New immunisation reference page: The VicSIS (Victorian Specialist Immunisation Services) Network
Current vaccine safety clinics managed by SAEFVIC have historically had a paediatric focus. With the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines within Australia and the initial priority groups involving adults, the VicSIS (Victorian Specialist Immunisation Services) network has been created to enhance adult immunisation services in Victoria to address queries and safely vaccinate under supervision, if required. These services can provide specialist immunisation support and provide a link between the key stakeholders, the Department of Health, SAEFVIC and hospital sites that form part of the network.
The VicSIS network will provide specialist vaccination services for people who have experienced an adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) with a COVID-19 vaccine, or those who are identified as at risk of an AEFI (for example, people with a history of anaphylaxis). Most people are able to proceed with future vaccines following an AEFI. Clinical consults will be offered in which individual recommendations will be developed.
Find out more about where the VicSIS clinics are located and how to refer to them in our new immunisation reference page, linked below.
MVEC: The VicSIS (Victorian Specialist Immunisation Services) Network
New immunisation reference page: Immunisation recommendations for the older population
There are a variety of factors that need to be considered in relation to the vaccination of the older population. A gradual decline of the immune system occurs as people age (known as immunosenescence), impacting how the immune system responds to new infections, as well as the effectiveness of long-term immune memory. An increasing prevalence of comorbidities, as well as the use of various therapies and medications can also cause older adults to be more vulnerable to infections and their complications.
Our new reference page details the vaccine recommendations for the older population, including COVID-19, influenza, pneumococcal and zoster vaccines, as well as highlights the importance of utilising the Australian Immunisation Register when immunising this patient group.
Find out more about the vaccines recommended by reading our new immunisation reference page, linked below.
MVEC: Immunisation recommendations for the older population
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)
New immunisation reference page: Pneumococcal disease and vaccines
Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) can manifest in many different ways causing disease of varied severity. Certain individuals with specific medical conditions are considered at an increased risk of IPD and therefore are recommended to receive additional vaccines. Our new reference page discusses the different pneumococcal vaccines available and outlines the different immunisation recommendations for each patient group.
To read more follow the link below:
MVEC: Pneumococcal disease and vaccines
New immunisation reference page: Multi-dose vials
Our new reference page Multi-dose vials details the safe preparation and storage of vaccines from multi-dose vials that require reconstitution and from those that do not, as well as infection control and storage and handling principles to consider.
To access this resource please visit our Immunisation References or follow the link below:
New immunisation reference page: Drive-through immunisation clinics
Drive-through immunisation clinics are an alternative venue for supporting vaccine delivery and can assist members of the community to continue to receive recommended immunisations whilst maintaining physical distancing.
Our new reference page highlights the equipment, staffing and logistics to consider when setting up a drive-through clinic.
To access this resource please visit our Immunisation References or follow the link below:
MVEC: Drive-through immunisation clinics
New immunisation reference page: COVID-19 vaccines: frequently asked questions
MVEC's COVID-19 vaccine FAQ’s have been designed to address common queries relating to COVID-19 vaccines, and include information on the vaccine development process, priority groups, vaccine effectiveness, storage, administration and safety.
This page will be updated on a regular basis as further information becomes available.
MVEC: COVID-19 vaccines: frequently asked questions
New immunisation reference page: Vaccine-associated enhanced disease (VAED)
With hundreds of COVID-19 vaccine candidates in various stages of development and approval, an understanding of any potentially serious adverse events is vital to ensure vaccine acceptance and confidence.
Our new reference page explores vaccine-associated enhanced disease (VAED). It occurs when a more severe presentation of disease develops in an individual who has previously been immunised, compared with when an infection occurs without prior vaccination. VAED has previously been associated with dengue fever infection; RSV, MERS and SARS-CoV-1 vaccine candidates; as well as a measles virus.
It is a theoretical risk only when considering COVID-19 vaccine candidates however as a result, the possibility of VAED has been closely monitored during all stages of clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccine candidates.
For further information please refer to our reference page:
MVEC: Vaccine-associated enhanced disease (VAED)
New immunisation reference page: COVAX Facility
The COVAX Facility is coordinated by Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the World Health Organization. It brings together governments of over 180 countries, global health organisations, private sector, scientists and manufacturers, in order to provide innovative and equitable access to COVID-19 diagnostics, treatments and vaccines. Our new reference page details information on the COVAX Facility COVID-19 vaccine portfolio.
To read more please refer to the link below:
New immunisation reference pages: COVID-19 vaccines
In 2020, the Australian Government entered into four Advance Purchase Agreements (APA) for the supply of COVID-19 vaccines, if they prove safe and effective. More than $3.3 billion has been invested through these agreements, putting Australia in a strong position to access safe and effective vaccines when they become available. In 2021, three of these vaccines are still active, with the 4th (University of Queensland) withdrawn from clinical trials. Our new reference pages detail information regarding the clinical trials of each vaccine candidate, interim data on their safety and efficacy, as well as other vaccine specific information.
To read more please refer to the links below:
- MVEC: University of Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
- MVEC: Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
- MVEC: Novavax COVID-19 vaccine