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.
Influenza vaccine recommendations for 2017
Flu season is now upon us! Please follow the link for the current influenza vaccine recommendations.
Influenza 2017 recommendations
Meningococcal disease
Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. There are 13 known sub-types (A, B, C, W and Y). In 2016, the main serotypes causing disease in Australia are B and W with variations noted by state. Importantly, they are both potentially vaccine preventable.
We have recently added a resource page for Meningococcal disease and vaccines to provide further information.
MTHFR gene explained
A number of families, consumers and healthcare professionals have been asking MVEC staff about the MTHFR gene (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) and possible adverse events following immunisation [AEFI]. Please refer to our MVEC page for further information.
New Zoster (Shingles) Immunisation Program
From November 2016, Zostavax will be funded under the National Immunisation Program for persons aged 70 years, with catch-up for those aged 71–79 years also funded until October 2021.
For further information, including our new resources please refer to our MVEC page