New immunisation information hub for the general public

MVEC are excited to announce the launch of the newest branch of our website, a digital immunisation hub for the general public.

This hub of up-to-date and reliable information aims to increase the public's awareness and understanding of vaccine preventable diseases and promote the benefits of immunisation for people of all ages.

If you are interested in collaborating with MVEC to develop immunisation resources, we’d love to hear from you!

To access the new MVEC immunisation hub, please click on the link below:

MVEC's Immunisation hub for the general public


CDC: Hospitalizations of Children Aged 5–11 Years with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19

A recent CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) analysed COVID-19 associated hospitalisation rates in children aged 5–11 years during the Omicron-predominant period and the Delta-predominant period.

Hospitalisation rates in unvaccinated children were approximately double those of vaccinated children. Severe disease was more likely to occur in children with a history of diabetes and obesity, with one-third of hospitalised children during the Omicron period having had an underlying neurological condition. Racial and ethnic minority groups were disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

Further, the analysis suggests that vaccination of children aged 5-11 years reduces the risk for infection, protects against COVID-19–associated illness and prevents multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.

To read the full report, click on the link below.

CDC: Hospitalizations of Children Aged 5–11 Years with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19


The Conversation: COVID-19 vaccines for the youngest children may be inching closer to authorization – a pediatrician explains how they’re being tested

COVID-19 vaccines offer safe and effective protection against severe disease and are strongly recommended for everyone over the age of 5 years. While children often experience milder symptoms of disease than adults, US data obtained during the Omicron surge in cases shows a significant spike in the rates of hospitalisation in children under 5.

This article explores the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in children of different age groups, the safety and efficacy considerations for vaccinating children under 5, and an approximate timeline for next steps regarding this cohort.

To read the article in full, please click on the link below.

The Conversation: COVID-19 vaccines for the youngest children may be inching closer to authorization – a pediatrician explains how they’re being tested

 


ATAGI statement on use of booster doses in adolescents aged 12-15 years

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has released a statement on booster doses in adolescents aged 12-15 years.

Following their review of evidence on the benefits and risks of a booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents in Australia aged 12-15 years, ATAGI does not recommend that adolescents aged 12-15 years need to receive a booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and will continue to review international evidence on efficacy of a booster in this age group.

ATAGI continue to strongly recommend vaccination of all young people aged 5 to 15 years with 2 primary doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, including those who may have previously had COVID-19. 3 primary doses are recommended for those in this age group who are severely immunocompromised.

For more information please refer to the link below:

ATAGI statement on use of booster doses in adolescents aged 12-15 years


Science: Pandemic propels global effort to study rare vaccine side effects

The Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) is the largest ever vaccine safety project involving more than 20 countries and data from more than 250 million people vaccinated against COVID-19.

It aims to investigate and understand rare vaccine side effects such as myocarditis, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome and Guillain-Barre Syndrome following COVID-19 vaccination which may lead to the prediction, treatment and prevention of side effects.

The following article discusses the importance of globalising vaccine safety research through international collaboration to improve vaccine safety.

To read more, please click on the link below.

Science: Pandemic propels global effort to study rare vaccine side effects

 

 

 

 

 

 


New immunisation reference page: Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a rare but potentially life-threatening acute illness. It is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae and is ​characterised by a pseudo-membrane forming over the pharangeal area resulting in pain, inflammation, difficulty swallowing and a hoarse voice. In instances where the pseudo-membrane dislodges, the airway can become obstructed.

Our new reference page outlines the signs and symptoms of diphtheria, as well as the vaccines available for disease prevention.

To read more follow the link below:
MVEC: Diphtheria

 


ATAGI advice on use of sedation for COVID-19 vaccination

ATAGI has provided guidance regarding the use of sedation in individuals with anxiety disorders, needle phobia or behavioural disorders, to assist vaccine providers in delivering COVID-19 vaccines.

The advice outlines:

  • indications for sedation
  • safety implications of delivering vaccines under sedation
  • procedural sedation guidelines
  • post-vaccination observation recommendations
  • opportunistic vaccination during sedation for an unrelated procedure

To read the ATAGI recommendations in full, please click on the link below:
ATAGI advice on use of sedation for COVID-19 vaccination

For further information on strategies to manage needle phobia and immunisation, including sedation, please click on the link below:
MVEC: Needle phobia


Registrations now open for the April CVU mini event

MVEC's first Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) miniseries event of the year on Winter preparedness: COVID-19 and influenza will be held virtually on Thursday 28th April 2022. This CVU mini will provide an update on:

  • COVID-19 vaccines: keeping up-to-date
  • Winter COVID-19 booster dose and flu administration for the elderly
  • Influenza: a post COVID-19 landscape

Further details can be found via our Events page and the link below:

CVU mini: April 28th 2022