Updated immunisation reference page: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples immunisation recommendations
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, or First Nations Australians, have higher rates of some vaccine‑preventable diseases compared to non‑Indigenous Australians. First Nations Australians are prioritised for additional protection through the funding of additional vaccines on the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
We have recently updated our reference page on immunisation recommendations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The newly updated page includes:
- a comprehensive table of funded vaccines available in each state
- information about vaccine‑preventable diseases targeted through funding
- information about vaccine access
- links to helpful resources.
MVEC: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people immunisation recommendations
Updated immunisation reference page: Immunosuppression and vaccines
Individuals who are immunocompromised have a weakened immune system, resulting in a decreased ability to fight infections. Immunocompromise can be caused by many different factors such as certain medical conditions, being a transplant recipient, advancing age or taking medications that suppress the immune system.
Vaccination is particularly important for those who are immunocompromised, due to the increased risk of developing severe disease if exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases.
We have recently reviewed our reference page on immunocompromise/immunosuppression and vaccines. The page includes up-to-date information on vaccine timing, contraindicated vaccines and safe alternatives, what to do in the event of inadvertent administration of a live-attenuated vaccines, and advice for household contacts of immunocompromised people.
MVEC: Immunosuppression and vaccines
Updated immunisation reference page: Injection site reactions
Injection site reactions (ISRs) are a common localised side effect that can occur following the administration of any injected vaccine.
We have recently updated our injection site reaction reference page to provide more information on the diagnosis of ISRs, to detail factors associated with a higher incidence of ISRs and to clarify the proper treatment of ISRs.
ISRs resolve on their own without intervention. They can be managed at home with symptomatic relief. ISRs are not a sign of allergy or local infection. Therefore antihistamines, steroids or antibiotics are not required.
MVEC: Injection site reactions
New immunisation reference page: DiGeorge syndrome and vaccines
DiGeorge syndrome (also known as velocardiofacial syndrome or 22q11.2 deletion syndrome) is a genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in 2,000 newborns.
The implications of DiGeorge syndrome vary between individuals. It is commonly associated with immunocompromise, making vaccination particularly important to provide protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
MVEC has recently published a new immunisation reference page on DiGeorge syndrome, including a new guidance developed as a collaboration between MVEC, Queensland Children’s Hospital and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
MVEC: DiGeorge syndrome and vaccines
New immunisation reference page: Immunosuppression in pregnancy and infant vaccine recommendations
Immunosuppressive therapies play an important role in the treatment of many medical conditions.
MVEC has recently published a new immunisation reference page on immunosuppression in pregnancy and infant vaccine recommendations. The page includes a new guidance, developed as a collaboration between MVEC, Queensland Children’s Hospital and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
MVEC: Immunosuppression in pregnancy and infant vaccine recommendations
Translated versions of immunisation reference pages: Influenza and Tuberculosis (BCG)
We are excited to let you know that we are now offering translated versions of a couple of our most popular immunisation reference pages.
Our influenza and tuberculosis/BCG reference pages are both available to read in Hindi, Simplified Chinese, and Vietnamese.
These two reference pages include information on disease symptoms, epidemiology, transmission and vaccine recommendations.
The pages are available via the banner on our homepage, links at the top of our A–Z reference page or by selecting the preferred language from a drop-down box on the reference page itself (MVEC: Influenza and MVEC: Tuberculosis/BCG).
Updated immunisation reference page: COVID‑19
We have updated our COVID-19 reference page with up-to-date guidance on currently available COVID-19 vaccines, across age groups.
The newly updated page includes recommendations on the use of the new monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccines and answers to commonly asked questions relating to the new vaccines as well as other COVID-19 vaccine-related queries.
Updated immunisation reference page: Q fever
We have recently updated our Q fever reference page.
Q fever is caused by infection with the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. People at highest risk of exposure are those in close contact with animals and animal products. Despite being a vaccine-preventable disease, there are around 500 cases of Q fever reported across Australia every year.
The updated page provides greater detail on what Q fever is, its symptoms, complications, epidemiology and prevention.
Updated immunisation reference page: Typhoid
We have recently reviewed our typhoid reference page.
Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are collectively known as enteric fever. Caused by bacterial infections with Salmonella enterica subspecies, typhoid and paratyphoid fever often present with prolonged fever and fatigue, headaches, enlargement of the spleen, abdominal symptoms, bacterial blood infection.
Newly reviewed immunisation reference – MVEC: Typhoid
Updated immunisation reference page: Zoster (herpes zoster)
We have recently updated our zoster (also known as shingles) reference page.
Zoster is the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) in people who have previously had varicella (chickenpox) infection. Zoster presents with a painful blistering rash. The most common complication of zoster is post-herpetic neuralgia.
In response to queries that have arisen since the new national Shingrix program commenced, the updated page provides more information about:
- vaccine side effects
- special risk group eligibility for people with blood cancers
- pre-vaccination screening for Shingrix.