Immunisation Weekly Update:

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Welcome to our weekly Immunisation Update! In this week’s update read about:

Two minor updates have been applied to the pneumococcal and pertussis (whooping cough) disease chapters of the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

Pneumococcal chapter:

  • addition of information to reflect availability of Prevenar 20 (20vPCV) for infants and children aged 6 weeks–18 years
  • minor editorial changes to list of risk conditions, to improve clarity
  • the addition of information on groups for which vaccination is funded under the National Immunisation Program.

The pertussis chapter updates include changes to reflect the advice that pertussis-containing vaccines can be co-administered to pregnant women with the RSV vaccine Abrysvo.

Flu vaccinations help keep children safe and are free for children 6 months to under 5 years. A reminder to immunisation providers that it is never too late to get an influenza vaccination, since influenza can circulate in the community all year round. Influenza vaccination should be recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Children under nine years getting their influenza vaccination for the first time need two doses of vaccine, given one month apart. Influenza vaccination is recommended for pregnant women at any stage during pregnancy.

There’s a video resource available to remind parents or guardians of the dangers of influenza in young children.

Children can become seriously ill from influenza and in some cases it can be fatal. This was the case for 2-year-old Lucy who developed serious complications from influenza. The Department of Health and Aged Care has a video about Lucy’s story you can play in your practice or health setting.

Australian health authorities are monitoring the evolving epidemiology of mpox after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global emergency. The Department of Health and Aged Care has updated its mpox webpage to reflect this.

ATAGI interim statement published July 2024 advises:

  • those who received their first dose of mpox vaccine more than 28 days ago to have their second dose as soon as possible, to maximise protection. 
  • booster doses of mpox vaccine are not recommended for people who are already fully vaccinated with a 2-dose course, including those with severe immunocompromise.  

Mpox vaccine eligibility criteria

The JYNNEOS vaccine is free in NSW for eligible groups of people. Two doses are required. A Medicare card is not needed. See eligibility criteria to be vaccinated against mpox in NSW. People travelling are currently not eligible to receive the mpox vaccine.

Mpox vaccination clinics

The JYNNEOS vaccine is only available at participating clinics in NSW. Mpox vaccine is not available to general practices or pharmacies. List of mpox vaccination clinics in CESPHN:

  • RPA Sexual Health Clinic, Camperdown
  • Kirkton Road Centre, Darlinghurst
  • Short Street Sexual Health Clinic, Kogarah
  • The Albion Centre – Surry Hills
  • Sydney Sexual Health Clinic, Sydney CBD

Further information

  • The Handbook Mpox chapter outlines the latest recommendations for primary and post-exposure mpox vaccination.
  • CESPHN Mpox health alert contains relevant links for local support 

Contact the Sexual Health Infolink  on 1800 451 624 for further information and support.

 Recording now available for NCIRS webinar on rabies and travel vaccines from Thursday 8 Aug 2024.  This webinar covered topics including:

  • recent changes to rabies vaccination recommendation in Australia
  • rabies outbreaks and prevention in our region
  • global trends in vaccine-preventable vector-borne diseases and what they mean for travellers
  • practical tips for successful travel vaccination consults.

Video recordings of that event are now available on the Immunisation | Education webpage.