CDIC 2024: Call for abstracts
The Communicable Diseases & Immunisation Conference (CDIC) 2024 will be held from 11 to 13 June 2024 in Brisbane. The CDIC is now accepting abstract submissions for presentations, until Friday 23 February 2024.
Head to the Call for abstracts page on the CDIC website for more information about the conference topics and abstract requirements.
The theme of the conference is “Protecting communities: Empowering health through disease control and immunisation”.
The importance of cold chain procedures over the holiday period
Breaches in the cold chain can result in reduced vaccine potency. Immunisation clinics closing for the holiday period are encouraged to perform a vaccine self-storage audit and review their vaccine management protocols. These steps can prevent the occurrence of a cold chain breach and limit the need for wasting vaccines.
After the break, it is important to review the data logger reports to identify whether any cold chain breaches have occurred. This ensures that any affected vaccines are not inadvertently administered, which could lead to an inadequate immune response and result in poor protection against disease.
For more information, visit the MVEC: Cold chain reference page which includes a helpful animation that explains the cold chain journey.
Updated immunisation reference page: COVID‑19
We have updated our COVID-19 reference page with up-to-date guidance on currently available COVID-19 vaccines, across age groups.
The newly updated page includes recommendations on the use of the new monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccines and answers to commonly asked questions relating to the new vaccines as well as other COVID-19 vaccine-related queries.
Updated immunisation reference page: Q fever
We have recently updated our Q fever reference page.
Q fever is caused by infection with the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. People at highest risk of exposure are those in close contact with animals and animal products. Despite being a vaccine-preventable disease, there are around 500 cases of Q fever reported across Australia every year.
The updated page provides greater detail on what Q fever is, its symptoms, complications, epidemiology and prevention.
Updated immunisation reference page: Typhoid
We have recently reviewed our typhoid reference page.
Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are collectively known as enteric fever. Caused by bacterial infections with Salmonella enterica subspecies, typhoid and paratyphoid fever often present with prolonged fever and fatigue, headaches, enlargement of the spleen, abdominal symptoms, bacterial blood infection.
Newly reviewed immunisation reference – MVEC: Typhoid
Updated immunisation reference page: Zoster (herpes zoster)
We have recently updated our zoster (also known as shingles) reference page.
Zoster is the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) in people who have previously had varicella (chickenpox) infection. Zoster presents with a painful blistering rash. The most common complication of zoster is post-herpetic neuralgia.
In response to queries that have arisen since the new national Shingrix program commenced, the updated page provides more information about:
- vaccine side effects
- special risk group eligibility for people with blood cancers
- pre-vaccination screening for Shingrix.
Updated immunisation reference page: Tetanus
We have recently updated our tetanus reference page.
Tetanus is caused when exotoxins from the bacteria Clostridium Tetani enter the bloodstream and act on the central nervous system. Symptoms include muscle rigidity and painful spasms.
The new reference page includes new details on tetanus epidemiology, and detailed guidance on tetanus vaccination and the appropriate tetanus-prevention management of tetanus-prone wounds.
GAVI: HPV vaccine roll-out in Nigeria
In late October, Nigeria began its public roll-out of the HPV vaccine.
After initial scepticism over the vaccine, community leaders campaigned to ensure the vaccine reaches all girls in the eligible age bracket.
Gavi reports, in great detail, on how the campaigners tackled misinformation and educated community member. Read more here.
ABC: Why a national shortage of cat vaccines may cause holiday havoc with pet owners
Due to an increase in pet adoption during the pandemic and manufacturing facilities shifting towards COVID-19 vaccine production, Australia is currently affected by a global shortage of cat vaccines.
The shortage may mean cat owners have trouble booking their pets into catteries, if they’re not up to date with their vaccines.
Read the ABC article in full
ATAGI: Recommendations on the use of the Moderna and Pfizer monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines
On 20 November, ATAGI released new recommendations for the use of monovalent XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines for primary vaccination and boosters, in those aged 5 and older.
The monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccines target currently circulating Omicron subvariants. This differs to the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines which offer protection against both earlier Omicron subvariants and the original strain of COVID-19.
All currently available COVID-19 vaccines provide strong protection against severe disease. Monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccines show a modest increase in protection and are therefore considered the preferred option.
People who have not received their recommended 2023 dose(s) are encouraged to be vaccinated as soon as possible. Those who have already received their 2023 dose(s) do not need revaccination with a monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccine.
The monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines available for use in Australia are:
- Pfizer (5 to < 12 years – light blue cap)
- Pfizer (≥ 12 years – dark grey cap)
- Moderna (≥ 12 years)
Eligible children under 5 years can continue to receive an age-appropriate original strain vaccines (Pfzier – maroon cap).