Expanded ATAGI recommendations on winter COVID-19 booster doses for people at increased risk of severe COVID-19

ATAGI have updated their COVID-19 winter booster dose recommendations to include additional risk groups. The groups now eligible for winter booster doses include: 

  • Any adult aged 65 years and older  
  • Aged care or disability care residents aged 16 years and older  
  • Individuals aged 16 years and older with severe immunocompromise 
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 years and older.  
  • Individuals from 16 years of age who have complex, chronic or severe conditions [refer to page 3 of ATAGI statement below] 

COVID-19 winter booster doses are not currently recommended for other groups including healthy people aged 16 to 64 years, healthy individuals with occupational risk factors (eg. healthcare workers) or pregnant women without additional risk factors.  

mRNA vaccines are the preferred option for booster doses with Comirnaty (Pfizer) available to give from 16 years of age and Spikevax (Moderna) from 18 years. In people aged 18 years or older with a contraindication to mRNA vaccines Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) may be considered. Nuvaxovid (Novavax) can be used in individuals 18 years or older in circumstances where no other COVID-19 vaccine is suitable. 

To read the updated recommendations in full, please click on the link below:
Expanded ATAGI recommendations on winter COVID-19 booster doses for people at increased risk of severe COVID-19


New resource added to the MVEC immunisation hub for the general public

Adolescence is an important time to have vaccines due to an increased risk of exposure to some diseases as well as the decrease in previous immunity gained from childhood vaccines. 

Our dedicated immunisation resource for teenagers includes information on vaccine preventable diseases, vaccine recommendations, answers to frequently asked questions and links to further resources. 

MVEC’s 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 


ABC: A surge in influenza cases in Queensland prompts doctors to issue vaccine warning for children and vulnerable groups

Experts warn that children are increasingly more vulnerable to influenza disease this year. MVEC’s paediatric infectious disease specialist Dr Angela Berkhout explains that children, particularly those under two years of age have low levels of natural immunity to flu as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.  

While flu season has yet to peak, hospitals in Queensland have already experienced an influx in the number of flu patients requiring hospital admission, including intensive care. This article explores key considerations for vaccinating children, seniors over the age of 65 years and other vulnerable groups.  

To read the full article, follow the link below:  

ABC: A surge in influenza cases in Queensland prompts doctors to issue vaccine warning for children and vulnerable groups

For the more information on influenza vaccines and the 2022 influenza season please see our resources below: 

MVEC: Influenza 

MVEC: Influenza FAQs

 


New immunisation reference page: Febrile seizures (Febrile convulsions)

Febrile seizures are typically triggered by a sudden rise in temperature and more commonly occur in very young children.  Febrile seizures can be classified as simple or complex, with 1 in 30 children experiencing a febrile seizure at some point during their childhood.  

Although vaccines can cause fevers, febrile seizures following vaccination are not common.  

Our new reference page provides an overview of febrile seizures and outlines the recommendations following a vaccine proximate seizure.  

To read more follow the link below: 

MVEC: Febrile seizures (Febrile convulsions)


ATAGI Advice on mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose intervals and COVID-19 vaccination post infection

ATAGI have provided updated advice on mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose intervals and COVID-19 vaccination post infection. 

It is now recommended that the dose interval between primary doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines should be extended to 8 weeks, with the extended dose interval shown to improve effectiveness and immune response to vaccination, as well as potentially also reduce the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis. 

ATAGI have also recommended that COVID-19 vaccination is deferred 3 months following COVID-19 infection to optimise protection.

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

ATAGI Advice on mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose intervals and COVID-19 vaccination post infection


SMH: The flu shot: when is it safe to get it after having COVID?

With flu season underway in Australia and an increasing number of cases already confirmed, people are encouraged not to delay their yearly influenza vaccine, which is recommended for anyone 6 months of age and over. 

The article features MVEC’s A/Prof Nigel Crawford, who addresses the key considerations such as ideal timing for the influenza vaccination, considerations for people with underlying medical conditions, advice for parents regarding children, and when to get the influenza vaccine post COVID-19 infection. 

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

SMH: The flu shot: when is it safe to get it after having COVID?

For the more information on influenza vaccines and the 2022 influenza season please see our resources below: 

MVEC: Influenza 

MVEC: Influenza FAQs

 


Mandatory influenza vaccination for healthcare workers

As of the 8th April, 2022, influenza vaccination will become a requirement for healthcare workers under the Health Services Amendment (Mandatory Vaccination of Healthcare Workers) Act 2020.

Healthcare workers subject to these Directions are required to be vaccinated against influenza by 15 August 2022 and annually thereafter.

For further information please refer to Department of Health: Vaccination for healthcare workers


New immunisation reference page: International Network of Special Immunization Services

The International Network of Special Immunization Services (INSIS) is a coordinated international collaboration of vaccine safety surveillance systems that aims to promote confidence in the safety of vaccines.

Our new reference page provides an overview of the international network including the objectives for the international collaboration, funding, and key Australian representatives.

To read more follow the link below:

MVEC: International Network of Special Immunization Services


A recording of the 28th April CVU mini is now available

Thank you to all who attended our recent CVU miniseries event Winter preparedness: COVID-19 and influenza on Thursday 28th April 2022.

This interactive webinar covered the following updates:

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

A recording of this event is now available via our education portal.

To access this recording please follow the link below:

CVU mini - 28th April 2022