Updated Meningococcal page
MVEC's Meningococcal disease and vaccines page has been updated. Please note, we have now combined the pages for all Meningococcal vaccines under the one Immunisation reference page.
http://www.mvec.vic.edu.au/immunisation-references/meningococcal-disease-and-vaccines/
2017 TVU Presentations now available
Thank you again to all who attended the 2017 Travel Vaccine Update held here at the Royal Children's Hospital on August 31st. If you would like to revisit the presentations that took place on the night, please head to our Events page for the downloadable versions from our presenters.
Immunisation - Get the Facts
A new campaign has been launched by the Government to encourage parents to 'Get The Facts About Immunisation'.
We know parents want evidence based information to support decision making about childhood vaccinations, so we're making it easier to 'get the facts'.
You can find out more information about the campaign by visiting www.immunisationfacts.gov.au
Zostavax - GP decision aid
Zostavax® contains a live attenuated varicella-zoster virus, containing 14 times more virus than childhood varicella vaccines. Administration to people who are immunocompromised is associated with risk of disseminated disease from the vaccine virus. Our new GP decision aid be used to assist in the identification of patients who may be contraindicated for the shingles vaccine.
For further info including new resources, please refer to our MVEC: Zoster page.
Influenza vaccine recommendations for 2017
Flu season is now upon us! Please follow the link for the current influenza vaccine recommendations.
Influenza 2017 recommendations
Meningococcal disease
Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. There are 13 known sub-types (A, B, C, W and Y). In 2016, the main serotypes causing disease in Australia are B and W with variations noted by state. Importantly, they are both potentially vaccine preventable.
We have recently added a resource page for Meningococcal disease and vaccines to provide further information.
MTHFR gene explained
A number of families, consumers and healthcare professionals have been asking MVEC staff about the MTHFR gene (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) and possible adverse events following immunisation [AEFI]. Please refer to our MVEC page for further information.
New Zoster (Shingles) Immunisation Program
From November 2016, Zostavax will be funded under the National Immunisation Program for persons aged 70 years, with catch-up for those aged 71–79 years also funded until October 2021.
For further information, including our new resources please refer to our MVEC page
The Clinical Vaccinology Update 2016
The next CVU will be held on Monday 5th December 2016 from 8.30am to 3:00pm at The SPOT in Carlton (part of University of Melbourne). Tickets are now for sale via our events page. We look forward to seeing you there!
Victorian immunisation schedule app
Vicvax is our new Victorian immunisation schedule app for smart phones. Please refer to the MVEC homepage for details