Global Vaccine Safety
The Global Vaccine Safety Initiative was set up in 2011 by the World Health Organsiation (WHO) to ensure that all countries had strategies in place to ensure vaccine safety. The latest highlight is available via the following link and has some great information on Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) training in our region (WPRO).
Commonwealth funded meningococcal ACWY vaccine for teens
Beginning in April 2019, meningococcal ACWY vaccines will be funded on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for teenagers aged 15-19 years. In 2017 and 2018 Victorian teenagers have been offered meningococcal ACWY vaccine (Menactra®) as part of the school based program in a state funded initiative. This change to the NIP will ensure that teenagers across the country can access protection against disease. Please refer to the announcement below from the Minister for Health for more information:
Announcement from Hon Greg Hunt MP: $52 million to deliver free meningococcal vaccine to teenagers
Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2018
Thank you for attending the recent CVU on Friday 14th September 2018 at The Royal Children's Hospital.
Presentations covered for the day are now available for your viewing on our Events page.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook-online edition
The newest update of The Australian Immunisation Handbook has arrived! It is now an online version ensuring that up to date information is accessible for all, in a format that is easy to navigate. To access the new handbook please follow the link below:
The Australian Immunisation Handbook
Vaccine safety and adverse events following immunisation: a practical approach
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) is hosting a webinar on September 19 to provide an overview of common expected and rarer serious adverse reactions following immunisation and their management. For information on how to register please refer to the following:
NCIRS Seminar series: Vaccine safety and adverse events following immunisation
When "ah-choo" Turns to the Flu
When "ah-choo" Turns to the Flu is a selection of case studies published online via How to treat. Exploring some of the more unusual manifestations of the flu, it highlights the importance of considering influenza immunisation in paediatric populations.
Victorian Immunisation Schedule App
Are you on target?
Utilising a correct injection technique is of vital importance when providing immunisations to patients in order to optimise the immune response and to minimise side effects. To ensure that your technique is on target please refer to our MVEC reference page for further information:
Administration of injected vaccines- correct technique
What's new on the horizon?
MVEC is often contacted with queries regarding what is new in vaccines and immunisation policy. To access a summary of vaccinology discussions from various National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups (NiTAGs) please refer to our MVEC reference page:
Horizon scanning: What's new in vaccines and international immunisation policy
It's not too late to have your flu vaccine!
This year there has been an unprecedented demand for the influenza vaccine resulting in periodic shortages. The vaccine is now back in supply across all age groups for both the Victorian state funded program (six months to less than 5 years), as well as the National Immunisation Program. Influenza immunisation is strongly recommended for anyone wishing to be protected against influenza disease and it's complications.
For further information please refer to our MVEC pages:
Influenza vaccine recommendations
Influenza vaccine recommendations- FAQs
Free Influenza vaccine in 2018 for children aged 6 months to less than 5 years