Immunisation Weekly Update:

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

• Updated NSW Immunisation Schedule – Feb 2025
• Maternal RSV vaccine available on NIP this week!
• NSW Health resources
• Department of Health resources
• Reminder: Register for tomorrow’s RSV webinar
• Shield your patients from Shingles
• SESLHD free childhood immunisation clinics for 2025
• Education
  

Updated NSW Immunisation Schedule – Feb 2025

The NSW Immunisation Schedule was updated February 2025 to include the maternal RSV vaccine Abrysvo®. Providers are encouraged to access the digital copy of the schedule which contain links to relevant Australian Immunisation Handbook information. Email immunisation@cesphn.com.au to order a printed copy to display in your clinic.

Maternal RSV vaccine available on NIP this week

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine Abrysvo® is now available for eligible pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

The maternal RSV vaccine is recommended between 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy and is for free for Medicare eligible patients. Getting Abrysvo® during pregnancy protects newborn babies from severe RSV from birth through the transfer of maternal antibodies to the foetus. RSV vaccine in pregnancy reduces the risk of severe RSV disease in infants less than 6 months of age by about 70%. 

Ordering: Abrysvo​® vaccine can be ordered through the NSW State Vaccine Centre​.

Eligibility: Abrysvo​® is only funded on the NIP for pregnant women. While Abrysvo® is registered for people aged 60 years and over, it is NOT funded on the NIP for this age group.

Recommendation: A single dose of Abrysvo® should be offered to all pregnant women between 28 to 36 weeks gestation.

Timing:  Abrysvo should be offered at the 28-week antenatal appointment to ensure a high level of antibodies are transferred to the baby before birth and maximise protection for babies who are born prematurely. Abrysvo® can be given beyond 36 weeks gestation however infants may not be adequately protected if they are born within 2 weeks of the mother receiving the vaccine. 

Co-administration: Abrysvo® can be co-administered with other antenatal vaccines including pertussis and influenza vaccines.

Reconstitution: Abrysvo® must be reconstituted using the vial adapter provided – refer to Abrysvo® instructions for use poster. Email austsupport@pfizer.com to order poster for your clinic.

Administration: Abrysvo®  is for intramuscular injection only, preferably in the deltoid region of the upper arm.

Documentation: Abrysvo® must be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), selecting the antenatal indicator to indicate a patient is pregnant at the time of vaccination. Vaccination should also be recorded on a patient’s ‘Yellow’ Antenatal Card (or other antenatal cards used in private settings). This card is used in hospital settings to determine a newborn infant’s eligibility for Nirsevimab at birth based on the mother’s vaccination record.

Caution: Abrysvo® is the only RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnant women. Arexvy® vaccine should NOT be given to pregnant women.

Education: NCIRS is hosting a webinar tomorrow Thursday 6 February to provide an update on RSV and expand on the new funded RSV programs.

Clinical information: The Australian Immunisation Handbook has been updated and gives detailed information about the maternal Abyrsvo® vaccine.

Order RSV materials: Email austsupport@pfizer.com to order the following RSV materials developed to support the maternal RSV vaccination program: Abrysvo – Brochure for pregnant women, RSV awareness – Poster, RSV awareness – First Nations Poster, RSV – Consumer leaflet.

NSW Health resources

• NSW Health – Letter to health professionals – RSV program
• NSW RSV Prevention Program: Information for health professionals
• NSW RSV Prevention Program: FAQs for health professionals
• NSW RSV Prevention Program: Information for parents and carers
• Eligibility for Abrysvo® and nirsevimab (Beyfortus™) – Factsheet for immunisation providers
• Maternal RSV vaccination (Abrysvo®) – Factsheet for pregnant women
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – Factsheet about RSV prevention, symptoms and treatment
  

Department of Health resources

• NIP factsheet – RSV program: Advice for health professionals
• NIP factsheet – RSV vaccine: Consumer fact sheet
• NIP factsheet – RSV: Frequently Asked Questions
  

Reminder: Register for tomorrow’s RSV webinar

REGISTER NOW for tomorrow’s NCIRS webinar: RSV immunisation update – new funded programs for infant protection.

This NCIRS webinar will explore RSV disease and prevention and expand on the new funded RSV programs. The expert panel will present on the new NIP-funded RSV vaccination program for pregnant women to protect their infants and complementary state funded RSV monoclonal antibody programs for infants.

Shield your patients from Shingles

The Department of Health and Aged Care has resources to support discussions about shingles vaccinations with eligible patients.

Shingrix® prevents shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. A 2-dose course of the shingles vaccine Shingrix® is free under the National Immunisation Program for:

·       immunocompromised people aged 18 and over with eligible medical conditions

·       Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over

·       people aged 65 and over.

The Shield yourself from shingles resources are on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

SESLHD free childhood immunisation clinics for 2025

SESLHD have extended the free childhood vaccination clinics into 2025 to support those who are Medicare ineligible or find it difficult to access a local GP. Bookings are recommended and can be made by calling 1300 244 288. Walk ins welcome.

For locations and dates please see the February SESLHD childhood immunisation clinic flyer.

Please also see the 2025 calendar for all clinics and Aboriginal immunisation clinic dates for Feb-May 2025.

Education