Cases of measles rising around the world
Rates of measles have been rising around the world. There were 127 cases in the United Kingdom in January 2024, leading the UK Health Security Agency to declare a National Incident.
In Australia, there were 5 confirmed measles cases in January 2024. This includes 3 in Victoria, 1 in ACT and 1 in Queensland.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a 30-fold increase in measles cases across Europe from 2022 to 2023.
These data remind us of the importance of achieving and maintaining over 95% coverage with 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine.
New Australian CDC
Australia now has its very own Centre for Disease Control (CDC).
Headed by Prof Paul Kelly, the interim Australian CDC launched on 1 January 2024 within the Department of Health and Aged Care. The Australian CDC aims to enhance Australia’s health emergency planning and preparedness, strengthen partnerships with stakeholders and provide transparent and consistent public health advice.
Find out more at the Australian Centre for Disease Control website.
WHO: New polio cases in Indonesia
In December 2023, the Indonesian Ministry of Health notified WHO of two confirmed cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in Java (Central and East).
Two environmental samples taken in East Java were also positive for cVDPV2 in December 2023. Four cases of cVDPV2 infection were reported earlier in 2023 in Aceh province and West Java.
To read more, visit WHO: Disease Outbreak News
Victorian Department of Health: Japanese encephalitis vaccine program
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a rare but potentially serious infection caused by the flavivirus. It is spread to humans through mosquito bites.
Due to recent high rainfall and flooding across large areas of Victoria, the Victorian Department of Health is reminding people to take precautions against mosquito bites, and to get vaccinated if at high risk of exposure to the virus.
Victorian Department of Health: Japanese encephalitis
Launch of National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) program
The Australian government’s National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) program commenced on 1 January 2024.
The NIPVIP allows individuals aged 5 years and over to receive scheduled NIP vaccines in a community pharmacy at no financial cost.
Read more about NIPVIP on the Department of Health and Aged Care website and the Pharmacy Programs Administrator website.
TGA: New RSV vaccine
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of respiratory tract infections in young children and is associated with severe respiratory disease in people aged over 60 years.
In January 2024, AREXVY was registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for the immunisation of people aged 60 years and older to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV. AREXVY is a recombinant respiratory syncytial virus pre-fusion F protein vaccine. Guidance on its use is yet to come.
TGA: Guidance and resources on AREXVY
Updated immunisation reference page: Q fever
We have recently updated our Q fever reference page.
Q fever is caused by infection with the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. People at highest risk of exposure are those in close contact with animals and animal products. Despite being a vaccine-preventable disease, there are around 500 cases of Q fever reported across Australia every year.
The updated page provides greater detail on what Q fever is, its symptoms, complications, epidemiology and prevention.
Updated immunisation reference page: Japanese encephalitis
The Victorian Department of Health has recently extended its list of high-risk local government areas, increasing eligibility criteria for Japanese encephalitis vaccination. As a result, MVEC’s reference page on Japanese encephalitis has been updated.
Vaccination is now recommended for individuals aged ≥ 2 months who live in the local government areas of Campaspe, Gannawarra, Greater Shepparton, Indigo, Loddon, Mildura, Moira, Swan Hill, Wodonga, Towong, Benalla, Wangaratta, Strathbogie, Buloke, Greater Bendigo, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiak who:
- regularly spend time outdoors engaging in activities that place them at risk of mosquito bites
- are experiencing homelessness or are living in conditions with limited mosquito protection (such as tents or exposed dwellings)
- are engaged in outdoor flood recovery efforts (this also applies to individuals from other areas who are deployed as part of flood recovery efforts).
To view the updated page in full, refer to the link below:
NCIRS webinar - COVID-19 and influenza vaccination update 2023
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) is hosting their annual influenza webinar on March 16, 2023 at 12pm AEDST to discuss the updated recommendations for COVID-19 and influenza vaccination in 2023.
Leading experts in the field will present on:
- learnings from the recent Northern Hemisphere winter experience managing COVID-19 and influenza
- the latest Australian COVID-19 vaccination booster recommendations
- 2023 Australian influenza vaccination recommendations across the lifespan, including important changes for 0–5 year olds.
Healthcare providers can register for this event here.
ATAGI recommendations for COVID-19 booster doses in 2023
ATAGI have released new recommendations for the administration of COVID-19 booster doses in 2023. This advice replaces the previous booster dose recommendations.
Evidence shows that emerging Omicron subvariants have decreased the protection provided by previous doses of vaccines and/or reduced the length of protection. With winter approaching, administration of COVID-19 booster doses aims to prevent severe infections as well as hospitalisations.
ATAGI particularly recommends booster doses for:
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- Adults aged 18-64 years who have a medical condition which may increase their risk of experiencing severe symptoms if infected.
The following groups should also consider a booster dose:
- All adults aged 18-64 years
- Children and adolescents aged 5-17 years with disability or medical conditions which may increase their risk of experiencing severe symptoms if infected.
Vaccines can be administered any time from 6 months since the last dose of vaccine or 6 months since confirmed infection (whichever is later), ideally before June. All of the COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia provide protection, however bivalent mRNA vaccines are the preferred choice for booster doses in eligible groups:
- Pfizer's bivalent vaccine can be administered from 12 years of age
- Moderna's bivalent vaccine can be administered from 18 years of age
- Ages 5-11 years can receive age-appropriate doses of original vaccines.
For more information refer to ATAGI 2023 booster advice