New immunisation reference page: Cold chain
The cold chain is the system of transporting and storing vaccines within the temperature range of +2°C to +8°C from the place of manufacture to the point of administration. The optimal storage temperature for vaccines is +5°C.
The Vaccine Storage Guidelines 'Strive for 5' provides information and advice for vaccine storage management for Australian immunisation service providers.
For further information, please refer to the Cold Chain reference page.
New immunisation reference page: Tetanus prone wounds management
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. Tetanus causes severe muscle spasms and can be fatal. The bacteria live in soil, dust and animal faeces. Tetanus can be prevented by vaccination.
For further information and immunisation recommendations please refer to MVEC’s new immunisation reference page: Tetanus prone wounds management
Zoster vaccine resources
Administration of Zostavax® (zoster vaccine) in individuals who are immunocompromised is contraindicated due to the risk of causing disseminated disease. Prior to immunisation, and in conjunction with the pre-immunisation checklist, the Zostavax® GP Decision Aid should be completed to ensure patient safety. For further information on Zostavax®, please refer to the updated links below:
MVEC: Zostavax® GP Decision Aid
MVEC: Zoster vaccine (Zostavax®) FAQs
New immunisation reference page- Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is an autoimmune condition resulting in muscle weakness, altered sensation, numbness and paralysis. It is often triggered by a viral or bacterial infection however there is also variable evidence suggesting an association with influenza vaccination.
For further information and immunisation recommendations please refer to MVEC's new immunisation reference page
Influenza vaccine 2019- FAQ's
MVEC's Frequently Asked Questions for the 2019 Influenza season are now available online
To view our reference page please click on the following link:
MVEC: Influenza vaccine- Frequently asked questions
Avoiding shoulder injury related to vaccine administration
Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) describes a complication of incorrect immunisation technique whereby a vaccine is injected too high above the deltoid muscle. Implications of SIRVA include persisting pain and limited range of movement, uncertain seroprotection due to the incorrect site of administration, as well costly outcomes for the patient due to diagnostic imaging and interventions.. For tips on avoiding SIRVA please refer to the following resources:
MVEC: Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration
MVEC: Administration of injected vaccines- correct technique
Australian Immunisation Handbook: avoiding shoulder injury related to vaccine administration
New immunisation reference page- Pharmacist immunisers
Pharmacist immunisers are registered pharmacists who are accredited to administer approved immunisations to specified patient groups within the community. For further information on the role of pharmacist immunisers as well as the approved training programs, please refer to:
2019 Influenza vaccine recommendations
For information on influenza immunisation for the 2019 season, including age specific brands, dosing guidelines and advice for at risk groups, please refer to:
MVEC: Influenza vaccine recommendations
Influenza and pertussis vaccination in pregnancy
Antenatal immunisation with Influenza and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines are strongly recommended in every pregnancy to protect both the mother and baby from disease and its complications. Evidence around the timing of pertussis immunisation in pregnancy has recently been reviewed and it is now recommended that a pertussis containing vaccine be administered between 20 and 32 weeks of the pregnancy. Immunisation is provided free to all pregnant women through the National Immunisation Program.
For further information about maternal vaccination recommendations visit our reference page MVEC: Maternal vaccination during pregnancy
Updated resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients
An updated immunisation reference page is now online for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This new page also details the latest recommendations for meningococcal immunisation in this population group. From 2019 Influenza vaccination will be funded for all people from 6-months of age. To view the page please follow the link below:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander immunisation recommendations