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:
Updated immunisation reference page: Vaccine platforms
A vaccine platform is the term used to describe the technology utilised to manufacture vaccines.
Whilst there are many different types of vaccine platforms, all aim to activate an individual’s immune system to form antibodies and memory cells against specific pathogens (disease causing organism), without the individual experiencing the disease. This means that if or when that pathogen is encountered in the future, the immune system will be able to respond effectively, either minimising the symptoms experienced or preventing disease altogether.
Our recently updated immunisation reference page explores the most common approaches to vaccine manufacture and explains inactivated, live-attenuated and genetic vaccines. It also discusses newer approaches such as nanoparticle-based vaccines.
To read more, head to the link below:
WHO SAGE: Updated Roadmap for prioritizing uses of COVID-19 vaccines
The World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) has updated its Roadmap for prioritizing uses of COVID-19 vaccines to include vaccination information relating to:
- specific recommendations for primary series vaccination and booster doses according to priority groups
- need and frequency of further booster doses following an initial booster
- variant-specific vaccines
- vaccination during pregnancy
- post COVID-19 conditions.
These updated guidelines align with ATAGI’s current recommendation for prioritising vaccination of those with a high risk of severe disease. This includes the current guidance for not recommending booster doses in healthy children.
To read this guidance in full follow the link below:
WHO SAGE Roadmap for prioritizing uses of COVID-19 vaccines
Updated immunisation reference page: Influenza
We have recently updated our Influenza reference page in accordance with 2023 vaccine recommendations.
The reference page includes up-to-date vaccine brand and dosing advice, information about eligibility for funded doses under the National Immunisation Program and a helpful commonly asked questions guide.
To view the updated page in full, follow the link below:
AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have now expired
As of 20 March 2023, all AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (Vaxzevria) stock available in Australia has expired.
Any remaining stock should not be administered and should be disposed of according to your state or territory’s requirements.
Nuvaxovid (Novavax), Spikevax (Moderna) and Comirnaty (Pfizer) remain available for COVID-19 vaccine administration.
NCIRS: Recording of COVID-19 and influenza vaccination update 2023
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has recently uploaded recordings of presentations from its annual influenza webinar, held on 16 March 2023.
This year, the webinar included presentations on:
- Learnings from the recent northern hemisphere winter experience managing COVID-19 and influenza
- The latest Australian COVID-19 vaccination and booster recommendations
- 2023 Australian influenza vaccination recommendations across the lifespan, including important changes for 0-5 year olds
New England Journal of Medicine Interview: What to expect from Covid-19 vaccines
In this New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) audio interview, virologist and immunologist Dr Barney Graham discusses structural biology and the future of COVID-19, RSV and other vaccines.
Dr Graham was at the forefront of vaccine development for COVID-19 and has a background studying RSV. In this interview, he reflects on his work with the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) and emphasises the importance of education for improving vaccine uptake.
NEJM Audio interview with Barney Graham
Updated immunisation reference page: Japanese encephalitis
The Victorian Department of Health has recently extended its list of high-risk local government areas, increasing eligibility criteria for Japanese encephalitis vaccination. As a result, MVEC’s reference page on Japanese encephalitis has been updated.
Vaccination is now recommended for individuals aged ≥ 2 months who live in the local government areas of Campaspe, Gannawarra, Greater Shepparton, Indigo, Loddon, Mildura, Moira, Swan Hill, Wodonga, Towong, Benalla, Wangaratta, Strathbogie, Buloke, Greater Bendigo, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiak who:
- regularly spend time outdoors engaging in activities that place them at risk of mosquito bites
- are experiencing homelessness or are living in conditions with limited mosquito protection (such as tents or exposed dwellings)
- are engaged in outdoor flood recovery efforts (this also applies to individuals from other areas who are deployed as part of flood recovery efforts).
To view the updated page in full, refer to the link below:
ATAGI recommendations on the use of the Moderna bivalent (Original/Omicron 4/5) COVID-19 vaccine
ATAGI have updated their recommendations on the use of the Moderna bivalent COVID vaccine, with it now being recommended as an option in anyone aged 12 years and over who is eligible for a booster dose.
The Moderna bivalent vaccine contains equal parts of mRNA from the spike proteins from the ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the Omicron BA.4/5 subvariant.
Bivalent vaccines are the preferred option for booster doses as early evidence indicates they provide greater protection against hospitalisation or death from circulating subvariants than the original Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.
They are not recommended for use in a primary course of COVID vaccination.
For read the ATAGI recommendations in full, head to the link below:
ATAGI recommendations on the use of the Moderna bivalent (Original/Omicron 4/5) COVID-19 vaccine
Updated immunisation reference page: Human papillomavirus
Our human papillomavirus (HPV) reference page has been updated to reflect the National Immunisation Program (NIP) recently moving to a single dose of vaccine only for immune competent individuals 25 years of age and under. Immunocompromised individuals of any age and anyone 26 years of age and over continue to be recommended 3 doses for optimal protection.
HPV is a double stranded DNA virus that can infect both men and women. It can affect a person’s anogenital or respiratory tract. There are more than 100 known sub-types of HPV, with 40 of them affecting the anogenital region.
Vaccination against HPV is ideally provided prior to sexual activity to protect against the development of lesions such as genital warts, cutaneous warts and respiratory papillomatosis, as well as various cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, oral cavity and oropharynx.
HPV vaccination is currently provided to all school aged adolescents in year 7, with a funded catch-up program available up to the age of 26 years.
For more information refer to MVEC: Human papillomavirus