Vaccines Work GAVI: Five charts on monkeypox, past and present
Despite the first cases of monkeypox infection in humans being reported in the 1970’s, previous outbreaks of disease have been relatively small compared with the international outbreak we are currently experiencing. Human to human transmission has been historically uncommon with cases limited to smaller geographical regions. Current rates of infection, with extensive human to human transmission and wide global spread has led this outbreak to be a very unique scenario.
The following article uses the latest data to explore the current rates of infection across different demographics and regions, the impact of pre-existing medical conditions, as well as vaccine access and severity of disease.
To read the article in full, click on the link below.
Vaccines Work GAVI: Five charts on monkeypox, past and present
To view our reference page on monkeypox, click on the link below.
MVEC: Monkeypox
Updated MVEC immunisation reference page: COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescent page
MVEC’s COVID-19 vaccination in children and the adolescent reference page has been updated to include the current recommendations for children under 5 years of age. This resource details:
- Recommended COVID-19 vaccine schedule information for children and adolescents aged ≥ 6 months
- Information on the efficacy and side effects of COVID-19 vaccination in the paediatric population
- Links to current ATAGI COVID-19 vaccine recommendations in the various paediatric and adolescent age groups
To view the page in full, follow the link below:
MVEC: COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents
New immunisation reference page – Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (an infection spread from animals to humans). It is caused by a virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus (which also causes the variola virus responsible for smallpox disease and the vaccinia virus, which is used in smallpox vaccines). Since the eradication of smallpox in 1980, monkeypox has become the most important orthopoxvirus affecting humans, however, causes less severe disease than smallpox.
The incubation period of monkeypox is usually 7-14 days, with initial symptoms of monkeypox including fever, headache, backache and muscle aches, fatigue and lymphadenopathy. Historically, smallpox vaccines have been used in the prevention of smallpox infection, however, they are also likely to be effective against monkeypox.
There are two types of smallpox vaccines registered for use in Australia for the prevention of monkeypox, ACAM2000™ and JYNNEOS®.
Our new reference page outlines symptoms, transmission routes, epidemiology, current vaccine recommendations and links to the latest resources.
For further information, click on the link below:
MVEC: Monkeypox
Updated MVEC immunisation reference page: Travel medicine
Travel medicine focuses on disease prevention and injury risk minimisation for anyone travelling internationally. Recommendations can be based upon the travelling person’s individual circumstances such as the location and purpose of travel, duration and time of year of travel, as well as any underlying medical conditions or other risk factors.
MVEC’s reference page on Travel medicine has recently been updated. This resource outlines:
- where to get travel advice and when to seek advice
- vaccines for travellers
- immunocompromised and pregnant travellers
- advice for visiting friends and relatives (VFR).
To view the page in full, follow the link below:
MVEC: Travel medicine
New immunisation reference page: Typhoid
Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are bacterial infections collectively known as enteric fever, caused by the bacteria Salmonella enterica subspecies serovars Typhi and Paratyphi A, B and C. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and if untreated, can lead to serious complications or even death. They can include prolonged fever, abdominal symptoms or bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream).
Our new reference page outlines the signs and symptoms of typhoid, transmission routes and epidemiology, as well as the vaccines available for disease prevention when travelling to typhoid endemic areas.
To read more follow the link below:
MVEC: Typhoid
New immunisation reference page: Mandatory vaccine directions in Victoria
A vaccine mandate means that proof of vaccination, or an authorised medical exemption, is required in certain settings. In our new reference page, we provide information on the vaccine mandates affecting Victorians, including COVID-19 and influenza directions and “No jab, no play” and “No jab, no pay” legislations. Also included is information on the responsibility of the employee/service provider/individual and medical exemptions.
For further information, click on the link below:
MVEC: Mandatory vaccine direction in Victoria
Updated MVEC immunisation reference page: Kawasaki disease and immunisation
MVEC’s reference page on Kawasaki disease and immunisation has recently been updated. This resource outlines:
- what Kawasaki disease is
- vaccine recommendations for providers
- specific precautions to take when vaccinating
To view the page in full, follow the link below:
MVEC: Kawasaki disease and immunisation
Updated MVEC immunisation reference page: Meningococcal
MVEC’s meningococcal immunisation reference page has been updated. This resource details:
- meningococcal disease information, including symptoms and epidemiology
- recommendations for meningococcal ACWY vaccination
- recommendations for meningococcal B vaccination
To view the page in full, follow the link below:
New immunisation reference page: Febrile seizures (Febrile convulsions)
Febrile seizures are typically triggered by a sudden rise in temperature and more commonly occur in very young children. Febrile seizures can be classified as simple or complex, with 1 in 30 children experiencing a febrile seizure at some point during their childhood.
Although vaccines can cause fevers, febrile seizures following vaccination are not common.
Our new reference page provides an overview of febrile seizures and outlines the recommendations following a vaccine proximate seizure.
To read more follow the link below:
MVEC: Febrile seizures (Febrile convulsions)
New immunisation reference page: International Network of Special Immunization Services
The International Network of Special Immunization Services (INSIS) is a coordinated international collaboration of vaccine safety surveillance systems that aims to promote confidence in the safety of vaccines.
Our new reference page provides an overview of the international network including the objectives for the international collaboration, funding, and key Australian representatives.
To read more follow the link below:
MVEC: International Network of Special Immunization Services