Zostavax safety advice: not to be administered to people with compromised immune function

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have issued a reminder that Zostavax® vaccine should not be administered to people with compromised immune function. Vaccination in this patient group is contraindicated and can result in infection with the vaccine virus causing mild to severe complications (including death).

Further details on the alert can be seen here: TGA: Zostavax® vaccine

For more information on Zostavax® and access to the Zostavax® GP decision aid please review the MVEC pages below:

MVEC: Zoster
MVEC: Zoster vaccine (Zostavax®) FAQ's

by Alice Black

New immunisation reference page: Foetal embryonic cells- utilised in vaccine development platforms

Foetal embryonic cell lines isolated in the early 1960's have been used to develop a number of various vaccines. As scientists work to produce an effective vaccine against SARS CoV-2 it is important to explore as many technologies as possible. Addressing ethical and religious concerns is an essential part of COVID-19 vaccine readiness planning. Our new reference page details the background behind the use of foetal embryonic cells and the role they play in the development of vaccines, the reasons why they are used, as well as addressing any religious and ethical implications.

To access our reference page follow the link to MVEC: Foetal embryonic cells- utilised in vaccine development platforms.

by Alice Black

New immunisation reference page: Immunosuppression and vaccines

Having certain medical conditions or taking specific medications can lead to immunosuppression and the decreased ability to fight infections. For these patients, prevention of disease is critical. Our new reference page outlines additional vaccines to consider, and specific vaccines that may be contraindicated.

To learn more follow the link to MVEC: Immunosuppression and vaccines 

by Alice Black

New immunisation reference page: Breastfeeding and immunisations

Immunising breastfeeding mothers can not only protect the mother from vaccine preventable diseases but also provide passive immunity to the baby. Our new reference page details different vaccines and scenarios for consideration when immunising a mother who is breastfeeding.

To learn more follow the link to MVEC: Breastfeeding and immunisation

by Alice Black

New immunisation reference page: Eczema and immunisations

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition affecting people of any ages. Whilst it is recognised that vaccines can cause a flare of eczema symptoms, there is no causal relationship identified between eczema and immunisations in the literature. 

For further information on eczema and immunisation please refer to our MVEC page here

by Alice Black

New immunisation reference page: Vaccine development and safety

In an effort to promote confidence in the safety and efficacy of immunisation, MVEC has looked at the steps undertaken by vaccine candidates prior to being registered for use in vaccination programs. Post-licensure surveillance programs are also important for the early detection of any unexpected safety signals that may arise.

To learn more please visit our MVEC page Vaccine development and safety

by Alice Black

New immunisation reference page: Live-attenuated vaccines in patients receiving regular red blood cell transfusions

Patients receiving regular red blood cell transfusions to treat chronic medical conditions such as transfusion dependent thalassaemia, sickle cell disease, inherited chronic haemolytic anaemias, or inherited bone marrow failure syndromes are often left unprotected from vaccine preventable diseases due to not meeting the required intervals between red blood cell transfusions. Evidence in this space is limited, however specialist advice suggests that immunisation of this patient group with live-attenuated vaccines is safe and recommended. As such, MVEC has created a new reference page outlining the process of immunisation for these patients. Please refer to MVEC: Live-attenuated vaccines in patients receiving regular red blood cell transfusions for more information.

 

 

by Alice Black

Zostavax safety advisory

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have reiterated their advice that Zostavax should not be administered to immunocompromised individuals as it is associated with a risk of mild-serious complications. This advice follows a report of a new case of a patient who was taking hydroxychloroquine and a low dose of prednisolone who died three weeks after receiving the Zostavax vaccine. Whilst it was found that the Zostavax was administered in line with existing recommendations it is important that health professionals are aware of the potential of this kind of very rare adverse event. 

Read more here:

TGA: Zostavax vaccine 

And for more information on Zoster and to access the Zostavax GP Decision Aid refer to the MVEC: Zoster immunisation reference page. 

by Alice Black

MVEC immunisation reference page updates reflecting NIP changes 1 July 2020

We have updated the following MVEC immunisation reference pages to reflect the changes to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) as of 1 July 2020:

by Alice Black

Influenza vaccine and egg allergy

Based on prospective and retrospective studies of influenza vaccination in those with and without egg allergy (including egg anaphylaxis), the presence of egg allergy does not increase the risk of allergic reactions to the influenza vaccine and can be administered in a community immunisation setting, as a single dose, followed by the recommended 15 minute observation period. 

For further information please see the following:

 

by Alice Black