2020 influenza vaccines- it's not too late to get vaccinated
Influenza disease can occur at any time of year and vaccination is recommended for everyone over 6-months of age. Certain patient groups are eligible for funded influenza vaccines on the National Immunisation Program (NIP). It is also available to purchase for those who do not meet funding criteria.
For further information on influenza vaccination in 2020 please refer to the following resources:
Australian Government Department of Health: 2020 influenza vaccines- it's not too late to get vaccinated
एमवीईसी: इन्फ्लुएंजा वैक्सीन सिफारिशें
MVEC: Influenza vaccine- Frequently asked questions
Africa declared free of wild polio
After 4 years without a case of wild polio, the African region has been declared free of wild poliovirus. MVEC congratulates the efforts of everyone involved in accomplishing such a tremendous achievement which has been described by WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as "one of the greatest public health achievements of our time". This milestone means that Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only 2 countries worldwide who continue to see wild poliovirus transmission.
To read more on this remarkable effort please follow the links:
Africa kicks out wild polio
WHO: Global polio eradication initiative applauds WHO African region for wild polio-free certification
Zostavax safety advice: not to be administered to people with compromised immune function
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have issued a reminder that Zostavax® vaccine should not be administered to people with compromised immune function. Vaccination in this patient group is contraindicated and can result in infection with the vaccine virus causing mild to severe complications (including death).
Further details on the alert can be seen here: TGA: Zostavax® vaccine
For more information on Zostavax® and access to the Zostavax® GP decision aid please review the MVEC pages below:
एमवीईसी: ज़ोस्टर
MVEC: Zoster vaccine (Zostavax®) FAQ's
The use of foetal tissue in vaccine development
There has been attention in the media recently regarding the use of foetal cell lines by the Oxford Vaccine Group to develop their COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Cell lines are currently used to manufacture many vaccines including varicella, hepatitis A, rabies and MMR vaccines.
The below information from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHoP) discusses the background behind using these cell lines in vaccine development as well as any potential ethical or religious concerns surrounding this.
Vaccine ingredients- Fetal tissues
The RCH Immunisation Service: Drive-through clinic is now open
To support families in continuing to receive scheduled vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic, the RCH Immunisation Service has just opened its own immunisation drive-through clinic. Additional precautions have been implemented to ensure the safety of all patients, families and staff. Access to medical care remains an essential service during this time and staying up to date with scheduled immunisations is encouraged.
The drive-through clinic will operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am - 1pm until September 15.
Bookings for the drive-through clinic are mandatory and can be made by contacting the immunisation team via this link.
HealthEd podcast featuring Associate Professor Nigel Crawford
MVEC's Associate Professor Nigel Crawford was recently a guest speaker on the HealthEd podcast series Going Viral. In this podcast, Nigel discusses the COVID-19 vaccine, its access equity, safety and manufacture; as well as antibody responses following COVID-19 disease and how this may impact our vaccine strategy.
To listen to this podcast please follow the link
NDTV speak to Professor Kanta Subbarao, Director of WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza
Questions and answers about COVID-19 vaccines
The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHoP) has recently launched a new resource page answering common questions related to the development and safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Readers are also encouraged to submit their own questions directly to the VEC team for response.
To access this initiative please follow the link यहाँ
Coronavirus vaccine progress report: the projects bidding to win the race for a COVID-19 vaccine
With over 140 vaccine candidates in various stages of development globally, the ABC has taken a look at the role that Australian researchers are playing in the effort to produce a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19.
ABC: Coronavirus vaccine progress:the projects bidding to win the race for a COVID-19 vaccine
To further explore the COVID-19 vaccine development process and hear from a variety of national and international experts, please subscribe to our podcast series:
COVID-19 Road to a vaccine
The International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) statement about confidence in vaccine safety and effectiveness
In a global effort to promote confidence in the safety of vaccines, the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) have released new documentation explaining the scientific evaluation process undertaken by vaccine candidates prior to licensing, as well as discussing the ongoing safety surveillance that continues after they have been approved for use. These documents are targeted for both health care professionals as well as consumers.
Read more here:
ICMRA statement about confidence in vaccine safety and effectiveness (for healthcare professionals)
ICMRA statement about confidence in vaccines (for the general public)