Pharmacist Immuniser Update

Victorian Pharmacist Immunisers are now authorised to administer influenza vaccines to patients 10-years and older and pertussis-containing, measles-mumps-rubella and meningococcal ACWY vaccines to people aged 15 years and older. 

For more information see the most recent DHHS Secretary Approval: Pharmacist Immuniser.

See also our updated MVEC: Pharmacist Immuniser page and the MVEC: Influenza vaccine recommendations page. 


How do I know which influenza brand to use in the 2020 influenza season?

There are a number of seasonal influenza vaccines available for use in Australia in the 2020 influenza season.

Some influenza brands are already in circulation. This can cause some confusion therefore we encourage everyone to be familiar with the brands and dosing guidelines in 2020.
 
Influenza brand and dosing guidelines 2020:
Age group Brand and dose
FluQuadri® 0.5ml (Sanofi) Vaxigrip Tetra® 0.5ml (Sanofi) Fluarix Tetra® 0.5ml (GSK) Afluria Quad® 0.5ml (Seqirus) Influvac Tetra® 0.5ml (Mylan) Fluad® Quad 0.5ml (Seqirus)
<6-months Too young to receive vaccine (N/A)
6 to 35-months (<3-years) *¥ 0.5ml 0.5ml 0.5ml N/A N/A N/A
≥3-years to <5-years *¥ 0.5ml 0.5ml 0.5ml N/A 0.5ml N/A
≥5 to <65-years *¥ 0.5ml 0.5ml 0.5ml 0.5ml 0.5ml N/A

≥65-years

0.5ml 0.5ml 0.5ml 0.5ml 0.5ml 0.5ml#

For further information on seasonal influenza vaccines in 2020, refer to our MVEC resources: Influenza vaccine recommendations page

 

 


Influenza vaccine 2020 FAQ's

MVEC’s Frequently Asked Questions for the 2020 Influenza season are now available online

To view our reference page please click on the following link:

MVEC: Influenza vaccines: Frequently asked questions 


MVEC Influenza recommendations 2020

For information on influenza immunisation for the 2020 season, including age specific brands, dosing guidelines and advice for at risk groups, please refer to:

MVEC: Influenza vaccine recommendations 2020 


New immunisation reference page: Gelatin allergy and vaccines

Gelatin in vaccines can cause allergic reactions therefore people with severe allergies to gelatin should avoid gelatin-containing vaccines. See our new Gelatin allergy and vaccines reference page for more information.

MVEC: Gelatin allergy & vaccines

 


Maternal vaccination during pregnancy reference page update

We have recently updated our Vaccines in pregnancy immunisation reference page. Influenza and pertussis vaccines are recommended in pregnancy.  All live vaccines are contraindicated in pregnancy. Read our updated page for further information!

MVEC: Maternal vaccination during pregnancy


New immunisation reference page: Recommended additional vaccines for purchase up to 20 years of age (unfunded)

There are additional vaccines recommended by vaccine experts that are available for private purchase. They are not free as they are not listed on the National Immunisation Program or funded by the government. See our new immunisation reference page for more information about which additional vaccines are recommended for people aged up to 20 years old here:

MVEC: Recommended additional vaccines for purchase up to 20 years of age (unfunded) 


New immunisation reference page: Kawasaki disease and vaccines

Kawasaki disease is a relatively uncommon illness that mostly affects children under five years of age. Blood vessels throughout the body become inflamed causing a collection of symptoms. There is no scientific evidence of vaccines causing Kawasaki disease, however precautions must be taken with live vaccines if an episode of Kawasaki disease has been treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

See our new reference page, Kawasaki disease and vaccines for more information. 


New immunisation reference page: Western Health immunisation service

The Western Health Immunisation Service at Joan Kirner Women and Children's Hospital was opened in July 2017. The clinic is a walk in clinic for families with children up to the age of 20. Pregnant women and their partners can also access the available services.

Please see our Western Health Immunisation Service reference page for more information. 


New reference page: G6PD and vaccines

G6PD deficiency is a genetic disorder in which the body does not have enough of an enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase. If you are G6PD deficient, prevention of infection is important. Read more about G6PD and vaccines on our G6PD reference page