New immunisation reference page: COVID-19 vaccine compensation scheme
The No Fault COVID-19 Indemnity Scheme is a Commonwealth government funded initiative that has been introduced to allow Australians who have been significantly impacted by an adverse event following a COVID-19 vaccine to apply for financial assistance.
Our new reference page outlines the No Fault COVID-19 Indemnity Scheme, including which vaccines are covered under the scheme, and how to make a claim.
To read more, follow the link below:
MVEC: COVID-19 vaccine compensation scheme
Reminder to register for the Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2021!
A reminder to register for the Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2021 taking place virtually on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th November.
This 2-day virtual program will allow participants to choose from keynote sessions delivered on our virtual main stage in addition to themed seminars and interactive workshops hosted by industry experts, addressing the most important issues in immunisation.
To find out more about the program and to register, please click on the link below to our Events page:
MVEC: Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2021
The Conversation: COVID vaccines for 5 to 11 year old’s are inching closer. Here’s what we know so far
This week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorised the provisional use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in children between the age of 5 to 11 years. Children will receive two doses of the vaccine, at a reduced dose (one-third of the adult dose) administered approximately three weeks apart.
Pfizer has submitted a partial application to Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and is currently on track to supply the remaining data over the next two weeks. Once approved, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisations (ATAGI) will advise the government on timing the rollout.
Current data suggests a clear advantage to immunising children against COVID-19, including protecting them from severe complications associated with the Delta variant, and helping to minimise the spread of the virus amongst the more vulnerable in the community.
Follow this link to read the full article:
COVID vaccines for 5 to 11 year old’s are inching closer. Here’s what we know so far
Advice on returning Australian children
ATAGI have provided COVID-19 vaccination advice for children aged 12 years and over returning to Australia from overseas.
In an effort to keep families together, New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory have agreed to apply an exemption for those Australians aged 12–17 to arrive from overseas who are not fully vaccinated (have received 2 doses of a TGA recognised COVID-19 vaccine, adhering to the recommended dosing interval).
Affected children will be required to undertake a test within 24 hours of arrival into Australia and quarantine at home for 7 days. A second test will be required on day 5 prior to completion of quarantine. They may attend school after completing 7 days home quarantine. Additionally, 12–17 year olds not fully vaccinated will not be allowed to visit other high risk settings such as disability facilities, aged-care residential facilities and hospitals until 14 days after arrival.
To read the statement in full, please click on the link below:
Returning Australian children
Novavax Files for Authorization of its COVID-19 Vaccine in the United Kingdom
Novavax has completed the rolling regulatory submission to the U.K Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for authorization of the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine.
The NVX-CoV2373 vaccine is engineered from the genetic sequence of the first strain of SARS-CoV-2. Using Novavax recombinant nanoparticle technology to generate antigen derived from the coronavirus spike protein and is formulated with Novavax patented saponin-based Matrix-M ™ adjuvant to stimulate high levels of neutralizing antibodies.
Clinical data from Phase 3 trials included over 15,000 participants and demonstrated that NVX-CoV2373 elicited a strong immune response with an overall efficacy of 89.7% as well as a favourable safety and tolerability profile.
Follow the link below to read the full article:
Novavax Files for Authorization of its COVID-19 Vaccine in the United Kingdom
World Polio Day 2021 highlights progress and ongoing commitment to end polio everywhere
There’s been incredible progress in the efforts to eradicate polio everywhere. Currently, 5 out of 6 WHO regions are certified free of wild polio.
Despite the progress, there is still a way to go and although it is rare, cases of wild or vaccine-derived strain can become emergent in polio-free regions, including those countries that have not seen cases of polio for decades.
This demonstrates the importance of ensuring that every child is protected through immunisation. A fully immunised population is protected against both vaccine-derived and wild poliovirus.
Follow the link below to read the full article:
World Polio Day 2021 highlights progress and ongoing commitment to end polio everywhere
TGA approves booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved a booster dose of the Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY, for individuals 18 years and older.
The TGA approval means that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been found safe and effective to boost protection for individuals aged 18 years and older through a booster dose provided at least six months after the completion of a COVID-19 vaccine primary course of two doses. The primary course can be of any of the COVID-19 vaccine registered for use in Australia.
Further advice on the use of boosters will be provided to government shortly by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
To read the statement in full, please click on the link below:
TGA approves booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY
Raising Children Network - new COVID-19 vaccination resource for teenagers
MVEC has partnered with the Raising Children Network to develop a new resource focused on providing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for immunising teenagers, 12 years and over.
This article addresses key factors for immunising teens, including doses, safety, efficacy, side effects and how to cope with needle phobia.
To view this article follow the link below:
COVID-19 vaccination and teenagers
More information on COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens can be found via our immunisation reference page below:
MVEC: COVID-19 vaccination in children
New educational resource: Generation Next course on COVID and kids
MVEC has collaborated with the team at Generation Next on a new resource featuring Dr Daryl Cheng to provide helpful strategies to get kids back to school safely and reduce transmission of COVID-19 in this group.
Course content reflects the combined efforts of immunisation paediatricians, adult physicians, immunisation nurses, infectious disease, and allergy specialists, as well as infection control teams. The information works to provide guidance and support for parents and communities to ensure a safe transition to a new COVID normal.
To enrol in this free course, please click on the link below:
Next Generation course: Covid and kids
Registrations now open for the Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2021!
Registrations are now open for the Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2021 which is taking place virtually on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th November.
This 2-day virtual program will allow participants to choose from keynote sessions delivered on our virtual main stage in addition to themed seminars and interactive workshops hosted by industry experts, addressing the most important issues in immunisation.
Register now and don’t miss this opportunity to hear the latest insights and learnings from leading immunisation professionals!
To find out more about the program and to register, please click on the link below to our Events page:
MVEC: Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2021