MVEC Influenza recommendations 2020
For information on influenza immunisation for the 2020 season, including age specific brands, dosing guidelines and advice for at risk groups, please refer to:
MVEC: Influenza vaccine recommendations 2020
When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?
With the presence of coronavirus in Australia, people are wondering whether they need to get the flu vaccine early this year.
According to ABC News the flu vaccine won't combat COVID-19, however, it does reduce the severity and spread of seasonal influenza, as contacting influenza can lower a person's immunity and make them more susceptible to other illnesses.
Timing is important with the flu vaccine. it is important to be protected when the flu season starts and also several months later, when flu activity peaks. To ensure the highest level of protection during peak flu season, the Department of Health recommends people get vaccinated from mid April.
Read the full article here:
ABC News: When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?
Worried about your child getting coronavirus? Here’s what you need to know
Early advice on 2020 National Immunisation Program seasonal influenza vaccination
Australia's Chief Medical Officer has released a statement providing early advice for vaccination providers on the 2020 seasonal influenza vaccines available through the National Immunisation Program.
Chief Medical Officer letter - Early advice for the 2020 influenza season and ATAGI statement
News article for Health Care Providers - 2020 seasonal influenza vaccines
'Get the facts about immunisation' - Launch of the 2020 childhood immunisation education campaign
The Governments ‘Get the Facts about Immunisation’ campaign supports parents of children aged 0-5 years and expectant parents in their decision making about childhood vaccinations.
The 2020 phase of the campaign builds upon the success of previous phases with a focus on the importance of vaccinating on time, the protection provided by vaccination, as well as continuing to address concerns around vaccine safety.
The campaign continues to address vaccination uptake in at-risk populations through supplementary targeted media and public relations materials developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and culturally and linguistically diverse audiences.
The 8 week campaign commenced 16 February 2020 and will feature across national television for the first time for greater reach, supported by supported by search, social, online and out-of-home channels.
To find out more and access the campaign materials including posters, brochures and videos, visit the Childhood Immunisation Education Campaign website, ‘Get the facts about immunisation’.
New immunisation reference page: Gelatin allergy and vaccines
Gelatin in vaccines can cause allergic reactions therefore people with severe allergies to gelatin should avoid gelatin-containing vaccines. See our new Gelatin allergy and vaccines reference page for more information.
MVEC: Gelatin allergy & vaccines
Maternal vaccination during pregnancy reference page update
We have recently updated our Vaccines in pregnancy immunisation reference page. Influenza and pertussis vaccines are recommended in pregnancy. All live vaccines are contraindicated in pregnancy. Read our updated page for further information!
एमवीईसी (MVEC): गर्भावस्था के दौरान मातृत्व टीकाकरण
New immunisation reference page: Recommended additional vaccines for purchase up to 20 years of age (unfunded)
There are additional vaccines recommended by vaccine experts that are available for private purchase. They are not free as they are not listed on the National Immunisation Program or funded by the government. See our new immunisation reference page for more information about which additional vaccines are recommended for people aged up to 20 years old here:
एमवीईसी: 20 वर्ष की आयु तक खरीद के लिए अनुशंसित अतिरिक्त टीके (अनफंडेड)
Coronavirus: What are viruses? And how do they spread?
Dr Rosalind Eggo of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine explains in this video from the BBC how viruses like the recently-detected coronavirus can spread globally.
BBC: What are viruses? And how do they spread?
No herd immunity: MenB vaccine 'fails' in school trial
A major study conducted in South Australia with almost 35000 participants has failed to show any discernible difference on herd immunity or throat carriage of Neisseria meningitidis.
The study was led by vaccinologist Professor Helen Marshall, who was pleased the vaccine afforded a high level of protection among participants, with no cases of meningococcal disease occuring during the study, compared with 12 cases in the same age group in the two years prior.
Alongside these findings, results of a UK study were published, estimating adjusted vaccine effectiveness to be 59% with a two-dose infant priming schedule plus a booster at 12 months of age since their publicly funded infant immunisation schedule began using the 4CMenB vaccine in 2015.
Read the full article here:
AusDoc.Plus: No herd immunity: MenB vaccine 'fails' in school trial
For further information about meningococcal vaccines, please refer to our Meningococcal disease and vaccines page