Updated immunisation reference page: Translated influenza pages
MVEC has recently published translated versions of our 2024 influenza reference page. The page is available to read in Vietnamese, Hindi and Simplified Chinese.
The reference page details recommendations for flu vaccination in 2024, including:
- influenza strains included in this year’s vaccines
- brands available by age and funding
- commonly asked questions.
Switch between languages using the dropdown box on the page: MVEC: Influenza
New reference page: West Metro Health Services Partnership campaign
MVEC has recently published a new immunisation reference page, hosting the West Metro Health Services Partnership’s (WMHSP) campaign on COVID-19 and influenza vaccination advice for people with low vaccination rates.
The page includes advice provided by doctors at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Royal Children’s Hospital.
WMHSP: COVID-19 and influenza vaccination advice for people with low vaccination rates
Updated immunisation reference page: Q fever
MVEC has updated its Q fever reference page to reflect the recent closure of the Australian Q Fever Register.
All Q fever vaccines administered should now be reported exclusively to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). Those who have previously been vaccinated against Q fever, or who have previously registered their natural immunity on the Australian Q Fever Register, should ensure their AIR record is up to date.
MVEC: Q fever records now to be added to AIR
MVEC: Q fever
Updated immunisation reference page: Vaccine-associated enhanced disease
MVEC has recently updated its reference page on vaccine-associated enhanced disease (VAED).
VAED is a rare phenomenon where a person who has been vaccinated experiences a more severe clinical presentation of an infection than would normally be seen in an unvaccinated person.
The new page includes more detailed information on VAED diagnosis, and vaccines that have been associated with VAED.
MVEC: Vaccine-associated enhanced diseased
New immunisation reference page: Specialist immunisation services
MVEC has recently published a new reference page with information about specialist immunisation services available in Victoria.
Specialist immunisation services are hospital-based immunisation clinics led by a team of specialised medical and nursing staff with expertise in vaccines and immunisation.
MVEC’s new page provides information about accessing the Victorian services.
MVEC: Specialist immunisation services
Updated immunisation reference page: Influenza
Influenza virus can cause infections resulting in a spectrum of symptoms, from mild cough and cold features to systemic illnesses with multiple complications. Pregnant women, children under 5 years, those aged over 65 years, people with underlying medical conditions, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples carry the highest rates of morbidity and mortality within Australia. Annual vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.
MVEC has recently updated its influenza reference page to detail the recommendations for vaccination in 2024, including the influenza strains included in this year’s vaccines, the vaccine brands available by age and funding, and commonly asked questions.
MVEC: Influenza
(NB: translated versions of the updated influenza reference page will be available soon)
Updated immunisation reference page: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes both upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Children under 1 year of age, individuals with underlying medical conditions (e.g. chronic cardiac and lung disease), the older population and immunocompromised people are more likely to experience serious disease requiring hospitalisation.
MVEC has recently updated its RSV reference page to include information on the administration of Arexvy, the only RSV vaccine available in Australia. This vaccine is registered for use in all adults aged 60 years and over and is specifically recommended for certain populations.
MVEC: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
New immunisation reference page: Open disclosure
Open disclosure is an accreditation requirement of all health services under the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. Open disclosure should occur after any vaccine error, and includes a discussion with the affected person, or their families, carers or other support persons. Open disclosure can be challenging and complex. However, it can produce benefits such as improved transparency and communication between clinicians and patients; and opportunities for health services to improve care delivery systems and processes.
MVEC has recently published a new immunisation reference page on Open disclosure.
Updated immunisation reference page: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of respiratory tract infections in young children. While for some it can cause the common cold, for others, it may lead to more severe infection. Children under 1 year of age, individuals with underlying medical conditions (e.g. chronic cardiac and lung disease), the older population and immunocompromised people are more likely to experience serious disease and hospitalisation.
MVEC has recently updated its RSV reference page to include information about the newly approved AREXVY vaccine and with more detail on RSV symptoms, epidemiology and prevention.
MVEC: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Updated immunisation reference page: Injection site nodules
Injection site nodules (ISNs) are a rare adverse event following immunisation (AEFI). Nodules can occur following the administration of an injected vaccine. They are most often asymptomatic, but may be intermittently tender, itchy, or show overlying skin changes. They generally resolve on their own without intervention.
We have recently updated our ISN reference page. The updated page includes information on ISN diagnosis, possible causes, and treatment, and recommendations for future vaccine doses.