The Conversation: No, vaccinated people are not ‘just as infectious’ as unvaccinated people if they get COVID
Recent studies have shown similar peak viral loads in vaccinated people who contract COVID-19 disease compared with unvaccinated people who contract COVID, raising questions around the impact that vaccination has on preventing transmission.
This article discusses the findings from recent studies on viral load and further explores the impact that vaccination has on those who experience breakthrough disease. It specifically highlights how vaccinated individuals with breakthrough disease can clear the virus faster, have lower levels of the virus overall, and therefore are less contagious.
To read the article in full, please click on the link below:
The Conversation: No, vaccinated people are not ‘just as infectious’ as unvaccinated people if they get COVID
Healthed Going Viral Podcast featuring A/Prof Nigel Crawford
MVEC’s Associate Professor Nigel Crawford delivered the COVID-19 Update as part of the recent Healthed Australia online lecture series.
In this lecture, A/Prof Nigel Crawford discussed the following:
- COVID booster dose
- Myocarditis following mRNA vaccine
- Vaccinating 5-11-year-olds with Pfizer
- Best vaccine delivery method
- Opening the borders – don’t forget there are many vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs)
To listen to the lecture in full, click on the link below:
Healthed lecture series 11 November: COVID-19 Update
The Conversation: Nose sprays, needle-free patches, durable immunity: towards the next generation of COVID vaccination
The COVID-19 pandemic has perpetuated rapid medical advancements and technological innovations. Over the last 20 months, we’ve experienced an influx of new vaccines which have proven to be safe and effective in preventing disease.
Scientists and researchers around the world are already working on the next generation of COVID vaccines to help tackle issues regarding waning immunity, storage and delivery, and vaccine hesitancy. Focusing their efforts on making vaccination easier, delivering more durable immunity and protecting against future variants
This article looks at the different considerations for research and technology around the world that will in turn lead to the next generation of COVID vaccines.
Follow the link to read the full article: Nose sprays, needle-free patches, durable immunity: towards the next generation of COVID vaccination
Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine (SPIKEVAX) - provisional determination granted for proposed use in children and booster shot for adults under evaluation
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has granted provisional determination to Moderna Australia Pty Ltd in relation to its COVID-19 vaccine, SPIKEVAX.
SPIKEVAX is provisionally approved for use in individuals 12 years of age or older. The granting of this determination means that Moderna Australia Pty Ltd is eligible to apply to vary the provisional approval for the vaccine for use in younger children.
To read more follow the link below:
Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine (SPIKEVAX) - provisional determination granted for proposed use in children and booster shot for adults under evaluation
New immunisation reference page: COVID-19 vaccine compensation scheme
The No Fault COVID-19 Indemnity Scheme is a Commonwealth government funded initiative that has been introduced to allow Australians who have been significantly impacted by an adverse event following a COVID-19 vaccine to apply for financial assistance.
Our new reference page outlines the No Fault COVID-19 Indemnity Scheme, including which vaccines are covered under the scheme, and how to make a claim.
To read more, follow the link below:
MVEC: COVID-19 vaccine compensation scheme
The Conversation: COVID vaccines for 5 to 11 year old’s are inching closer. Here’s what we know so far
This week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorised the provisional use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in children between the age of 5 to 11 years. Children will receive two doses of the vaccine, at a reduced dose (one-third of the adult dose) administered approximately three weeks apart.
Pfizer has submitted a partial application to Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and is currently on track to supply the remaining data over the next two weeks. Once approved, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisations (ATAGI) will advise the government on timing the rollout.
Current data suggests a clear advantage to immunising children against COVID-19, including protecting them from severe complications associated with the Delta variant, and helping to minimise the spread of the virus amongst the more vulnerable in the community.
Follow this link to read the full article:
COVID vaccines for 5 to 11 year old’s are inching closer. Here’s what we know so far
Advice on returning Australian children
ATAGI have provided COVID-19 vaccination advice for children aged 12 years and over returning to Australia from overseas.
In an effort to keep families together, New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory have agreed to apply an exemption for those Australians aged 12–17 to arrive from overseas who are not fully vaccinated (have received 2 doses of a TGA recognised COVID-19 vaccine, adhering to the recommended dosing interval).
Affected children will be required to undertake a test within 24 hours of arrival into Australia and quarantine at home for 7 days. A second test will be required on day 5 prior to completion of quarantine. They may attend school after completing 7 days home quarantine. Additionally, 12–17 year olds not fully vaccinated will not be allowed to visit other high risk settings such as disability facilities, aged-care residential facilities and hospitals until 14 days after arrival.
To read the statement in full, please click on the link below:
Returning Australian children
Novavax Files for Authorization of its COVID-19 Vaccine in the United Kingdom
Novavax has completed the rolling regulatory submission to the U.K Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for authorization of the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine.
The NVX-CoV2373 vaccine is engineered from the genetic sequence of the first strain of SARS-CoV-2. Using Novavax recombinant nanoparticle technology to generate antigen derived from the coronavirus spike protein and is formulated with Novavax patented saponin-based Matrix-M ™ adjuvant to stimulate high levels of neutralizing antibodies.
Clinical data from Phase 3 trials included over 15,000 participants and demonstrated that NVX-CoV2373 elicited a strong immune response with an overall efficacy of 89.7% as well as a favourable safety and tolerability profile.
Follow the link below to read the full article:
Novavax Files for Authorization of its COVID-19 Vaccine in the United Kingdom
TGA approves booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved a booster dose of the Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY, for individuals 18 years and older.
The TGA approval means that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been found safe and effective to boost protection for individuals aged 18 years and older through a booster dose provided at least six months after the completion of a COVID-19 vaccine primary course of two doses. The primary course can be of any of the COVID-19 vaccine registered for use in Australia.
Further advice on the use of boosters will be provided to government shortly by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
To read the statement in full, please click on the link below:
TGA approves booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY
Raising Children Network - new COVID-19 vaccination resource for teenagers
MVEC has partnered with the Raising Children Network to develop a new resource focused on providing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for immunising teenagers, 12 years and over.
This article addresses key factors for immunising teens, including doses, safety, efficacy, side effects and how to cope with needle phobia.
To view this article follow the link below:
COVID-19 vaccination and teenagers
More information on COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens can be found via our immunisation reference page below:
MVEC: COVID-19 vaccination in children