ATAGI recommendations on the use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months to 4 years
ATAGI have now recommended the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use in some children aged 6 months – 5 years (The Moderna <5 COVID-19 vaccine has already been recommended for use in this group). Eligible groups include those with severe immunocompromise, a disability with severe or complex health needs, or those with multiple/complex health conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 disease.
A primary three-dose schedule, 8 weeks apart is recommended, with the dose being 3mcg. Unlike Moderna’s primary schedule in this age group, 3 doses are recommended for all eligible children <5 years, regardless of their immune status.
There is no brand preference in this age group, however ATAGI recommend a primary schedule is completed with the same vaccine.
ATAGI does not currently recommend COVID vaccination for children aged 6 months - 5 years who are not in the categories previously mentioned, based on a range of factors.
Recommendations may change as alternative brands or variant COVID-19 vaccines become available in this age group, or if there are epidemiological changes such as new variants of concern that emerge.
To read the ATAGI statement in full, follow the link below:
ATAGI recommendations on the use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months to 4 years
ATAGI update on boosters following COVID-19 meeting on 11 November 2022
In light of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Australia and the emergence of Omicron subvariants XBB and BQ.1, ATAGI have provided an update on booster advice.
Whilst no new recommendations for additional doses have been provided, ATAGI have reiterated the importance of staying up to date with the current number of recommended doses. Under-vaccinated people remain at an increased risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19.
Recent figures (as of November 9, 2022) show that 5.5 million eligible people have not received a first booster dose. Further to this, there are 3.2 million people aged 50 years or older who have not received a second booster dose.
If you are due for a booster dose now you can book via the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.
To read the ATAGI update in full, refer to the link below:
ATAGI update on boosters following COVID-19 meeting on 11 November 2022
ATAGI recommendations on use of the Pfizer bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.1) COVID-19 vaccine
ATAGI have provided recommendations for the use of the Pfizer bivalent COVID vaccine following its recent provisional approval by the TGA. This means that there are now 2 bivalent COVID vaccines available for use within Australia- Moderna and Pfizer.
The Pfizer bivalent vaccine contains equal parts of mRNA from the spike protein of the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Omicron BA.1 variant.
ATAGI recommends that the Pfizer bivalent vaccine may be given to anyone aged 18 years or over who is eligible for a booster dose. It is not recommended for use in a primary course of COVID vaccination.
There is no preference for either brand of bivalent or original mRNA COVID vaccines as a booster dose.
For read the ATAGI recommendations in full, head to the link below:
ATAGI recommendations on use of the Pfizer bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.1) COVID-19 vaccine
National Cervical Cancer Awareness Week 2022
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Most HPV infections are preventable through vaccination, with the HPV vaccine preventing 93% of cervical cancers.
National Cervical Cancer Awareness Week is taking place from 7 – 13 November and provides a strong platform to raise continued awareness of cervical cancer and unite Australians to take action to help Australia make cervical cancer history.
HPV vaccines are fully funded for all students in year 7 (or age-equivalent) through the high school immunisation program; however, any missed doses can be obtained at your GP, pharmacy or local council.
For more information visit our Human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation reference page.
Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2022 - recordings now available
Recordings of the sessions from our recent Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) are now available to access via our MVEC Education Portal Homepage.
To access the recordings, attendees can sign in to our Education Portal using their existing account details or simply create an account if are a new user.
If you did not attend the event but would like to access the recordings, you can purchase access via our Educational Portal.
If you have any questions about our CVU event please contact [email protected].
Updated immunisation reference page: Monkeypox (MPX)
Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (an infection spread from animals to humans). It is caused by a virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus (which also causes the variola virus responsible for smallpox disease and the vaccinia virus, which is used in smallpox vaccines).
Historically, smallpox vaccines have been used in the prevention of smallpox infection, however, they are also likely to be effective against monkeypox.
There are two types of smallpox vaccines available for use in Australia for the prevention of monkeypox:
- ACAM2000™ – 2nd generation, live-attenuated vaccine
- JYNNEOS® – 3rd generation, non-replicating vaccine
Our Monkeypox reference page has been updated to included expanded eligibility criteria for those at highest risk of being infected.
To view the updated page in full, follow the link below:
Updated immunisation reference page: Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a rare but potentially serious infection caused by the flavivirus and is spread to humans through mosquito bites. It is a leading cause of vaccine-preventable encephalitis (brain infection) in Asia and the Western Pacific. It has recently been detected in piggeries in Victoria and the Eastern states of Australia and human cases have been reported.
Our Japanese encephalitis reference page has been updated to include expanded eligibility criteria for Victorians in flood affected areas in Northern Victoria where more mosquitoes are present.
To view the updated page in full, follow the link below: