Updated immunisation reference page: Pneumococcal
MVEC has recently updated in pneumococcal reference page in line with the 1 September changes to the pneumococcal childhood and adolescence vaccination schedule.
The pneumococcal reference page includes the latest immunisation guidelines, as well and information on pneumococcal disease, transmission and epidemiology. Find helpful links to reputable resources at the end of MVEC pneumococcal immunisation reference.
एमवीईसी: न्यूमोकोकल
MVEC: NIP Pneumococcal changes – Prevenar 20
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Updated immunisation reference page: Travel and immunisation
International travel carries an increased likelihood of exposure to infections, illness or injury that a person may otherwise not be exposed to. When travelling overseas it is important to obtain vaccine recommendations from a healthcare professional trained in travel medicine to ensure optimal protection when in another country.
MVEC has recently updated its travel immunisation reference page. The updated page includes recommendations for routine vaccines, travel-specific vaccines and non-vaccine precautions. The reference also covers how and when to access preventative care before travel, and considerations for high-risk groups.
Vaccine administration error alert: Incorrect RSV prevention product
Inadvertent administration of adult RSV vaccines to infants
There have been a number of recent notifications of inadvertent administration of the adult RSV vaccine Abrysvo to infants in Victoria.
RSV vaccines, such as Abrsyvo and Arexvy, are not licensed for use in children. The safety and efficacy of these products in children has not been established. The only RSV prevention products recommended for eligible infants/young children are monoclonal antibody products, such as nirsevimab (Beyfortus). Current recommendations are for infants who have inadvertently received an RSV vaccine in error to be monitored for adverse events, and to receive a dose of nirsevimab.
Inadvertent administration of Arexvy in pregnancy
There have also been multiple notifications of inadvertent administration of Arexvy in pregnancy in Victoria.
Arexvy is not licensed for use in pregnancy, and there is limited data regarding its safety and efficacy in pregnancy. The only RSV vaccine recommended for use in pregnancy is Abrysvo, which is recommended between 28-36 weeks gestation. Current recommendations for women who have inadvertently received Arexvy in pregnancy do not recommend a follow up dose of Abrysvo within the same pregnancy. Nirsevimab may be considered for the infant.
Vaccine administration errors are preventable
Practices and immunisers should take appropriate steps to prevent errors, particularly in the context of a relatively new immunisation program. In the event of an error, the vaccinee or guardian should be informed via an open disclosure discussion. The error should also be reported to the jurisdiction’s vaccine safety service (SAEFVIC in Victoria).
All doses of RSV vaccines and nirsevimab should be reported to the ऑस्ट्रेलियाई टीकाकरण रजिस्टर (एआईआर).
Further info
- Victorian Department of Health: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation
- एमवीईसी: रेस्पिरेटरी सिंकाइटियल वायरस (आरएसवी)
- MVEC: Vaccine errors: prevention, management and open disclosure (eLearning course)
- Moro PL, Scheffey A, Gallego R, et al. Incorrect Administration of Adult RSV Vaccines to Young Children. Pediatrics. 2024 May 9;153(6):e2024066174. doi: 10.1542/peds.2024-066174
- Moro PL, Gallego R, Scheffey A, et al. Administration of the GSK Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine to Pregnant Persons in Error. Obstet Gynecol. 2024 May 1;143(5):704-706
Updated immunisation reference page: Translated 2025 influenza page
Translated versions of MVEC’s newly updated 2025 influenza reference page are now available. Access the reference in Vietnamese, Hindi and Simplified Chinese.
MVEC’s influenza reference page details recommendations for flu vaccination in 2025, including:
- influenza strains included in this year’s vaccines
- brands available by age and funding
- commonly asked questions.
Switch between languages using the dropdown box at the beginning of the page.
एमवीईसी: इन्फ्लुएंजा
Updated immunisation reference page: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
MVEC has recently updated its RSV reference page with a new FAQ addressing whether there is an increased risk of preterm birth associated with RSV vaccines in pregnancy.
Current data has not demonstrated a statistically significant risk of preterm birth associated with Abrysvo. A trial of a different RSV vaccine was halted due to a difference in the number of preterm births in the vaccine group compared with the placebo group.
Find MVEC’s detailed answer in the ‘Commonly asked questions’ section of the एमवीईसी: रेस्पिरेटरी सिंकाइटियल वायरस (आरएसवी) reference page, under the question ‘Is there an increased risk of preterm birth associated with RSV vaccine in pregnancy’.
ATAGI: Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2025
On 3 March, the national Department of Health and Aged Care released the 2025 में सीजन-संबंधी इन्फ्लुएंजा वैक्सीन के प्रशासन पर एटीएजीआई (ATAGI) का बयान.
Influenza vaccines are recommended annually and are funded on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for:
- children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
- all adults aged 65 years and older
- specific populations aged 5 to 64 years who are at greatest risk of developing complications from influenza infection (including प्रेग्नेंट औरत, प्रथम राष्ट्र के लोग, and those with certain medical risk factors).
For more details, refer to ATAGI’s full statement, and MVEC’s influenza reference page which has been updated for the 2025 influenza season.
अद्यतित टीकाकरण संदर्भ पृष्ठ: इन्फ्लुएंजा
MVEC’s influenza reference page has now been updated to include the latest recommendations and advice for the 2025 season. This includes a summary of vaccine brand for use in each age group as well as commonly asked questions.
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. Influenza infection can cause a spectrum of symptoms, from mild cough and cold features to systemic illnesses with multiple complications. Pregnant women, children under 5 years, those aged over 65 years, people with underlying medical conditions, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples carry the highest rates of morbidity and mortality within Australia.
एमवीईसी: इन्फ्लुएंजा
(NB: translated versions of the updated influenza reference page will be available soon)
New MVEC RSV resources
MVEC has updated its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) reference page to reflect the new National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccine program.
From 3 February 2025, eligible pregnant women will be able to access the maternal RSV vaccine Abrysvo for free. The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care is also supporting national access to the monoclonal antibody Nirsevimab (brand name, Beyfortus) for newborns and young children at high risk of serious illness from RSV and where Abrysvo was not administered during pregnancy.
Read more about RSV and find links to helpful resources at MVEC: RSV.
Register for our CVU mini webinar on Wednesday 5 February for health professionals.
अद्यतित टीकाकरण संदर्भ पृष्ठ: मेनिंगोकोकल
MVEC has updated its meningococcal reference page following the discontinuation of the Trumenba vaccine.
Along with information on meningococcal disease, epidemiology and prevention, the updated page includes new advice for those who have already started a primary course of Trumenba.
Updated immunisation reference: Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
MVEC has recently updated its reference page on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
The updated page includes information about new fields added in 2024, and general guidance on how to use AIR, and what it should be used for.
MVEC: Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)