ABC: A surge in influenza cases in Queensland prompts doctors to issue vaccine warning for children and vulnerable groups
Experts warn that children are increasingly more vulnerable to influenza disease this year. MVEC’s paediatric infectious disease specialist Dr Angela Berkhout explains that children, particularly those under two years of age have low levels of natural immunity to flu as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
While flu season has yet to peak, hospitals in Queensland have already experienced an influx in the number of flu patients requiring hospital admission, including intensive care. This article explores key considerations for vaccinating children, seniors over the age of 65 years and other vulnerable groups.
To read the full article, follow the link below:
For the more information on influenza vaccines and the 2022 influenza season please see our resources below:
New immunisation reference page: Febrile seizures (Febrile convulsions)
Febrile seizures are typically triggered by a sudden rise in temperature and more commonly occur in very young children. Febrile seizures can be classified as simple or complex, with 1 in 30 children experiencing a febrile seizure at some point during their childhood.
Although vaccines can cause fevers, febrile seizures following vaccination are not common.
Our new reference page provides an overview of febrile seizures and outlines the recommendations following a vaccine proximate seizure.
To read more follow the link below:
MVEC: Febrile seizures (Febrile convulsions)
SMH: The flu shot: when is it safe to get it after having COVID?
With flu season underway in Australia and an increasing number of cases already confirmed, people are encouraged not to delay their yearly influenza vaccine, which is recommended for anyone 6 months of age and over.
The article features MVEC’s A/Prof Nigel Crawford, who addresses the key considerations such as ideal timing for the influenza vaccination, considerations for people with underlying medical conditions, advice for parents regarding children, and when to get the influenza vaccine post COVID-19 infection.
To read the article in full, please click on the link below:
SMH: The flu shot: when is it safe to get it after having COVID?
For the more information on influenza vaccines and the 2022 influenza season please see our resources below:
ABC News: Chickenpox defies COVID-19 restrictions, prompting vaccination warning
Throughout the pandemic, the highly transmissible varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox has continued to spread with more than 10,000 cases recorded in Queensland last year and similar levels observed in 2020.
While the pandemic has shown social and physical distancing to be very effective in limiting the spread of diseases, this article reveals that we can expect to see a number of infectious diseases increase as measures are relaxed.
Immunising against the varicella zoster virus is the best way to protect against infection. Data shows that the vaccine is 95 to 99 per cent effective at preventing severe chickenpox so there is a need to encourage individuals – especially pregnant women – to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations.
To read the article in full, please click on the link below.
ABC News: Chickenpox defies COVID-19 restrictions, prompting vaccination warning
The Conversation: Do COVID boosters cause more or fewer side effects? How quickly does protection wane? Your questions answered
With more than 2,400 people currently in hospital, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends Australians aged 16 years and older have a COVID-19 booster vaccine to ensure high levels of protection against severe disease and hospitalisation. A booster dose of the COVID vaccine, three months following the completion of the primary course can provide a similar level of protection against Omicron as two primary doses against Delta.
Additionally, data shows that the booster dose renders milder side effects compared to the first 2 doses with less than 1% of people reporting the need for a medical consultation.
This article explores the benefits of a booster vaccine compared to the primary 2 doses, the time frame recommendation for receiving a booster following COVID infection, and whether additional vaccine doses will be required in the future.
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MCRI: Dose-finding trial paves way for novel rotavirus vaccine to prevent a deadly diarrheal disease from birth
A reduced dose of a rotavirus vaccine developed from a unique neonatal rotavirus strain in Melbourne has produced a robust immune response in children at risk from the fatal rotavirus disease.
Researchers from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme and University of Liverpool have confirmed through a phase 2 clinical trial that three doses of the mid-level amount of vaccine produced an equivalent immune response as the highest dose schedule.
This triumph in research and development is exceptionally gratifying to see as the first rotavirus vaccine was developed by Professors Ruth Bishop and Grame Barned at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. To continue to provide support to the communities most impacted, MCRI has made RV3-BB readily available to manufacturers for the license to produce on a large scale for an accessible price.
To read the full statement, follow the link below:
Dose-finding trial paves way for novel rotavirus vaccine to prevent a deadly diarrheal disease from birth
ABC: Australians urged to get flu shot, with children more at risk from influenza than COVID-19
As Australia reopens its’ international borders to visa holders and fully vaccinated travellers on February 21, health authorities are preparing for the first significant influenza season in three years.
Experts warn that it's particularly important that pregnant women and children receive the influenza vaccine as they are at increased risk of experiencing severe symptoms and more likely to require medical intervention and/or hospitalisation.
University of Sydney infectious disease expert Dr Booy said “I would say the flu in young children is worse than COVID is in young children”.
To read the full article, follow the link below:
Australians urged to get flu shot, with children more at risk from influenza than COVID-19
CEPI opens Call to develop heat-stable vaccine tech for use against epidemic and pandemic threats
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has launched a $17.5 million initiative to improve the thermostability of current and future vaccines.
Currently, cold chain requirements are one of the leading causes of global vaccine wastage. Improving the thermostability of vaccines will work to improve global access, especially in low-income countries.
CEPI’s Acting Director of Vaccine Manufacturing and Supply Chain, Ingrid Kromann said: “We’re really looking to see a step change in the way that some of these vaccines can be stored and delivered.”
To read the full article, follow the link below:
CEPI opens Call to develop heat-stable vaccine tech for use against epidemic and pandemic threats
WHO: Commonwealth and WHO to strengthen cooperation on health, including access to vaccines
The Commonwealth Secretariat and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which works to strengthen their ongoing collaboration and commitment towards improving vaccine equity as well as a wide range of public health issues.
The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland QC said: “Equitable access to vaccines is the world’s most pressing political, economic, social and moral priority. Without effective and prompt action on vaccines, we face a never-ending global health crisis that will reduce all of our wealth and security”
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the need for a stronger more accessible global health system, especially in lower-income countries.
To read the full statement, follow the link below.
Commonwealth and WHO to strengthen cooperation on health, including access to vaccines
ATAGI recommendations for use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose in adolescents aged 16-17 years
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has made recommendations for use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose in adolescents aged 16-17 years.
Evidence demonstrates that waning of protection against the Omicron variant occurs after a two-dose primary vaccination schedule and a booster dose is required to increase protection against infection and severe disease.
This statement addresses the safety, efficacy and epidemiological considerations.
Follow the link below to read the recommendations in full:
ATAGI recommendations for use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose in adolescents aged 16-17 years.