Statement on school closures in Victoria; a Department of Health announcement
The Department of Health has released a statement made by Dr Brett Sutton, the Victorian Chief Medical Officer, on the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and school closures in Victoria
You can read the announcement here DHHS Vic: Education sector and COVID-19
MJA podcast now available: COVID-19 in Australia with Professor Allen Cheng
The MJA have released a podcast with Professor Allen Cheng, Director of the Infection Prevention and Healthcare Epidemiology Unit at Alfred Health. He and MJA news and online editor Cate Swannell discuss how COVID-19 may behave in Australia and how we can protect ourselves and our patients.
Listen to the podcast here:
MJA Podcasts 2020 Episode 8: COVID-19 in Australia, with Prof Allen Cheng
Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2020 - Postponed
Due to the current uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 situation which WHO has now declared a pandemic, the 11th CVU is postponed.
Please see our Events page for more details.
Influenza vaccine 2020 FAQ's
MVEC’s Frequently Asked Questions for the 2020 Influenza season are now available online
To view our reference page please click on the following link:
MVEC: Influenza vaccines: Frequently asked questions
MVEC Influenza recommendations 2020
For information on influenza immunisation for the 2020 season, including age specific brands, dosing guidelines and advice for at risk groups, please refer to:
MVEC: Influenza vaccine recommendations 2020
When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?
With the presence of coronavirus in Australia, people are wondering whether they need to get the flu vaccine early this year.
According to ABC News the flu vaccine won't combat COVID-19, however, it does reduce the severity and spread of seasonal influenza, as contacting influenza can lower a person's immunity and make them more susceptible to other illnesses.
Timing is important with the flu vaccine. it is important to be protected when the flu season starts and also several months later, when flu activity peaks. To ensure the highest level of protection during peak flu season, the Department of Health recommends people get vaccinated from mid April.
Read the full article here:
ABC News: When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?
Worried about your child getting coronavirus? Here’s what you need to know
Early advice on 2020 National Immunisation Program seasonal influenza vaccination
Australia's Chief Medical Officer has released a statement providing early advice for vaccination providers on the 2020 seasonal influenza vaccines available through the National Immunisation Program.
Chief Medical Officer letter - Early advice for the 2020 influenza season and ATAGI statement
News article for Health Care Providers - 2020 seasonal influenza vaccines
'Get the facts about immunisation' - Launch of the 2020 childhood immunisation education campaign
The Governments ‘Get the Facts about Immunisation’ campaign supports parents of children aged 0-5 years and expectant parents in their decision making about childhood vaccinations.
The 2020 phase of the campaign builds upon the success of previous phases with a focus on the importance of vaccinating on time, the protection provided by vaccination, as well as continuing to address concerns around vaccine safety.
The campaign continues to address vaccination uptake in at-risk populations through supplementary targeted media and public relations materials developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and culturally and linguistically diverse audiences.
The 8 week campaign commenced 16 February 2020 and will feature across national television for the first time for greater reach, supported by supported by search, social, online and out-of-home channels.
To find out more and access the campaign materials including posters, brochures and videos, visit the Childhood Immunisation Education Campaign website, ‘Get the facts about immunisation’.
New immunisation reference page: Gelatin allergy and vaccines
Gelatin in vaccines can cause allergic reactions therefore people with severe allergies to gelatin should avoid gelatin-containing vaccines. See our new Gelatin allergy and vaccines reference page for more information.
MVEC: Gelatin allergy & vaccines