2016 TVU presentations now available
Thanks to everyone who attended our first Travel Vaccinology Update at The Larwill Studio in March 2016. The presentations are now available for viewing on our website. Please follow the link below to access them.
Our next update will be the Clinical Vaccinology Update to be held in December at the SPOT theatre, Carlton. We look forward to seeing you there.
Travel Vaccinology Update March 2016 presentations
Interesting SAEFVIC education articles
We have created a new immunisation reference page containing interesting case studies and other educational articles written by SAEFVIC and published in the Department of Health newsletter.
For more information please follow the link to our website SAEFVIC education articles
CVU Presentations now available
Thanks to everyone who attended the Clinical Vaccinology Update at Monash University in November 2015.
Many of the presentation from the day are now available for viewing on our website, please follow the link below to access them. The next CVU will be held at the SPOT theatre, Carlton in December 2016 and we will look forward to seeing you there.
Clinical Vaccinology Update November 2015 presentations
No Jab No Play
The Victorian state Government’s recently proposed ‘No Jab, No Play’ legislation will be effective from the 1st of January 2016.
The aim of these changes is to improve vaccination rates and reduce the spread of vaccine preventable diseases. It will require confirmation of vaccination status when enrolling for childcare. Similar legislation is already in place in NSW and Queensland.
More details on the legislation and documentation required are in the Resources section of the 'No Jab no Play' page on our MVEC website
BCG vaccine availability
Note: there is currently a worldwide shortage of BCG vaccine.
The current Australian supply ends December 31st 2015 and at this stage there is no replacement BCG vaccine available.
To make a BCG clinic appointment before 2016, please see the Resources on the BCG Vaccine immunisation reference page.
For more information on the BCG vaccine please follow the link to our website BCG Vaccine
Clinical Vaccinology Update June 2015
Registrations are now open for the first CVU for 2015. It will be held in the Copland Theatre of Melbourne University's School of Business & Economics in Carlton. For more information and to purchase tickets, please follow this link to the Events page
Influenza recommendations for 2015
Please head to our immunisations references for information on the 2015 influenza recommendations
Influenza vaccine recommendations 2015
The Art of Saving a Life
'The Art of Saving a Life' is a project commissioned by Bill & Miranda Gates to celebrate the stories behind some of the amazing breakthroughs in immunisations. Dr Ruth Bishop of the Royal Children's Hospital, was recently honoured by being photographed by Annie Leibovitz as part of the project. For more information, please visit the site The Art of Saving a Life
New immunisation references
We have recently updated our Immunisation References. Use the links below to see whats new.
New Measles Alert
Measles is a highly contagious disease that causes skin rash and fever. (In severe cases, it can lead to sometimes fatal complications such as pneumonia and brain inflammation.)
Melbourne is experiencing increased measles activity—several children have been admitted to the RCH, and cases have occurred in returned travellers.
Anyone who hasn’t been immunised is at high risk of infection—particularly children and healthcare workers.
To help stop the spread of measles, please share this information:
- Immunisation is the best protection against measles.
- Under the National Immunisation Program, a 1st measles vaccine dose is recommended at 12 months of age. A 2nd routine dose is recommended either at 18 months of age or 3.5 to 4 years of age (depending on date of birth).
- If parents request an early second dose for their child (for example, because they are aged between 13 months and 4 years), a second dose can be provided at least one month after the initial dose.
- The second dose will be MMR-Varicella (MMRV) or MMR (for children that have previously received a funded monovalent Varicella vaccine at 18 months of age).
- Whilst there is no active recalling of patients for measles vaccinations, 2nd measles doses administered early are government funded and will be accepted as valid doses by the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR).
- If you are unsure about your child’s vaccination history or your own immunity, check your immunisation records and/or contact your general practitioner.
- Additional measles vaccine doses for adults require a prescription.
For more information contact the RCH Immunisation Centre on (03) 9345 6599 or 1300 882 924.
Further resources can be found at:
Victorian Department of Health: Measles News release