Australian Academy of Science: COVID-19 vaccines and their long-term safety

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to protect ourselves and our communities. Current data and evidence confidently support the long term safety of COVID-19 vaccines. 

This article discusses the various safety processes currently in place for COVID-19 vaccines to ensure that they continue to be effective in preventing severe disease.

To read the article in full, click on the link below:
COVID-19 vaccines and their long-term safety

 


ABC News: Moranbah man charged for assaulting GP who refused COVID vaccine exemption

Following on from our recent CVU panel discussion on COVID-19 mandatory vaccination, no fault compensation and medical exemption, this article highlights the abuse healthcare workers are experiencing as a result of some members of the community who are feeling threatened and fearful about mandatory vaccination.

To read the article in full, please click on the link below:
ABC News: Moranbah man charged for assaulting GP who refused COVID vaccine exemption 

To find out more information regarding the COVID-19 mandatory vaccination directions in Victoria, please click on the link below:
MVEC: COVID-19 mandatory vaccination directions in Victoria


CBS News: Flu outbreak hits University of Michigan as some students prepare to travel for Thanksgiving holiday: "There's vaccine fatigue"

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating approximately 530 reported cases of influenza at the University of Michigan, with 77% of them being unvaccinated against influenza. In addition to this, health officials have also reported an increase of viruses like RSV and influenza, which Michigan hasn't seen in more than a year, as well as a surge in COVID-19 cases among those who are unvaccinated.

To read the article in full, please click on the link below:
CBS: News: Flu outbreak hits University of Michigan as some students prepare to travel for Thanksgiving holiday: "There's vaccine fatigue"


New resource developed by NCIRS: Decision Aid: Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) have developed a simple resource to help individuals in making the decision on whether COVID-19 vaccination is right for them.

The resource was created by leading experts in immunisation and Public Health and has been designed in 5 simple steps to provide information on the COVID-19 virus and vaccines, weigh up the risks and benefits of vaccination, and assist in making a decision.

To access the Decision Aid, please click on the link below:
New resource developed by NCIRS: Decision Aid: Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?


New immunisation reference page: COVID-19: TGA recognised vaccines

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have provided guidance on COVID-19 vaccines given internationally that are not currently registered for use within Australia. This assessment assists with confirming the vaccination status of incoming travellers who have been immunised overseas and is based on an evaluation of the current available evidence and is subject to change as new information arises.

Our new reference page discusses the advice provided by the TGA, including the COVID-19 vaccines currently registered/approved for use in Australia. It also provides recommendations based on the current advice and includes answers to commonly asked questions.

To read more follow the link below:
MVEC: COVID-19: TGA recognised vaccines


The Conversation: No, vaccinated people are not ‘just as infectious’ as unvaccinated people if they get COVID

Recent studies have shown similar peak viral loads in vaccinated people who contract COVID-19 disease compared with unvaccinated people who contract COVID, raising questions around the impact that vaccination has on preventing transmission.

This article discusses the findings from recent studies on viral load and further explores the impact that vaccination has on those who experience breakthrough disease. It specifically highlights how vaccinated individuals with breakthrough disease can clear the virus faster, have lower levels of the virus overall, and therefore are less contagious.

To read the article in full, please click on the link below:
The Conversation: No, vaccinated people are not ‘just as infectious’ as unvaccinated people if they get COVID


Last chance to register for day 2 of our Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU)

There's still time to register for the final day of our Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) and hear from leading experts addressing the most important issues in immunisation.

Tomorrow we're excited to be hosting a panel session with Professor Julie Leask, Dr Preeya Alexander and A/Prof Nigel Crawford on mandatory vaccination and no fault compensation!

To register for the event, please click on the link below:
MVEC Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2021


New Kids Health Info Podcast Episode - Fear of needles. What helps?

A new episode of the popular Kids Health Info podcast on the Fear of needles is now available.

In this session, the hosts are joined by two special guests - Sonja Elia, an Immunisation Nurse Practitioner and head of the RCH Immunisation Drop-In Centre, and Dr Amanda Stock, a Paediatrician and Emergency Physician from the RCH where they discuss helpful strategies and techniques available to children and families to manage anxiety about needles.

To listen to the podcast, please click on the link below:
Kids Health Info podcast: Fear of needs. What helps?


Healthed Going Viral Podcast featuring A/Prof Nigel Crawford

MVEC’s Associate Professor Nigel Crawford delivered the COVID-19 Update as part of the recent Healthed Australia online lecture series.

In this lecture, A/Prof Nigel Crawford discussed the following:

  • COVID booster dose
  • Myocarditis following mRNA vaccine
  • Vaccinating 5-11-year-olds with Pfizer
  • Best vaccine delivery method
  • Opening the borders – don’t forget there are many vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs)

To listen to the lecture in full, click on the link below:
Healthed lecture series 11 November: COVID-19 Update


The Conversation: Nose sprays, needle-free patches, durable immunity: towards the next generation of COVID vaccination

The COVID-19 pandemic has perpetuated rapid medical advancements and technological innovations. Over the last 20 months, we’ve experienced an influx of new vaccines which have proven to be safe and effective in preventing disease.

Scientists and researchers around the world are already working on the next generation of COVID vaccines to help tackle issues regarding waning immunity, storage and delivery, and vaccine hesitancy. Focusing their efforts on making vaccination easier, delivering more durable immunity and protecting against future variants

This article looks at the different considerations for research and technology around the world that will in turn lead to the next generation of COVID vaccines.

Follow the link to read the full article: Nose sprays, needle-free patches, durable immunity: towards the next generation of COVID vaccination