Immunisation Coalition: 2023 Shingles webinar
The Immunisation Coalition will be hosting the 2023 Shingles Webinar on 15 November.
The webinar will provide an update on shingles epidemiology, changes to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule and current trends in vaccination rates. The webinar features A/Prof John Litt with Dr Andrew Minton as moderator.
When: 6:00 pm–7:00 pm EDT on 15 November 2023
Find out more and register on the Immunisation Coalition website.
Immunisation Coalition: 2023 Shingles webinar
NCIRS: Multiple vaccinations for children resource
The टीकाकरण अनुसंधान और निगरानी के लिए राष्ट्रीय केंद्र (एनसीआईआरएस) has recently developed a new resource to support conversations about administering multiple vaccinations at the same time in children.
NCIRS: Multiple vaccinations for children resource
Updated immunisation reference page: Varicella
We have recently updated our varicella reference page.
Varicella (chickenpox) is a highly contagious disease caused by infection with the varicella–zoster virus (VZV).
The updated reference page includes more details on varicella symptoms and transmission, a new section on epidemiology and more comprehensive advice on vaccination (including information on side effects, precautions and contraindications).
Updated immunisation reference page: MTHFR gene
We have recently updated our reference page on MTHFR gene polymorphisms.
The MTHFR gene is involved in the production of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme, which helps the body to break down folate.
People who have MTHFR gene polymorphisms (harmless changes to the gene which are very common) can safely receive vaccines.
The updated reference page reflects up-to-date research showing MTHFR gene polymorphisms do not cause any significant health problems.
Decommission of COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program
The COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program was decommissioned on 30 September 2023. From January 2021 to September 2023, successful completion of this program was mandatory for all providers delivering COVID-19 vaccines.
In Victoria, Secretary Approval from 1 October allows nurse immunisers and pharmacist immunisers to independently deliver COVID-19 vaccines, in addition to medical practitioners. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner immunisers can administer COVID-19 vaccines under the written instruction of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or authorised midwife.
Read more on the Victorian Department of Health COVID-19 vaccine page.
BMJ: Considerations for vaccinating children against COVID-19
In July, BMJ published a literature review led by researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) including MVEC Director Prof Nigel Crawford. The paper describes COVID-19 in children, with a focus on low-income and middle-income countries, and summarises the published literature on safety, efficacy and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents.
The review emphasises that at-risk groups should be prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination. According to the review, COVID-19 vaccines are effective against severe COVID-19 in children and adolescents, although there is limited additional benefit in healthy children given widespread infection-derived immunity.
For more information, access the publication and accompanying MCRI news story below.
BJM Paediatrics Open: Considerations for vaccinating children against COVID-19
MCRI: COVID-19 vaccines are effective against severe cases in children
Aotearoa New Zealand Immunisation Conference 2023 and pre-conference Workshop
The Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) will hold a one-day workshop followed by a two-day conference from 15 to 17 November 2023.
The conference (16–17 November) will feature a range of vaccine-related topics, including:
- immunisation programs and policy
- maternal vaccination
- vaccination in the Pacific Island and NZ Pacific communities
- communications, countering misinformation and vaccine safety
- learnings, connections and supporting undeserved groups
- new vaccines and vaccine technologies.
The pre-conference workshops (15 November) is aimed at people providing and supporting immunisation services. National and international vaccine program content will be relevant to vaccination practice in New Zealand.
Visit Aotearoa New Zealand Immunisation Conference 2023 and pre-conference Workshop for more information and to register.
2023 SA Vaccinology Conference
The 10वां annual SA Vaccinology Conference will be held on 3 November 2023.
The theme of this year’s conference is ‘The Future of Vaccines’. Led by Prof Helen Marshall, 2022 SA Australian of the Year and professor in vaccinology at the University of Adelaide, the conference brings healthcare professionals together to hear the latest research and policy updates related to immunisation in Australia.
Friday 3 November, 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
Hickinbotham Hall, National Wine Centre of Australia
Visit 2023 SA Vaccinology Conference for more information and to register.
Updated monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines approved by FDA
On 11 September, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved COVID-19 vaccines updated to include a monovalent component that targets currently circulating variants.
Bivalent Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorised for use in the US.
In Australia, bivalent COVID-19 vaccines (those which target the original/ancestral strain of the virus as well as an Omicron subvariant) continue to be recommended for primary vaccination and boosters in people aged 12 years and older.
Read more in the FDA’s press release: FDA: Updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
Current ATAGI advice on bivalent COVID-19 vaccines:
ATAGI: Recommendations on use of the Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 vaccine (February 2023)
ATAGI: Recommendations on use of the Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccine (February 2023)
ATAGI: Advice on the preferential use of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for primary vaccination of people aged 12 years or older (May 2023)
The Lancet: Surge of invasive group A strep in Australia
The Lancet recently published a study, analysing data from the Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance (PAEDS) Networks, which shows Australia experienced an intense and unseasonal surge of invasive group A streptococcal disease in 2022.
The national research project involved researchers from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, including MVEC Director Prof Nigel Crawford.
Read the study in full: Increase in invasive group A streptococcal disease among Australian children coinciding with northern hemisphere surges