Patterns of COVID-19 dynamics following deployment of a broad national immunization program
A data analysis in Israel has investigated the number of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations following a vaccination campaign that commenced in December 2020. At the time of analysis, 80% of people aged over 60-years had been vaccinated. The data demonstrated a 49% drop in COVID-19 cases, a 36% drop in COVID-19 related hospitalisations and a 29% drop in critically ill patients compared to three weeks prior in this age group.
Read more below:
COVID vaccine offers two-thirds protection in just one jab
Positive news out of the United Kingdom with findings set to be published in the coming days demonstrating one dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine starts providing protection in as little as two weeks in younger adults, and three weeks in the elderly population. The data further demonstrates the vaccine is just as effective in people aged over 80-years as it is in people aged under 65-years.
One dose has shown to reduce symptomatic infection risk by 65% in younger adults and by 64% in people aged over 80 years, with protection rising to between 79% and 84% after two doses.
Scientists also note data regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine is showing similar levels of protection across all age groups.
The research is suggestive that people in Britain who have been vaccinated to date will have high levels of protection by the end of February, with admissions to intensive care expected to fall by up to a third by early March.
The Sun: Covid vaccine offers two-thirds protection in just ONE jab and will lead to lockdown escape
New immunisation reference page: Multi-dose vials
Our new reference page Multi-dose vials details the safe preparation and storage of vaccines from multi-dose vials that require reconstitution and from those that do not, as well as infection control and storage and handling principles to consider.
To access this resource please visit our टीकाकरण संदर्भ or follow the link below:
Building a stronger Australian Immunisation Register
A change in legislation, making it a requirement for all vaccination providers to report every vaccine to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), has passed through Parliament.
This will allow for a more comprehensive reporting of immunisation data to help enhance vaccination coverage rates and monitor the effectiveness of Australia's immunisation program.
Every COVID-19 vaccine administered within Australia must reported to AIR. From March 1, 2021 every Influenza vaccine must be included and all other NIP vaccines must be reported from July 1, 2021.
To understand more about the new legislation please refer to the press release below:
Building a stronger Australian Immunisation Register
Imperial College London survey suggests confidence in coronavirus vaccines is rising globally
A recent survey from the Imperial College London’s Institute of Global Health Innovation has shown that willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine is increasing.
The survey was initially run in November 2020 across 15 countries and demonstrated that just 41% of people would be willing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time. This number has risen to 54% in results from the same survey, run again in January 2021. Results demonstrated vast differences in attitudes towards vaccination based on location, with 78% of people surveyed in the UK willing to be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine. People in France demonstrated the least willingness, with 44% of people stating they would not be vaccinated.
The survey further demonstrated that worry over vaccine side effects has decreased in 9 of the 15 countries who participated. The report is part of a global effort to monitor health related behaviours and attitudes during the pandemic to inform decision-makers based on a country’s needs.
Read more about the results of the survey via the link below:
Imperial College London: Confidence in coronavirus vaccines is rising globally, survey suggests
ASCIA release COVID-19 vaccination position statement
The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) have released a position statement on COVID-19 vaccination. The statement reflects the COVID-19 vaccines the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has granted provisional approval for use in Australia, as well as vaccines that may also be granted provisional approval in the future. It contains guidance based on current data for COVID-19 vaccination in people with allergic conditions, immunodeficiencies and autoimmune conditions, pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 16 years of age.
You can access the full statement via the link below:
ASCIA: Allergy, Immunodeficiency, Autoimmunity and COVID-19 Vaccination Position Statement
BBC- Covid: New Oxford vaccine 'ready by the autumn' to tackle mutations
With the emergence of various mutations of SARS-CoV-2 there is still reassuring evidence that existing vaccines are providing good protection, although at a slightly less rate than with the initial variants. Additionally, interim results released by the Oxford/AstraZeneca team showed that vaccination with the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine could cut transmission of the virus by up to 67%.
In the following article published in the BBC, Professor Andy Pollard from Oxford University suggests that updating vaccines to make them more effective against mutations is a quick process. With manufacturing processes already established, newer vaccines could be available relatively quickly.
अधिक पढ़ने के लिए नीचे दिए गए लिंक का अनुसरण करें:
BBC- Covid: New Oxford vaccine 'ready by the autumn' to tackle mutations
New immunisation reference page: Drive-through immunisation clinics
Drive-through immunisation clinics are an alternative venue for supporting vaccine delivery and can assist members of the community to continue to receive recommended immunisations whilst maintaining physical distancing.
Our new reference page highlights the equipment, staffing and logistics to consider when setting up a drive-through clinic.
To access this resource please visit our टीकाकरण संदर्भ or follow the link below:
MVEC: Drive-through immunisation clinics
Latest monitoring data confirms safety of COVID-19 vaccines
Data from the UK's independent medicines regulator (MHRA) has confirmed that the safety profile of the approved COVID-19 vaccines (Oxford Astra/Zeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech) remains as high as reported in the clinical trial data that supported those approvals.
With over 10 million doses already delivered, there have been 22,820 reports of suspected side effects with the majority being short-lasting, mild and expected side effects including sore arms and 'flu-like' symptoms.
To read the press release in full follow the link below:
Latest monitoring data confirms safety of COVID-19 vaccines
CVU Miniseries event February 8, 2021- registration closing soon
COVID-19 vaccines: A Victorian landscape is the first event in our CVU Miniseries for 2021.
Please join us online on Monday the 8th of February at 7pm to hear about COVID-19 vaccine safety and Victorian COVID-19 vaccine rollout information.
To view the full program and to register, please visit our Event page.
Registrations for this FREE event will close on Monday the 8th of February at 2pm.
A recording of COVID-19 vaccines: A Victorian landscape will be accessible on our शिक्षा पोर्टल following the event.