VicSIS update- services have changed
From July 2022 there has been a change to the services delivered by VicSIS (the Victorian Specialist Immunisation Services network). The number of VicSIS clinics and their locations have been reduced with adult services now only offered at Barwon Health, Austin Health, Monash Health and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Due to these changes there may be longer wait times for appointments and patients should be advised of this.
In addition, VicSIS is no longer funded to support paediatric COVID-19 vaccination. Children aged 15 years and under requiring specialist advice can instead be reviewed via the existing specialist immunisation clinics at The Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Health. Referrals for these services should continue to be submitted via the VicSIS eReferral portal.
For further information on VicSIS, refer to the link below:
ATAGI updated recommendations for a winter dose of COVID-19 vaccine
ATAGI have expanded the groups recommended to receive a COVID-19 winter booster dose to now include:
- Any adult (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) aged 50 years and older
- Aged care or disability care residents aged 16 years and older
- Individuals aged 16 years and older with severe immunocompromise, disability or complex health need, or those with multiple comorbidities which may increase the likelihood of poorer outcomes.
In addition, any adult aged 30- 49 years who wishes to reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 infection may also receive a winter booster dose. The interval recommended between a previous COVID-19 infection or previous booster dose and administration of a winter booster dose is 3 months.
ATAGI has noted with concern that booster dose coverage (first dose and winter dose) has been suboptimal for eligible populations and highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing severe infection and hospitalisation.
To read the updated recommendations in full, please click on the link below:
ATAGI updated recommendations for a winter dose of COVID-19 vaccine
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
Save the date for MVEC’s Immunisation Skills Workshop – Friday 2 September 2022
MVEC are pleased to invite you to save the date for our Immunisation Skills Workshop taking place on Friday 2nd September.
The full day interactive, face-to-face workshop is MVEC’s newest learning opportunity designed to provide education and upskilling in the principles and processes of managing:
- effective vaccine communication
- error prevention and management
- anaphylaxis and acute stress responses
Participants will hear from immunisation experts and have the opportunity to engage in simulated scenarios.
The workshop will account for 12 nursing CPD hours and up to 24 points of CPD for pharmacist immunisers (including preparation and reading time).
Further program details and a link to register will be available via our events page soon.
NCIRS resource now available – Influenza vaccination coverage data
NCIRS have published a report outlining influenza vaccination coverage according to state/territory as well as age group, in Australia in 2022. Rates are compared to vaccination coverage reported in 2020 and 2021. This report will be updated weekly and uses data obtained from the Australian Immunisation Register.
Influenza vaccines are recommended for all people aged ≥ 6 months. They are provided for free on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for at-risk groups including children under 5, people with specific medical risk factors, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged ≥ 6 months. Some individual jurisdictions are also providing free flu vaccination for all aged ≥ 6 months. Any other individuals who are unable to source a funded vaccine can obtain a flu vaccine for a small fee.
As of the 11th June 2022, 31.6% of Australians aged 6 months and above had received an influenza vaccination, and just 20.2% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples had received one.
To view the NCIRS data, please click on the link below.
NCIRS Influenza vaccination coverage data
For more information on influenza vaccines, please click on the link below.
MVEC: Influenza recommendations
New resource for seniors added to the MVEC immunisation hub for the general public
Due to the immune system becoming less effective as we age and the increasing risk of severe disease, immunisation is an important aspect of health promotion for seniors.
Our dedicated immunisation resource includes information for seniors on vaccine preventable diseases, vaccine recommendations, answers to frequently asked questions and links to further resources.
MVEC’s hub of up-to-date and reliable information aims to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of vaccine preventable diseases and promote the benefits of immunisation for people of all ages.
If you are interested in collaborating with MVEC to develop immunisation resources, we’d love to hear from you!
To access this new resource for seniors, please click on the link below:
Resource for seniors: MVEC’s new Immunisation hub for the general public
ATAGI recommendations on first booster dose in adolescents aged 12-15 years
ATAGI has provided updated advice regarding COVID-19 booster doses for those aged 12-15 years.
A single booster dose of Comirnaty (Pfizer) is now recommended for the following select groups:
- those who are severely immunocompromised
- those who have a disability with significant or complex health needs
- those who have complex and/or multiple health conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
Booster doses can be administered ≥ 3 months after the completion of the primary course, or ≥ 3 months after COVID-19 infection (whichever is later).
There is currently insufficient evidence to support expanding this booster dose recommendation to other groups of adolescents aged 12-15 years, however this advice may change in the future as more evidence emerges.
To read the advice in full please follow the link below.
ATAGI recommendations on first booster dose in adolescents aged 12-15 years
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
ABC Radio Canberra with A/Prof Nigel Crawford: Influenza and the importance of the flu vaccine for children under five.
MVEC’s Associate Professor Nigel Crawford was interviewed by ABC Radio Canberra to discuss influenza in children under five. With younger children at greater risk of contracting severe disease, A/Prof Crawford explains the importance of vaccinating children every flu season to ensure the best protection.
You can listen to the interview here:
ABC Radio Canberra: Influenza and the importance of the flu vaccine for children under five.