Menactra® and Prevenar 13® co-administration
Menactra® should not be administered on the same day as Prevenar 13®. Studies have shown that co-administration may result in a decreased immune response to some of the pneumococcal serotypes. If both vaccines are required, Prevenar 13® should be administered first followed by Menactra® at least 4 weeks later. If these vaccines are inadvertently administered on the same day, Prevenar 13® should be repeated a minimum of 8 weeks later. Menveo® and Nimenrix® may be co-administered with Prevenar 13®.
For further information please refer to The Australian Immunisation Handbook
World Health Organisation- Rabies
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has updated its position on rabies immunisation for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis. The following position paper provides a summary on rabies disease and vaccines and concludes with the current WHO position on the use of rabies vaccines worldwide. The systematic review can also be accessed below. For further information on rabies disease please refer to MVEC's reference page.
Rabies vaccines: WHO position paper - April 2018
Pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis: a systematic review
Global Vaccine Safety
The Global Vaccine Safety Initiative was set up in 2011 by the World Health Organsiation (WHO) to ensure that all countries had strategies in place to ensure vaccine safety. The latest highlight is available via the following link and has some great information on Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) training in our region (WPRO).
Commonwealth funded meningococcal ACWY vaccine for teens
Beginning in April 2019, meningococcal ACWY vaccines will be funded on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for teenagers aged 15-19 years. In 2017 and 2018 Victorian teenagers have been offered meningococcal ACWY vaccine (Menactra®) as part of the school based program in a state funded initiative. This change to the NIP will ensure that teenagers across the country can access protection against disease. Please refer to the announcement below from the Minister for Health for more information:
Announcement from Hon Greg Hunt MP: $52 million to deliver free meningococcal vaccine to teenagers
Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2018
Thank you for attending the recent CVU on Friday 14th September 2018 at The Royal Children's Hospital.
Presentations covered for the day are now available for your viewing on our Events page.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook-online edition
The newest update of The Australian Immunisation Handbook has arrived! It is now an online version ensuring that up to date information is accessible for all, in a format that is easy to navigate. To access the new handbook please follow the link below:
The Australian Immunisation Handbook
Vaccine safety and adverse events following immunisation: a practical approach
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) is hosting a webinar on September 19 to provide an overview of common expected and rarer serious adverse reactions following immunisation and their management. For information on how to register please refer to the following:
NCIRS Seminar series: Vaccine safety and adverse events following immunisation
When "ah-choo" Turns to the Flu
When "ah-choo" Turns to the Flu is a selection of case studies published online via How to treat. Exploring some of the more unusual manifestations of the flu, it highlights the importance of considering influenza immunisation in paediatric populations.
Victorian Immunisation Schedule App
Are you on target?
Utilising a correct injection technique is of vital importance when providing immunisations to patients in order to optimise the immune response and to minimise side effects. To ensure that your technique is on target please refer to our MVEC reference page for further information:
Administration of injected vaccines- correct technique