Updated immunisation reference page: Typhoid
We have recently reviewed our typhoid reference page.
Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are collectively known as enteric fever. Caused by bacterial infections with Salmonella enterica subspecies, typhoid and paratyphoid fever often present with prolonged fever and fatigue, headaches, enlargement of the spleen, abdominal symptoms, bacterial blood infection.
Newly reviewed immunisation reference – MVEC: Typhoid
更新免疫参考页：带状疱疹（带状疱疹）
We have recently updated our zoster (also known as shingles) reference page.
Zoster is the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) in people who have previously had varicella (chickenpox) infection. Zoster presents with a painful blistering rash. The most common complication of zoster is post-herpetic neuralgia.
In response to queries that have arisen since the new national Shingrix program commenced, the updated page provides more information about:
- vaccine side effects
- special risk group eligibility for people with blood cancers
- pre-vaccination screening for Shingrix.
Updated immunisation reference page: Tetanus
We have recently updated our tetanus reference page.
Tetanus is caused when exotoxins from the bacteria Clostridium Tetani enter the bloodstream and act on the central nervous system. Symptoms include muscle rigidity and painful spasms.
The new reference page includes new details on tetanus epidemiology, and detailed guidance on tetanus vaccination and the appropriate tetanus-prevention management of tetanus-prone wounds.
GAVI: HPV vaccine roll-out in Nigeria
In late October, Nigeria began its public roll-out of the HPV vaccine.
After initial scepticism over the vaccine, community leaders campaigned to ensure the vaccine reaches all girls in the eligible age bracket.
Gavi reports, in great detail, on how the campaigners tackled misinformation and educated community member. Read more 这里.
ABC: Why a national shortage of cat vaccines may cause holiday havoc with pet owners
Due to an increase in pet adoption during the pandemic and manufacturing facilities shifting towards COVID-19 vaccine production, Australia is currently affected by a global shortage of cat vaccines.
The shortage may mean cat owners have trouble booking their pets into catteries, if they’re not up to date with their vaccines.
Read the ABC article in full
ATAGI: Recommendations on the use of the Moderna and Pfizer monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines
On 20 November, ATAGI released new recommendations for the use of monovalent XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines for primary vaccination and boosters, in those aged 5 and older.
The monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccines target currently circulating Omicron subvariants. This differs to the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines which offer protection against both earlier Omicron subvariants and the original strain of COVID-19.
All currently available COVID-19 vaccines provide strong protection against severe disease. Monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccines show a modest increase in protection and are therefore considered the preferred option.
People who have not received their recommended 2023 dose(s) are encouraged to be vaccinated as soon as possible. Those who have already received their 2023 dose(s) do not need revaccination with a monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccine.
The monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines available for use in Australia are:
- Pfizer (5 to < 12 years – light blue cap)
- Pfizer (≥ 12 years – dark grey cap)
- Moderna (≥ 12 years)
Eligible children under 5 years can continue to receive an age-appropriate original strain vaccines (Pfzier – maroon cap).
WHO on a return to trivalent influenza vaccines
Since there has been no detection of the naturally occurring B/Yamagata-lineage influenza virus since 2020, the opinion of the World Health Organization (WHO) influenza vaccine composition advisory committee is that the inclusion of B/Yamagata-lineage antigens in influenza vaccines is no longer warranted.
WHO recommends trivalent or quadrivalent influenza vaccines.
WHO Q&A on recommendations for 2024 south hemisphere composition of influenza vaccines
Get involved in MVEC’s next project
MVEC is currently producing a new podcast series that covers the basics of vaccination in Australia. Do you have questions you’d like answered on the podcast?
WSPID Call to action: Ensuring fair prices for all vaccines for all countries with limited resources
这 World Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (WSPID) is calling on governments and international organisations around the world to address vaccine price as a matter of urgency.
WSPID’s call to action aims to address the systemic issue of unaffordable vaccine prices, through a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach.
Visit the WSPID website to learn more, read the call to action in full and to sign on.
NCIRS: Recording of Shingrix webinar now available
这 国家免疫研究和监测中心 (NCIRS) has recently uploaded recordings of presentations from its recent Shingrix webinar, held on 7 November 2023.
Leading experts presented on:
- the disease burden of shingles in Australia
- details about Shingrix
- the new Australian Shingrix vaccination program
- the US experience of implementing a national Shingrix program.
NCIRS Shingrix webinar recordings
Read more about Shingrix on the MVEC：带状疱疹 页。