Novavax Files for Authorization of its COVID-19 Vaccine in the United Kingdom

Novavax has completed the rolling regulatory submission to the U.K Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for authorization of the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine.

The NVX-CoV2373 vaccine is engineered from the genetic sequence of the first strain of SARS-CoV-2. Using Novavax recombinant nanoparticle technology to generate antigen derived from the coronavirus spike protein and is formulated with Novavax patented saponin-based Matrix-M ™ adjuvant to stimulate high levels of neutralizing antibodies.

Clinical data from Phase 3 trials included over 15,000 participants and demonstrated that NVX-CoV2373 elicited a strong immune response with an overall efficacy of 89.7% as well as a favourable safety and tolerability profile.

Follow the link below to read the full article:

Novavax Files for Authorization of its COVID-19 Vaccine in the United Kingdom


World Polio Day 2021 highlights progress and ongoing commitment to end polio everywhere

There’s been incredible progress in the efforts to eradicate polio everywhere. Currently, 5 out of 6 WHO regions are certified free of wild polio.

Despite the progress, there is still a way to go and although it is rare, cases of wild or vaccine-derived strain can become emergent in polio-free regions, including those countries that have not seen cases of polio for decades.

This demonstrates the importance of ensuring that every child is protected through immunisation. A fully immunised population is protected against both vaccine-derived and wild poliovirus.

Follow the link below to read the full article:

World Polio Day 2021 highlights progress and ongoing commitment to end polio everywhere  


TGA approves booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved a booster dose of the Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY, for individuals 18 years and older.

The TGA approval means that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been found safe and effective to boost protection for individuals aged 18 years and older through a booster dose provided at least six months after the completion of a COVID-19 vaccine primary course of two doses. The primary course can be of any of the COVID-19 vaccine registered for use in Australia.

Further advice on the use of boosters will be provided to government shortly by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

To read the statement in full, please click on the link below:
TGA approves booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY


Raising Children Network - new COVID-19 vaccination resource for teenagers

MVEC has partnered with the Raising Children Network to develop a new resource focused on providing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for immunising teenagers, 12 years and over.

This article addresses key factors for immunising teens, including doses, safety, efficacy, side effects and how to cope with needle phobia.

To view this article follow the link below:

COVID-19 vaccination and teenagers

More information on COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens can be found via our immunisation reference page below:

MVEC: COVID-19 vaccination in children


New educational resource: Generation Next course on COVID and kids

MVEC has collaborated with the team at Generation Next on a new resource featuring Dr Daryl Cheng to provide helpful strategies to get kids back to school safely and reduce transmission of COVID-19 in this group.

Course content reflects the combined efforts of immunisation paediatricians, adult physicians, immunisation nurses, infectious disease, and allergy specialists, as well as infection control teams. The information works to provide guidance and support for parents and communities to ensure a safe transition to a new COVID normal.

To enrol in this free course, please click on the link below:

Next Generation course: Covid and kids


Registrations now open for the Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2021!

Registrations are now open for the Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2021 which is taking place virtually on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th November.

This 2-day virtual program will allow participants to choose from keynote sessions delivered on our virtual main stage in addition to themed seminars and interactive workshops hosted by industry experts, addressing the most important issues in immunisation.

Register now and don’t miss this opportunity to hear the latest insights and learnings from leading immunisation professionals!

To find out more about the program and to register, please click on the link below to our Events page:
MVEC: Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2021


New resource: Discussion guide for medical exemptions

Due to the ​COVID-19 vaccination ​requirements within Victoria, a new resource A discussion guide for medical exemptions has been created to support clinicians with this process.

This discussion guide is for general practitioners and other ​health professionals who may be entering into conversations about vaccines and are authorised to provide medical exemptions to vaccination. It is informed by research in vaccine communication, de-escalation, and clinical experience.

The research provides helpful conversational tips and strategies on managing any conflict if needed.

You can access the discussion guide ​here.

For more information on medical exemptions, please click on the link below:
MVEC: COVID-19 mandatory vaccination directions in Victoria


CDC: Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA Vaccination Against COVID-19 Hospitalization Among Persons Aged 12–18 Years

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released a report about the effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccination against COVID-19 hospitalization among persons aged 12–18 years.

The findings in the report suggested that among hospitalized U.S. patients aged 12–18 years, vaccine effectiveness of 2 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against COVID-19 hospitalization during June–September 2021, was 93% (95% confidence interval = 83%–97%).

Key evaluation from the report demonstrated that 2 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine were highly effective in preventing COVID-19 hospitalization among persons aged 12–18 years, reinforcing the importance of vaccination to protect U.S. youths against severe COVID-19.

To read the report in full, please click on the link below.
CDC: Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA Vaccination Against COVID-19 Hospitalization Among Persons Aged 12–18 Years


National Immunisation Program: Shingles vaccination catch-up program extended

The Department of Health has extended the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine catch-up program available under the National Immunisation Program for a further 2 years until 31 October 2023.

The program extension will allow those who missed or delayed vaccination due to pandemic restrictions or other reasons, extra time to get vaccinated with Zostavax® to protect against shingles disease.

Shingles vaccination with the Zostavax® vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for people aged 70. The catch-up program offered to people aged 71-79 years was due to end on 31 October 2021. 

To read the full announcement, please click on the link below.
National Immunisation Program: Shingles vaccination catch-up program extended


Submitting a referral to VicSIS has changed

The Victorian Specialist Immunisation Services (VicSIS) network has launched a new eReferral system. This new centralised referral and triaging system will allow for a more timely review of adults and children who have experienced an adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) with a COVID-19 vaccine.

This new referral pathway replaces the previous practice of emailing written referrals through to individual clinics.

For more information and to access the new eReferral system, please click on the link below:
MVEC: Victorian Specialist Immunisation Services (VicSIS) eReferral system