ABC: Children with COVID-19 are at risk of a rare complication. Will Omicron make MIS-C more common?
Paediatricians flag a surge in paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome following COVID-19 infection, with more than 6,000 cases reported in the US and 35 in Australia. PIMS-TS is most common in children around the age of 9, weeks after they’ve experienced a mild or asymptomatic case of COVID-19. Currently, doctors have not been able to identify an exact causal effect, but some scientists believe a child’s body can have a delayed reaction to the virus.
“We are getting much better now at recognising the syndrome and treating it” explains Associate Professor Nigel Crawford.
While this complication is very rare, scientists are currently uncertain whether the highly infectious Omicron variant will perpetuate a spike in PIMS-TS occurrences.
Follow the link below to read the full article:
Children with COVID-19 are at risk of a rare complication. Will Omicron make MIS-C more common?
ATAGI Statement on the use of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid)
Following two phase lll clinical trials conducted in the USA/Mexico and in the UK, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has granted provisional approval of the Novavvax COVID-19 vaccine in Australia.
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, also known as Nuvaxovid (Biocelect Pty Ltd/Novavax Inc) is a spike protein-based vaccine with each 0.5mL dose containing 5 micrograms of the of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and 50 micrograms of Matrix-M as an adjuvant.
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated to be highly effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 disease in adults in a primary schedule. ATAGI continues to monitor the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity data of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine including in high-risk priority groups and will provide updated recommendations as required.
To read the full ATAGI statement, follow the link below:
ATAGI Statement on the use of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid)
ABC: Should I mix or match my booster? Your COVID-19 vaccine questions answered
ATAGI recommends that everyone aged 18 years and over to receive a booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of which vaccine they received for their primary course.
With over 5 million people now triple jabbed, Australia’s COVID-19 booster rollout is well underway.
This article explores some of the clinical data and considerations regarding the COVID-19 boosters.
To read the full article, follow the link below.
Should I mix or match my booster? Your COVID-19 vaccine questions answered
WHO: 2021 has been tumultuous but we know how to end the pandemic and promote health for all in 2022
In 2021, the global health system faced significant challenges perpetuated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Proving that when health is at risk, everything is at risk. However, there have still been medical breakthroughs and progress including new COVID-19 treatments, the introduction of the world’s first malaria vaccine and the near eradication of polio disease.
The year 2022 brings a hopeful glimpse to end the COVID-19 pandemic, through countries working together, pushing for greater vaccine equity to reach a 70% global vaccination rate.
In this article, the WHO reflects on the challenges and triumphs of the global health system throughout 2021 and outlines some positive opportunities for the coming new year.
To read the full article, follow the link below.
2021 has been tumultuous but we know how to end the pandemic and promote health for all in 2022
Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommendations on the use of Spikevax (Moderna) as a COVID-19 booster vaccine
Following recent approval from the TGA, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) have recommended the use of Spikevax (Moderna) as a COVID-19 booster vaccine for people aged 18 years and older (including pregnant women), who have completed their primary course of COVID-19 vaccine 5 or more months ago. The booster dose is half the recommended dose of the Spikevax vaccine used for the primary course.
ATAGI notes that Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are equally acceptable for use as booster vaccines in Australia in the eligible population.
To read ATAGI's full statement on the use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine as a booster follow the link below:
The Conversation: How can scientists update coronavirus vaccines for omicron? A microbiologist answers 5 questions about how Moderna and Pfizer could rapidly adjust mRNA vaccines
The new Omicron variant has raised the question of whether current COVID-19 vaccines will provide sufficient protection against infection. If the virus has changed significantly, antibodies created by the original vaccine will no longer be able to recognise and defend against the new mutated variant. Consequentially, vaccines will need to be modified by swapping out the genetic code of the original spike protein for the one found on the new variant.
This article explores the scientific process behind updating mRNA vaccines including timelines and authorization procedures.
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Australian Academy of Science: COVID-19 vaccines and their long-term safety
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to protect ourselves and our communities. Current data and evidence confidently support the long term safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
This article discusses the various safety processes currently in place for COVID-19 vaccines to ensure that they continue to be effective in preventing severe disease.
To read the article in full, click on the link below:
COVID-19 vaccines and their long-term safety
The Conversation: Nose sprays, needle-free patches, durable immunity: towards the next generation of COVID vaccination
The COVID-19 pandemic has perpetuated rapid medical advancements and technological innovations. Over the last 20 months, we’ve experienced an influx of new vaccines which have proven to be safe and effective in preventing disease.
Scientists and researchers around the world are already working on the next generation of COVID vaccines to help tackle issues regarding waning immunity, storage and delivery, and vaccine hesitancy. Focusing their efforts on making vaccination easier, delivering more durable immunity and protecting against future variants
This article looks at the different considerations for research and technology around the world that will in turn lead to the next generation of COVID vaccines.
Follow the link to read the full article: Nose sprays, needle-free patches, durable immunity: towards the next generation of COVID vaccination
Raising Children Network - new COVID-19 vaccination resource for teenagers
MVEC has partnered with the Raising Children Network to develop a new resource focused on providing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for immunising teenagers, 12 years and over.
This article addresses key factors for immunising teens, including doses, safety, efficacy, side effects and how to cope with needle phobia.
To view this article follow the link below:
COVID-19 vaccination and teenagers
More information on COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens can be found via our immunisation reference page below:
MVEC: COVID-19 vaccination in children
MVEC Vodcast series - COVID-19 vaccines
As 2020 draws to a close there is optimism that a safe and effective vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) will soon be approved to control the pandemic. With over 200 vaccine candidates currently in various stages of clinical trials across the globe, Australia has signed advance purchase agreements with 4 different vaccines.
In our 3-part vodcast series, COVID-19 vaccines, Dr Daryl Cheng and Dr Daniela Say discuss how it is possible to develop a vaccine in such a compressed timeline, the various vaccine platforms being utilised in clinical trials and their individual advantages and disadvantages, as well as the different priority groups to be offered immunisation. Daryl and Daniela touch on the preliminary results from clinical trials and what they show us in terms of vaccine safety and effectiveness, as well as discuss the ongoing safety monitoring that will occur even once a vaccine has been approved for use.
You can view the vodcasts via the link below: