New immunisation reference page: Cold chain
The cold chain is the system of transporting and storing vaccines within the temperature range of +2°C to +8°C from the place of manufacture to the point of administration. The optimal storage temperature for vaccines is +5°C.
The Vaccine Storage Guidelines 'Strive for 5' provides information and advice for vaccine storage management for Australian immunisation service providers.
For further information, please refer to the Cold Chain reference page.
Program released for the November Clinical Vaccinology Update
The program for our November 2019 Clinical Vaccinology Update has been released. Please see the link below for more details.
Vaccine Safety Net (VSN) Pinterest announcement: Pinterest & Vaccine Safety Net join forces
VSN is a network of websites providing reliable information on vaccine safety. Last year, the social media platform Pinterest stopped showing results for vaccine searches to tackle the spread of harmful misinformation.
In an announcement last week, Pinterest introduced a new search experience involving 200 vaccine-related search terms with the results curated exclusively by internationally recognized health organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Vaccine Safety Net (VSN)!
Read more about it here: Pinterest & Vaccine Safety Net Join Forces
Good news: A national influenza vaccine program for under 5s!
The Pharmaceuticals Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended the listing of quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV, Vaxigrip TetraTM) on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for the prevention of seasonal influenza in children aged 6 months to <5 years as well as for individuals who are currently eligible for seasonal influenza vaccination through the NIP in 2020.
CVU last chance early bird tickets - secure your seat today!
This is just a reminder that early bird ticket sales for the next Clinical Vaccinology Update, end on 31st August 2019. From the 1st of September, tickets to the event will be available for $125 per person.
Follow the link below to secure your seat at a discounted price now!
New immunisation reference page: Tetanus prone wounds management
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. Tetanus causes severe muscle spasms and can be fatal. The bacteria live in soil, dust and animal faeces. Tetanus can be prevented by vaccination.
For further information and immunisation recommendations please refer to MVEC’s new immunisation reference page: Tetanus prone wounds management
ATAGI statement on use of Dengvaxia® for Australians
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has
developed advice for immunisation providers regarding the administration of
Dengvaxia® for Australians. It includes information about the dengue virus, as
well as use, efficacy and safety of the dengue vaccine in Australians.
Dengvaxia® is potentially harmful and should not be used in
people who have never had a dengue infection.
https://www.health.gov.au/news/clinical-advice-atagi-statement-on-use-of-dengvaxiar-for-australians
Victoria's chief health officer is warning pregnant women to protect their unborn babies with the flu vaccination
Hundreds of Victorian babies have been diagnosed with the flu, prompting health authorities to warn pregnant mothers to check their vaccinations are up to date.
Early bird tickets now available for the November CVU!
The next Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) will be held on Monday 25th November 2019. Hosted by our Monash Health team, this event will be held in the Exhibition Space H116, at Monash University Caulfield, just off Princes Avenue.
Tickets are now available and for those of you who book prior to 31st August, you will receive the early bird price of $100 per ticket!
The program for this event is yet to be announced, however information will be displayed on Events page as soon as it is made available.
Zoster vaccine resources
Administration of Zostavax® (zoster vaccine) in individuals who are immunocompromised is contraindicated due to the risk of causing disseminated disease. Prior to immunisation, and in conjunction with the pre-immunisation checklist, the Zostavax® GP Decision Aid should be completed to ensure patient safety. For further information on Zostavax®, please refer to the updated links below:
MVEC: Zostavax® GP Decision Aid
MVEC: Zoster vaccine (Zostavax®) FAQs