ABC News: Why Delta COVID-19 variant could put younger people at risk of deadly cardiac complications
The COVID-19 Delta variant which is now subject of the current outbreaks in NSW, QLD and Victoria, has been linked to an increase in cases of cardiac complications in younger people. Though data is still emerging on how common the cardiac side effects are with the Delta variant, myocarditis has also been reported as a very rare side effect of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (including Pfizer and Moderna) by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) .
According to a US study, while vaccine associated myocarditis and an associated condition, pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart), could be serious, the likelihood of this occurring is low and most cases are reported to resolve quickly. Further to this, the study found that young people were around six times more likely to develop myocarditis from COVID than Pfizer, reiterating that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risk of adverse effects from COVID-19, including for myocarditis.
To read the article in full please click on the link below:
ABC: Why Delta COVID-19 variant could put younger people at risk of deadly cardiac complications
TGA grants provisional approval for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) Elasomeran
We have updated our Moderna COVID-19 vaccination page to reflect the announcement by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) regarding the use of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine.
On August 9 2021, The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) granted provisional approval to Moderna Australia Pty Ltd for its COVID-19 vaccine—Spikevax (elasomeran).
To find out more information, please refer to our dedicated MVEC Moderna COVID-19 vaccination page in the link below.
MVEC Moderna COVID-19 vaccination page
Inside Aesthetics podcast featuring A/Prof Nigel Crawford
Associate Professor Nigel Crawford is interviewed by Dr Jake Sloane (cosmetic doctor and international injectables trainer) and David Segal (a multi-clinic owner and aesthetic entrepreneur) on their Inside Aesthetics podcast. In this episode, Nigel discusses the current vaccination landscape including vaccine safety, risk-benefit analysis, and COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy.
You can listen to the podcast here:
Inside Aesthetics Podcast featuring Associate Professor Nigel Crawford
Updated MVEC reference page: Myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 mRNA vaccines
We have updated our myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccines page to reflect the guidance by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ).
ATAGI and CSANZ emphasise that the overwhelming benefits of vaccination in protecting against COVID-19 greatly outweigh the rare risk of these conditions, and Comirnaty (Pfizer mRNA vaccine) continues to be recommended for all people ≥ 16 years of age who do not have any contraindications to the vaccine, in those aged 12-15 with specific medical conditions that increase their risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 12-15.
To find out more information, please refer to our dedicated MVEC myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccines page in the link below.
MVEC myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccines page
ATAGI statement on the use of a different COVID-19 vaccine as the second dose
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has released clinical guidance on the use of a different COVID-19 vaccine as the second dose.
The advice recommends to use the same COVID-19 vaccine for the 2 doses of the primary vaccination course, unless there are specific medical reasons not to do so, or the same vaccine brand is not available in Australia.
The ATAGI advice explains:
• The medical contraindications and serious vaccine-attributable adverse events after
dose 1 of a COVID-19 vaccine that warrant using an alternative vaccine brand for dose 2
• The medical conditions that mean that Comirnaty is recommended over COVID-19
Vaccine AstraZeneca
• The recommendations for completing the primary vaccination course for people who
have received dose 1 with a vaccine that is not available in Australia.
To read the statement in full, please click the link below:
ATAGI statement: ATAGI clinical advice on use of a different COVID-19 vaccine as the second dose in special circumstances
For further information on COVID-19 mixed vaccine schedules refer to MVEC: COVID-19 mixed vaccine schedules.
Updated MVEC reference page: COVID-19 vaccination in children
We have updated our COVID-19 vaccination in children page to reflect the statement by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) regarding vaccination of adolescents aged 12-15 years.
The following groups of children among those aged 12–15 years are to be prioritised for vaccination using the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine:
- Children with specified medical conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19 (including severe asthma, diabetes, obesity, cardiac and circulatory congenital anomalies, neuro developmental disorders, epilepsy, immuno-compromised and trisomy 21)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 12–15 years
- All children aged 12–15 years in remote communities, as part of broader community outreach vaccination programs that provide vaccines for all ages (≥12 years).
To find out more information, please refer to our dedicated MVEC COVID-19 vaccination in children page in the link below.
MVEC COVID-19 vaccination in children page
COSSI webinar video now available - Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination webinar
A recording of the recent COSSI webinar Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination is now available. The webinar was held on 26 July and discusses the policy, behavioural, ethical and epidemiological aspects of mandating COVID-19 vaccination.
To view the recording, please click on the link below:
COSSI webinar video now available - Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination webinar
Change in timing for Pfizer second dose (in Victoria)
In order for more Victorians to receive their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, it is now recommended dose 2 of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty™) is administered 6 weeks after dose 1.
Individuals who currently have their second dose of Comirnaty™ booked do not need to reschedule their appointments.
This change only applies in Victoria.
For further information refer to the link below:
Department of Health: Change in timing for Pfizer second dose