The Conversation: What we know now about COVID immunity after infection – including Omicron and Delta variants
While the approved COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide strong protection against severe disease, hospitalisation and death, immunity does wane over time. Throughout the pandemic, there have been considerable discussions regarding the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines against various variants as well as the duration and level of protection afforded through natural COVID-19 infection compared to vaccine immunity.
This article explores the immunogenicity of natural COVID-19 infection and vaccine protection against breakthrough infections, the rationale for boosters, as well as consideration for future COVID-19 vaccines.
To read the article in full, click on the link below:
The Conversation: What we know now about COVID immunity after infection – including Omicron and Delta variants
CEPI partners with BioNet to expand variant-proof vaccine programme
As a core part of its $3.5 billion pandemic preparedness plan, CEPI (the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) will work together with BioNet to support the researchers of a global multidisciplinary consortium as they establish preclinical and clinical proof of concept for a novel Coronavirus vaccine. The vaccine will employ multiple mRNA molecules that encode several SARS-CoV-2 target proteins. This groundbreaking research could provide broad protection against differentiated COVID-19 variants as well as enable the rapid development of broadly protective vaccines against other Betacoronaviruses.
“Science has consistently delivered throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Science delivered safe and effective vaccines in record time, weakening the link between COVID-19 infection and severe illness or death, in countries with sufficient access to these innovations” - Dr Richard Hatchett
To read the full statement, follow the link below:
CEPI partners with BioNet to expand variant-proof vaccine programme
WHO: COVAX delivers its 1 billionth COVID-19 vaccine dose
On 15 January 2022, COVAX celebrated the distribution of their billionth dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with deliveries to 144 countries.
Ongoing efforts between COVAX, global government systems, manufacturers and partners are still underway to ensure rapid vaccine distribution and increased uptake during outbreaks.
To read the full news release, follow the link below:
WHO: COVAX delivers its 1 billionth COVID-19 vaccine dose
Sydney Morning Herald: Fourth COVID vaccine shot found to be highly effective
A preliminary study published by Israel’s Sheba medical centre found that a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine administered to people 60 years and over, made them three times more resistant to serious illness and twice as resistant to infection than thrice-vaccinated people in the same age group.
Moving forward, Pfizer’s chief executive Albert Bourla said annual COVID-19 vaccine boosters would be preferable to more frequent boosters
At this stage, Pfizer is nearly ready to file for approval for a redesigned vaccine that targets Omicron while still protecting against other variants.
To read the full article, follow the link below:
Fourth COVID vaccine shot found to be highly effective
ABC: Children with COVID-19 are at risk of a rare complication. Will Omicron make MIS-C more common?
Paediatricians flag a surge in paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome following COVID-19 infection, with more than 6,000 cases reported in the US and 35 in Australia. PIMS-TS is most common in children around the age of 9, weeks after they’ve experienced a mild or asymptomatic case of COVID-19. Currently, doctors have not been able to identify an exact causal effect, but some scientists believe a child’s body can have a delayed reaction to the virus.
“We are getting much better now at recognising the syndrome and treating it” explains Associate Professor Nigel Crawford.
While this complication is very rare, scientists are currently uncertain whether the highly infectious Omicron variant will perpetuate a spike in PIMS-TS occurrences.
Follow the link below to read the full article:
Children with COVID-19 are at risk of a rare complication. Will Omicron make MIS-C more common?
Updated MVEC reference page: Nuvaxovid (Novavax) COVID-19 vaccine
We have updated our Nuvaxovid (Novavax) COVID-19 vaccine page to reflect the latest ATAGI recommendations. The Nuvaxovid (Novavax) COVID-19 vaccine has been provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use in a primary course of vaccination in people aged 18 years and older.
Our reference page also includes links to the latest resources and information regarding the safety and efficacy of the Nuvaxovid (Novavax) COVID-19 vaccine.
To find out more information, please refer to our dedicated MVEC Nuvaxovid (Novavax) COVID-19 vaccine page in the link below.
Updated MVEC reference page: Nuvaxovid (Novavax) COVID-19 vaccine
ATAGI Statement on the use of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid)
Following two phase lll clinical trials conducted in the USA/Mexico and in the UK, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has granted provisional approval of the Novavvax COVID-19 vaccine in Australia.
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, also known as Nuvaxovid (Biocelect Pty Ltd/Novavax Inc) is a spike protein-based vaccine with each 0.5mL dose containing 5 micrograms of the of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and 50 micrograms of Matrix-M as an adjuvant.
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated to be highly effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 disease in adults in a primary schedule. ATAGI continues to monitor the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity data of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine including in high-risk priority groups and will provide updated recommendations as required.
To read the full ATAGI statement, follow the link below:
ATAGI Statement on the use of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid)
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 12 January 2022
Following recent data, ATAGI recommends that severely immunocompromised children between the ages of 5 to 11 years receive a 3rd primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to optimise their protection against COVID-19 infection.
Current data has not identified any concerning safety signals in this cohort. ATAGI continues to review and closely monitor reports regarding the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in this age group.
This statement provides a concise summary of the January ATAGI meeting, including the latest recommendations and considerations regarding the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 years.
To read the full statement, follow the link below:
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting - 12 January 2022
ABC: Should I mix or match my booster? Your COVID-19 vaccine questions answered
ATAGI recommends that everyone aged 18 years and over to receive a booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of which vaccine they received for their primary course.
With over 5 million people now triple jabbed, Australia’s COVID-19 booster rollout is well underway.
This article explores some of the clinical data and considerations regarding the COVID-19 boosters.
To read the full article, follow the link below.
Should I mix or match my booster? Your COVID-19 vaccine questions answered
New episode of The Good GP podcast available: COVID-19 vaccination in children
A new episode of The Good GP podcast is now available. In this COVID-19 vaccination episode, The Good GP interviews Dr Angie Berkhout, paediatric infectious diseases physician at the Royal Children's Hospital, on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in children aged 5-11.
The interview covers the Pfizer vaccination available for children, schedules, efficacy, contraindications and precautions. They also bust some common myths regarding the COVID-19 vaccine in children.
To listen to the podcast, please click on the link below:
The Good GP podcast episode available: COVID-19 vaccination in children