ATAGI Advice on mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose intervals and COVID-19 vaccination post infection
ATAGI have provided updated advice on mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose intervals and COVID-19 vaccination post infection.
It is now recommended that the dose interval between primary doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines should be extended to 8 weeks, with the extended dose interval shown to improve effectiveness and immune response to vaccination, as well as potentially also reduce the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis.
ATAGI have also recommended that COVID-19 vaccination is deferred 3 months following COVID-19 infection to optimise protection.
To read the updated recommendations in full, please click on the link below.
ATAGI Advice on mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose intervals and COVID-19 vaccination post infection
SMH: The flu shot: when is it safe to get it after having COVID?
With flu season underway in Australia and an increasing number of cases already confirmed, people are encouraged not to delay their yearly influenza vaccine, which is recommended for anyone 6 months of age and over.
The article features MVEC’s A/Prof Nigel Crawford, who addresses the key considerations such as ideal timing for the influenza vaccination, considerations for people with underlying medical conditions, advice for parents regarding children, and when to get the influenza vaccine post COVID-19 infection.
To read the article in full, please click on the link below:
SMH: The flu shot: when is it safe to get it after having COVID?
For the more information on influenza vaccines and the 2022 influenza season please see our resources below:
Mandatory influenza vaccination for healthcare workers
As of the 8th April, 2022, influenza vaccination will become a requirement for healthcare workers under the Health Services Amendment (Mandatory Vaccination of Healthcare Workers) Act 2020.
Healthcare workers subject to these Directions are required to be vaccinated against influenza by 15 August 2022 and annually thereafter.
For further information please refer to Department of Health: Vaccination for healthcare workers
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
New immunisation information hub for the general public
MVEC are excited to announce the launch of the newest branch of our website, a digital immunisation hub for the general public.
This 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 the new MVEC immunisation hub, please click on the link below:
MVEC's Immunisation hub for the general public
CDC: Hospitalizations of Children Aged 5–11 Years with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19
A recent CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) analysed COVID-19 associated hospitalisation rates in children aged 5–11 years during the Omicron-predominant period and the Delta-predominant period.
Hospitalisation rates in unvaccinated children were approximately double those of vaccinated children. Severe disease was more likely to occur in children with a history of diabetes and obesity, with one-third of hospitalised children during the Omicron period having had an underlying neurological condition. Racial and ethnic minority groups were disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
Further, the analysis suggests that vaccination of children aged 5-11 years reduces the risk for infection, protects against COVID-19–associated illness and prevents multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.
To read the full report, click on the link below.
CDC: Hospitalizations of Children Aged 5–11 Years with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19
The Conversation: COVID-19 vaccines for the youngest children may be inching closer to authorization – a pediatrician explains how they’re being tested
COVID-19 vaccines offer safe and effective protection against severe disease and are strongly recommended for everyone over the age of 5 years. While children often experience milder symptoms of disease than adults, US data obtained during the Omicron surge in cases shows a significant spike in the rates of hospitalisation in children under 5.
This article explores the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in children of different age groups, the safety and efficacy considerations for vaccinating children under 5, and an approximate timeline for next steps regarding this cohort.
To read the article in full, please click on the link below.
ATAGI statement on use of booster doses in adolescents aged 12-15 years
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has released a statement on booster doses in adolescents aged 12-15 years.
Following their review of evidence on the benefits and risks of a booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents in Australia aged 12-15 years, ATAGI does not recommend that adolescents aged 12-15 years need to receive a booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and will continue to review international evidence on efficacy of a booster in this age group.
ATAGI continue to strongly recommend vaccination of all young people aged 5 to 15 years with 2 primary doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, including those who may have previously had COVID-19. 3 primary doses are recommended for those in this age group who are severely immunocompromised.
For more information please refer to the link below:
ATAGI statement on use of booster doses in adolescents aged 12-15 years
Science: Pandemic propels global effort to study rare vaccine side effects
The Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) is the largest ever vaccine safety project involving more than 20 countries and data from more than 250 million people vaccinated against COVID-19.
It aims to investigate and understand rare vaccine side effects such as myocarditis, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome and Guillain-Barre Syndrome following COVID-19 vaccination which may lead to the prediction, treatment and prevention of side effects.
The following article discusses the importance of globalising vaccine safety research through international collaboration to improve vaccine safety.
To read more, please click on the link below.
Science: Pandemic propels global effort to study rare vaccine side effects
New immunisation reference page: Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a rare but potentially life-threatening acute illness. It is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae and is characterised by a pseudo-membrane forming over the pharangeal area resulting in pain, inflammation, difficulty swallowing and a hoarse voice. In instances where the pseudo-membrane dislodges, the airway can become obstructed.
Our new reference page outlines the signs and symptoms of diphtheria, as well as the vaccines available for disease prevention.
To read more follow the link below:
MVEC: Diphtheria