Immunisation Weekly Update:

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

• Vaccine reconstitution errors
• Whooping Cough Day
• Preparing patients for overseas travel: Vaccination advice and resources
• Education

Vaccine reconstitution errors

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is reminding health professionals to carefully follow product-specific vaccine preparation instructions, following reports of administration errors involving Infanrix Hexa and Act-HIB.

• Infanrix Hexa is supplied as a pre-filled syringe liquid solution and a vial containing a freeze-dried pellet. Reconstitute by adding the entire contents of the pre-filled syringe to the vial containing the pellet and shake well until the pellet is completely dissolved.
• Act-HIB is supplied as a vial containing antigen powder and a pre-filled diluent syringe. The antigen powder must be reconstituted with the diluent before injection.

The PI documents for both Infanrix Hexa and Act-HIB have recently been updated to make the need for reconstitution of the Hib component clearer.

Reporting errors

If a reconstitution or administration error occurs, report this to the TGA: Reporting adverse events for health care professionals.

Whooping Cough Day

On Sunday, 8 November, the Immunisation Foundation of Australia will mark Whooping Cough Day with its Stay Up-to-Date. Vaccinate! campaign, encouraging Australians to have conversations about the importance of vaccination.

While Australia’s record-breaking whooping cough epidemic has eased, the disease remains a significant public health concern. More than 8,000 cases have been reported this year, with further increases expected during the warmer months. Simultaneously, declining vaccination coverage continues to leave many individuals and communities vulnerable. As trusted healthcare professionals, GPs and practice nurses play a critical role in helping patients make informed decisions about vaccination and protecting vulnerable members of the community from whooping cough.

Practical Ways to Support the Campaign

• Review patients’ vaccination status and recommend whooping cough vaccination where appropriate, particularly for pregnant women, parents and carers
• Use every patient interaction as an opportunity to discuss the risks of whooping cough and the benefits of vaccination
• Display campaign materials in your practice to raise awareness among patients and families
• Share evidence-based information through your practice communication channels and social media platforms
• Follow IFA on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for updates and don’t forget to use the #WhoopingCoughDay hashtag

Preparing patients for overseas travel: Vaccination advice and resources

With the summer holiday season approaching, many patients will be planning international travel. Providers are encouraged to discuss travel vaccinations with patients to ensure traveler’s are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases before departure.

NSW Health funds the following vaccines for traveler’s:

• JEV vaccines for people aged 2 months or older who are travelling to Japanese encephalitis high risk areas only
• Measles vaccination for infants aged 6-11 months travelling overseas where measles is endemic or circulating, and people who haven’t received two doses of the measles vaccine who are born during or after 1966

Encourage patients to seek advice early, as some vaccines require multiple doses or time to become effective. Read the full list of vaccines recommended for travellers.

Education