optimal protection.

In addition to being informed of the benefits and risks and give informed consent, it is advised that people who receive COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca should be aware of the symptoms of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), and when to seek prompt medical attention.

To read the statement in full, please click the link below:

ATAGI Statement: Response to NSW COVID-19 outbreak 24th July 2021

 


Updated MVEC reference page: Maternal vaccination during pregnancy

We have updated our maternal vaccination page to reflect the recommendation that pregnant women are routinely offered Comirnaty™, the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, at any stage of pregnancy.

Pregnant women who did not receive COVID-19 vaccines prior to conception, are prioritised to receive COVID-19 vaccines during their pregnancy as part of Phase 1b of the vaccine rollout.

To find out more information, please refer to our dedicated MVEC maternal vaccination during pregnancy page in the link below.
MVEC maternal vaccination during pregnancy page


TGA approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine in children aged 12 to 15 years.

The Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) will now consider this approval and provide expert advice on which groups of adolescents should be prioritised for the roll out of the vaccine and how and when it should be administered.

To read the statement in full, please click on the link below:
TGA approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds


NPR: The Pandemic Has Worsened Childhood Vaccination Rates Around The World

In a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, nearly 23 million children globally missed out on routine childhood vaccinations last year. Funding shortfalls, vaccine safety misinformation, regional instability, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, are all contributing factors.

The greatest impact has been on those who live in conflict-ridden areas, remote places or in slums. In addition to a lack of access to basic health care and social services, up to 17 million children likely didn't receive a single vaccine during 2020.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, reflects that while many countries are trying to access COVID-19 vaccines, other countries have gone backwards in vaccination leaving children vulnerable to preventable diseases such as polio, measles and meningitis.

For more information please click on the link below:
NPR: The Pandemic Has Worsened Childhood Vaccination Rates Around The World


Latest Commonwealth guidance: COVID-19 vaccine – Clinical considerations

The Commonwealth have released their latest resource: COVID-19 vaccine – Clinical considerations. This guidance includes the latest clinical advice on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout including advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

Included in the guidance are resources for topics such as; Leakage of diluent when reconstituting Pfizer vaccine vial, heparin treatment and COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca, pregnant women, and information for people who have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine not yet available in Australia.

For more information please refer to the link below:

COVID-19 vaccine – Clinical considerations


COVID-19 vaccine FAQs: women's health

We have expanded our COVID-19 vaccine FAQs to include a section specific to women's health.

To view commonly asked questions on COVID vaccines and planning pregnancy, pregnancy, breast-feeding and menstruation please please follow the link below:

MVEC: COVID-19 vaccine FAQs: women's health

 

 


Updated advice regarding capillary leak syndrome

An extremely rare relapsing-remitting condition known as capillary leak syndrome has been reported overseas following vaccination with COVID-19 AstraZeneca. The syndrome results in fluid leaking from capillaries (small blood vessels) into surrounding tissue and can lead to severe organ damage or death if left untreated.

In two of the reported cases there was a previous history of capillary leak syndrome. As triggers for relapse are not well understood, the manufacturer of COVID-19 AstraZeneca has updated the product information advising it is not recommended that the vaccine be administered to people with a history of capillary leak syndrome. Individuals with a history of capillary leak syndrome should be referred to their closest VicSIS clinic for further assessment.

For further information refer to the following link:

TGA: COVID-19 weekly safety report


Updated immunisation reference page: Needle phobia

We have recently updated our Needle phobia page to include the latest information and resources available for addressing needle phobia.

Our page includes information and strategies for health care providers, individuals and care givers to manage needle phobia and immunisation.

To view this page, please click on the following link:

MVEC: Needle phobia


Healthed Webcast: Covid Update

Healthed will be hosting a webinar for healthcare professionals on Tuesday 20 July featuring a panel of expert speakers including MVEC’s A/Prof Nigel Crawford. This Covid update will cover the following topics:

  • AZ confusion
  • Delta crisis
  • Myocarditis
  • Boosters
  • Pregnancy
  • Variants

Further information and details on registration can be found via the link below:
Healthed Webcast: Covid Update


Primary care approach to thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome after COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine

The Australian Government Department of Health have published a new resource for healthcare providers in primary care to identify and manage thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) after COVID-19 AstraZeneca.

To read the document in full, please refer to the following link:

The Australian Government Department of Health: Primary care approach to thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome after COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine