Learning from Errors with the New COVID-19 Vaccines
In December 2020 COVID-19 vaccination commenced across the US. This article published by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, discusses various reports of administration and preparation errors that have occurred since the rollout began.
Given the scope of the global COVID-19 vaccination campaign, it is expected that there will be mistakes made. As Australia begins its national rollout, a key learning is ensuring that all COVID-19 vaccine errors and adverse reactions are reported to the relevant authorities to help prevent these types of errors occurring here.
To read more follow the link below:
ISMP: Learning from Errors with the New COVID-19 Vaccines
TGA collecting COVID-19 vaccine side effect reports
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have published a summary of suspected adverse events reported following COVID-19 immunisation since the commencement of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. All reports to date reflect the expected side effects identified in clinical trials for Comirnaty™. Reports include cases of feeling faint, headache, dizziness or nausea. The two cases of administration error in a Brisbane aged care facility have not been associated with any adverse outcomes.
Commencing Wednesday March 3, 2021 the TGA will publish weekly updates on the number of COVID-19 vaccine adverse event reported.
For more information refer to the following link:
TGA collecting COVID-19 vaccine side effect reports
ATAGI COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for frail older people, including those in residential aged care facilities
ATAGI have published a COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for frail older people, including those in residential aged care facilities in order to assist this population group or their caregivers to make an informed decision about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Currently in Australia there are 2 vaccines approved for use to prevent severe COVID-19 disease. They are available for free, with older populations in the earlier priority groups identified for eligibility. Both vaccines have been recommended by the TGA for use in older people, with no upper age limit for either vaccine.
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ATAGI COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy
COVID-19 vaccines are not routinely recommended in pregnancy, however they are not contraindicated.
COVID-19 vaccines can be considered if a pregnant woman has medical risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease or is at a high risk of exposure and contact with people with the virus. Pregnant women have been shown to have an increased risk of needing admission to intensive care and requiring mechanical ventilation if they contract COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant women of the same age. Pregnant women can discuss this with their health provider to ascertain if the potential benefit of receiving a COVID vaccine outweighs any risks.
ATAGI have released a COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy and considering having a COVID-19 vaccine.
Learn more via links below:
MVEC: Maternal vaccination during pregnancy (recently updated)
Effectiveness of First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccines Against Hospital Admissions in Scotland
A recent study in Scotland has investigated the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech) and ChAdOx1 (Oxford-AstraZeneca) COVID-19 vaccines in preventing hospital admissions.
The study across approximately 99% of Scotland’s population (5.4 million people) found that a single dose of either vaccine resulted in significant reductions in COVID-19 related hospitalisations.
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The University of Melbourne: Learning as we go during vaccine rollout
As Australia begins its COVID-19 vaccine rollout, preventing disease transmission and achieving herd immunity are the long-term goals. This will only become known once the vaccine has been administered in a larger population.
The following article explores our experiences with past immunisation programs and highlights the idea of modifying schedules as further information comes to light. It is recommended that in the context of COVID-19 vaccines and a global pandemic, we must use the vaccines that are available now, and then adapt the program later.
It is suggested that with Australia's current rate of disease burden, further consideration needs to be given to developing countries to ensure a vaccine is readily available and affordable for all.
To read more follow the link below:
The University of Melbourne: Learning as we go during vaccine rollout
The Conversation: When vaccinating 26 million Australians, expect a mistake or two. But we can minimise the risk of repeating Queensland's overdose incident
Following the inadvertent administration of a higher than recommended dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to two aged-care residents, the following article discusses how this incident could happen and how we can aim to minimise the risk of it happening again.
Looking at data collected from clinical trials it is reassuring that this mistake is unlikely to have serious side effects. Moving forward it is suggested that supporting the education of immunisation providers, as well as enhancing the way we capture errors, will promote confidence in a COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
To read the article in full follow the link below:
TGA provisionally approves AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine
Following a thorough review process, informed by expert and independent advice from the Advisory Committee on Vaccines (ACV), the TGA has granted provisional approval for the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
Provisional registration will allow COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca to be administered to individuals 18 years and over for the prevention of COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. The 2 dose course may be administered with a 4-12 week interval, with ATAGI preferring doses separated by 12 weeks. In certain circumstances an interval of 4 weeks is acceptable.
Of note, there were no safety concerns revealed in clinical trials involving patients >65 years of age and a strong immune response was demonstrated. However due to insufficient numbers of participants infected with SARS-CoV-2 in this age group, efficacy could not be conclusively determined. As a result, the immunisation of individuals in this age group should be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Supply of this vaccine will initially be imported from overseas, with ongoing supply of vaccines to be manufactured in Australia.
To read the press release in full follow the link below:
TGA provisionally approves AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 Vaccination Intent, Perceptions, and Reasons for Not Vaccinating Among Groups Prioritized for Early Vaccination
A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States shows intent to receive a COVID-19 vaccination has risen to almost 50% amongst adults and priority groups, up from almost 40% several months prior. Non-intent has dropped to around 32%, with the groups with the highest levels of non-intent including young adults, females, non-Hispanic Black adults, adults who do not live in metropolitan areas and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
The report highlights the key role health care workers play in addressing reasons for non-intent as they are trusted sources of information. This will be critical in promoting vaccine confidence and decreasing the spread of COVID-19 by ensuring there is equitable vaccine coverage and uptake amongst minority populations.
Read the full report below:
Patterns of COVID-19 dynamics following deployment of a broad national immunization program
A data analysis in Israel has investigated the number of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations following a vaccination campaign that commenced in December 2020. At the time of analysis, 80% of people aged over 60-years had been vaccinated. The data demonstrated a 49% drop in COVID-19 cases, a 36% drop in COVID-19 related hospitalisations and a 29% drop in critically ill patients compared to three weeks prior in this age group.
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