Updated immunisation reference page: MTHFR gene
We have recently updated our reference page on MTHFR gene polymorphisms.
The MTHFR gene is involved in the production of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme, which helps the body to break down folate.
People who have MTHFR gene polymorphisms (harmless changes to the gene which are very common) can safely receive vaccines.
The updated reference page reflects up-to-date research showing MTHFR gene polymorphisms do not cause any significant health problems.
Updated immunisation reference page: Yellow fever
We have recently updated our Yellow fever reference page.
Yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease which can be transmitted to humans via the bites of mosquitos infected with yellow fever virus (YFV). Vaccination against yellow fever is a requirement to travel to and from certain countries.
The updated reference page includes information on yellow fever epidemiology, transmission and prevention.
New immunisation reference page: RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of respiratory tract infections in young children. There are currently no RSV vaccines registered for use in Australia. However, there are many vaccines under development in clinical trials.
MVEC has recently published an RSV reference page which includes information on symptoms, transmission and prevention.
MVEC: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Updated immunisation reference page: Epilepsy and immunisation
We have recently updated our Epilepsy and immunisation reference page.
The updated page includes the most recent recommendations for immunisation of children with Dravet syndrome and other children with vaccine-proximate seizures.
Updated – MVEC: Epilepsy and immunisation
Updated immunisation reference page: COVID-19
We have recently updated our COVID-19 immunisation reference page to streamline information. You can now find COVID-19 information and recommendations for adults and children on one page.
The updated page outlines the vaccines currently available, primary schedules and booster dose recommendations across age groups and for special risk groups. The page also includes answers to commonly asked questions.
For other COVID-19-related information, see:
MVEC: COVID-19 vaccines and allergy
New immunisation reference page: Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is a vaccine-preventable strain of haemophilus influenzae bacteria. Even with treatment, 3% of Hib meningitis cases occurring in developed countries will be fatal and 10-30% of cases will have permanent neurological complications.
Before vaccination was included on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) in 1992, Hib was the biggest cause of invasive bacterial infection in children in Australia. Since then, the number of Hib infections notified has reduced by 95%.
Our new immunisation reference page includes information on Hib transmission, epidemiology and prevention.
MVEC: Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
Updated reference page: Development and registration of vaccines
Vaccines, like any medication in development, must undergo rigorous testing procedures and scientific evaluation to prove not only their effect on the targeted disease, but also to determine their safety, before being licensed and registered for use in vaccination programs.
Our newly updated Vaccine development and registration page includes information about vaccine clinical trials, post-licensure surveillance, registration and provisional approval, as well as health economics assessments of vaccines.
Updated MVEC: Development and registration of vaccines
All Spikevax (Moderna) COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months-5 years have now expired
As of May 3 2023, all stock of original/ancestral strain of Spikevax (Moderna) specific for children aged 6 months to 5 years has expired. Any remaining stock should not be administered and should be disposed of according to your state or territory’s requirements.
We have updated our guidelines to provide recommendations for children who have commenced their primary course with 1 dose of Spikevax and require further doses to complete their course.
- Immune competent children can complete their primary course with 1 dose of age-appropriate Comirnaty (Pfizer) only.
- Severely immunocompromised children who received 1 dose of Spikevax should receive a further 2 doses of Comirnaty 8 weeks apart to complete their primary course.
- Severely immunocompromised children who received 2 doses of Spikevax should receive 1 further dose of Comirnaty 8 weeks later to complete their primary course.
Please note, vaccination is only recommended in this age group for children with severe immunocompromise, disability or a complex medical condition that places them at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease.
Find complete recommendations for children aged 6 months to 5 years on MVEC: COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents.
Updated immunisation reference page: Immunosuppression and vaccines
Immunosuppression refers to a person’s immune system being weakened, resulting in a decreased ability to fight infections. It can be caused by certain medical conditions or by taking specific medications.
Vaccination is particularly important in the setting of immunosuppression as individuals are at an increased risk of developing severe symptoms if exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases. Protection from vaccines can be suboptimal in this patient group and therefore additional doses of vaccines may be recommended. Conversely, some vaccines (live-attenuated vaccines) may be contraindicated due to the potential risk of vaccine-related disease.
We have recently updated our immunosuppression and vaccines reference page to incorporate information specific to COVID-19 immunisation which was previously detailed on a separate page. Information on vaccination timing, recommended vaccines, contraindicated vaccines, and considerations for immunosuppressed breastfeeding mothers and household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals is also included.
Updated MVEC: Immunosuppression and vaccines
Updated immunisation reference page: Zoster (herpes zoster)
Herpes zoster (shingles) is a painful, vesicular rash that usually presents on one side of the face or body typically appearing in a dermatomal distribution (an area of skin supplied by a spinal nerve). It is caused by a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes varicella (chickenpox) infection
Our recently updated immunisation reference page includes information on the signs and symptoms of zoster, disease transmission and the vaccines available for the prevention of zoster and its complications.
To read more follow the link below: