Updated hepatitis B reference page
We have recently updated our hepatitis B reference page to incorporate the latest recommendations for serological testing, patients with impaired renal function as well as a new pathway for non-responders to the routine hepatitis B vaccine course. Please access the page below via the following link:
Menactra® and Prevenar 13® co-administration
Menactra® should not be administered on the same day as Prevenar 13®. Studies have shown that co-administration may result in a decreased immune response to some of the pneumococcal serotypes. If both vaccines are required, Prevenar 13® should be administered first followed by Menactra® at least 4 weeks later. If these vaccines are inadvertently administered on the same day, Prevenar 13® should be repeated a minimum of 8 weeks later. Menveo® and Nimenrix® may be co-administered with Prevenar 13®.
For further information please refer to The Australian Immunisation Handbook
What's new on the horizon?
MVEC is often contacted with queries regarding what is new in vaccines and immunisation policy. To access a summary of vaccinology discussions from various National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups (NiTAGs) please refer to our MVEC reference page:
Horizon scanning: What's new in vaccines and international immunisation policy
NIP July 2018- frequently asked questions
To assist healthcare providers and families with the transition to the new NIP schedule on July 1 2018, MVEC has created a reference page outlining frequently asked questions (FAQ's) adapted from our recent Clinical Vaccinology Update- A Special Edition.
For further information please refer to our following MVEC page:
NIP schedule changes July 1 2018-FAQs
Free Influenza vaccine in 2018 for children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
In Victoria in 2018 the Influenza vaccine will be provided FREE for all children aged 6 months to less than 5 years of age. For further information and how to access the vaccine please head to our MVEC Free Influenza vaccine for children in 2018 reference page
Influenza 2018
MVEC has now updated it's Influenza recommendations for the 2018 season. Please follow the link for further information MVEC: Influenza vaccine recommendations
Influenza vaccine and egg allergy update
Based on the latest guidelines from the Australiasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, influenza vaccines can be safely administered in community vaccination clinics (which may or may not have direct medical practitioner supervision) to those with and without egg allergy (including egg anaphylaxis). This is a single dose, followed by the recommended 15 minute observation period. Please refer to our MVEC: Allergy and Immunisation page for further details.
New Zoster vaccine (Zostavax®) FAQs reference page
SAEFVIC has updated its Zoster resources and developed a new frequently asked questions (FAQ) page for use by providers. The Zoster vaccine FAQs page provides answers to questions on the use of Zostavax® and can be used in conjunction with existing resources in the Zoster MVEC page.
Updated Meningococcal page
MVEC's Meningococcal disease and vaccines page has been updated. Please note, we have now combined the pages for all Meningococcal vaccines under the one Immunisation reference page.
http://www.mvec.vic.edu.au/immunisation-references/meningococcal-disease-and-vaccines/
Zostavax - GP decision aid
Zostavax® contains a live attenuated varicella-zoster virus, containing 14 times more virus than childhood varicella vaccines. Administration to people who are immunocompromised is associated with risk of disseminated disease from the vaccine virus. Our new GP decision aid be used to assist in the identification of patients who may be contraindicated for the shingles vaccine.
For further info including new resources, please refer to our MVEC: Zoster page.