Immunisation Coalition: Influenza / COVID-19 / RSV webinar series
The Immunisation Coalition is hosting a series of 3 webinars on common vaccine-preventable respiratory viruses over the next three months, to be held on:
- 17 April 2024
- 22 May 2024
- 19 June 2024
These will include parent discussions on how the influenza, COVID-19 and RSV season is progressing and strategies around increasing vaccination rates.
Find out more and register on the Immunisation Coalition event page.
New episodes: The Vaccine Coverage
Today, MVEC released the fourth episode of our new podcast.
The most recent two episodes feature Prof Jim Buttery and Prof Nigel Crawford on the process of rolling out a vaccine, and Dr Linny Kimly Phuong on vaccines and the immune system. The podcast is tailored for an audience of both healthcare professionals and members of the general public.
Search ‘The Vaccine Coverage’ on your preferred podcast player, or listen via our website.
Once you have listened to the episodes, we would be grateful to get some feedback via this khảo sát ngắn.
Western Australia announces funding for RSV protection
Western Australia has announced that they will roll out a statewide program for long-acting monoclonal antibody Nirsevimab from April 2024. Nirsevimab (available in Australia under the brand name Beyfortus) is indicated for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in neonates and infants.
Western Australian children eligible for Nirsevimab include:
- all infants from birth to under 8 months
- infants from 8 months to 19 months at increased risk of severe RSV.
Nirsevimab will be available at birthing hospitals, GP practices, community health clinics and at Aboriginal Medical Services across Western Australia.
There were approximately 128,000 confirmed RSV cases in Australia in 2023, including approximately 65,000 children aged 4 years and under.
For more information, see MVEC: RSV Và WA Media Statement on RSV
New immunisation reference page: Specialist immunisation services
MVEC has recently published a new reference page with information about specialist immunisation services available in Victoria.
Specialist immunisation services are hospital-based immunisation clinics led by a team of specialised medical and nursing staff with expertise in vaccines and immunisation.
MVEC’s new page provides information about accessing the Victorian services.
MVEC: Specialist immunisation services
Cập nhật trang tham khảo tiêm chủng: Cúm
Influenza virus can cause infections resulting in a spectrum of symptoms, from mild cough and cold features to systemic illnesses with multiple complications. Pregnant women, children under 5 years, those aged over 65 years, people with underlying medical conditions, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples carry the highest rates of morbidity and mortality within Australia. Annual vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.
MVEC has recently updated its influenza reference page to detail the recommendations for vaccination in 2024, including the influenza strains included in this year’s vaccines, the vaccine brands available by age and funding, and commonly asked questions.
MVEC: Cúm
(NB: translated versions of the updated influenza reference page will be available soon)
CVU mini: Save the date
Please save the date for MVEC’s next CVU mini to be held on Friday 21 June 2024.
The CVU mini will focus on RSV preventative therapies.
This half-day, face-to-face event offers healthcare professionals the opportunity to hear from leading experts on the latest in RSV prevention.
Learn more, including topics and speakers, on our event page and stay tuned for more details.
Read about RSV on the MVEC: Virus hợp bào hô hấp (RSV) Trang tham khảo.
ATAGI: Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2024
ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) has published their recommendations for the use seasonal influenza vaccines in Australia in 2024.
Influenza vaccines are recommended annually and are funded on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for:
- children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
- all adults aged 65 years and older
- specific populations aged 5 to 64 years who are at greatest risk of developing complications from influenza infection (including phụ nữ có thai, Người bản địa, and those with certain medical risk factors).
For more information refer to: ATAGI: Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2024
ATAGI: Statement on the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in 2024
MỘTTAGI haS released new advice relating to the administration of further COVID-19 .
The need and frequency of further doses beyond a primary course depends on the age of the recipient and their level of immunocompromise:
- All individuals aged 75 years and over- recommended to receive a dose every 6 months
- All individuals aged 65 to 74 years- recommended to receive a dose every 12 months, but can consider a dose every 6 months
- Individuals with severe immunocompromise aged 18 to 64 years- recommended to receive a dose every 12 months, but can consider a dose every 6 months
- Individuals without severe immunocompromise aged 18 to 64- can consider a dose every 12 months
- Individuals with severe immunocompromise aged 5 to 17 years- can consider a dose every 12 months
- Individuals without severe immunocompromise aged 5 to 17 years- not recommended to receive further doses
- Individuals less than 5 years- not recommended to receive further doses.
Omicron XBB1.5 vaccines are preferred for all primary and subsequent doses in all ages. There is currently no supply of the công ty Omicron XBB1.5 formulation for children aged 6 months- 4 years however it is anticipated to be available later in 2024. Until this time providers should continue using the age-appropriate Comirnaty original formulation for this group.
For more information refer to: ATAGI statement on the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in 2024
Updated immunisation reference page: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes both upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Children under 1 year of age, individuals with underlying medical conditions (e.g. chronic cardiac and lung disease), the older population and immunocompromised people are more likely to experience serious disease requiring hospitalisation.
MVEC has recently updated its RSV reference page to include information on the administration of Arexvy, the only RSV vaccine available in Australia. This vaccine is registered for use in all adults aged 60 years and over and is specifically recommended for certain populations.
MVEC: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Immunisation Coalition: 2024 HPV webinar
Các Immunisation Coalition will hold its annual update on human papillomavirus (HPV) on Wednesday 13 March.
The webinar will be held from 6:00 p.m.–7 p.m. (AEDT) and features Angela Newbound as presenter and Dr Andrew Minton as moderator.
Find out more and register on the Immunisation Coalition’s event page.