Updates to the Handbook

Addition of text and evidence of immunogenicity in haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients vaccinated with yellow fever vaccine.

Amendment of text to clarify yellow fever vaccines were contraindicated mainly for “people who are severely immunocompromised” to align with the updated guidance in Vaccination for people who are immunocompromised chapter.

Addition of text and guidance to clarify precautions of yellow fever vaccination for “people who are mildly or moderately immunocompromised” to align with the updated guidance in Vaccination for people who are immunocompromised chapter.

Updates to reflect the removal of Zostavax.

Updates to reflect inclusion of monoclonal antibodies as a form of passive immunisation. 

Updates to reflect the removal of Zostavax. 

Updates to reflect the removal of Zostavax.

Updates to reflect the new National RSV Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP).

Removal of Trumenba vacccine throughout the chapter due to discontinuation. Clinical guidance added for scenarios where Trumenba primary series was not completed or a booster is required. Clinical guidance added for adolescents who have previously received MenACWY or MenB vaccine. Variation from product information added for interval and number of doses for Bexsero in infants aged 2-5 months.

Removal of Trumenba from Table. Components of immunisation products used in Australia (under vaccine components aluminium compounds and polysorbate or sorbitol). Removal of mpox vaccine from the list of live vaccines. 

Removal of Trumenba information from Table. Recommendations for revaccination after haematopoietic stem cell transplant in children and adults. Change the mpox vaccine from the list of live vaccines to the list of inactivated vaccines.  

Updates throughout the chapter to remove outdated formulations (Comirnaty Original [Pfizer] 6 months to ≤5 years formulation, Comirnaty bivalent Original/Omicron BA.4/5 [Pfizer] ≥12 years formulation and Spikevax Omicron XBB.1.5 [Moderna] pre-filled syringe formulation) and added information about updated strain vaccine formulation that is Comirnaty JN.1. 

Minor factual updates in relation to individual product (Comirnaty JN.1 formulation) shelf life and registration for use as a primary and further dose vaccine have been made to align with updated production information. Minor updates made to reflect epidemiology of current SARS-CoV-2 circulating variants and effectiveness of Comirnaty JN.1 formulation.
 

Update to reflect recent changes in eligibility for zoster vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), including a new Table. Risk conditions and immunosuppressive therapies for zoster vaccination and eligibility for NIP funding.

Updates made to reflect discontinuation of Q fever register.

Update to remove reference to the now discontinued combination HepA/Typhoid vaccine, Vivaxim.

Updates to guidance providing relevant information on ATAGI statement around the use of intradermal route of administration for Imojev, in special circumstances.

Updates to clinical guidance to remove age restriction in mpox vaccination recommendations to bring recommendations in line with the ATAGI interim statement on the use of vaccine for prevention of mpox in 2024.

Updates:

• throughout the chapter to provide relevant information on coadministration of HRIG with rabies vaccines
• to remove Merieux Vaccine which has been discontinued
• to remove latex warning for Verorab to reflect that the Australian formulation does not contain latex
• to include RABIVAX-S as a WHO-prequalified rabies vaccine available globally.

Update to remove reference to the now discontinued Merieux inactivated rabies vaccine.

Updates to reflect the removal of Merieux (HDCV) as it is no longer available. Also reflecting the addition of RSV vaccines Arexvy and Abrysvo and addition of long-acting RSV monoclonal antibody Beyfortus (nirsevimab).

Updates throughout the chapter to reflect availability of the mpox vaccine, JYNNEOS, and administration information. Updates to include information on subcutaneous JYNNEOS use as the preferred route of administration, and further detail on potential use of JYNNEOS intradermally as a dose-sparing strategy in the context of supply shortage. 

Updates to reflect permissive co-administration of pertussis with RSV vaccine Abrysvo in pregnant women. 

Updates throughout the chapter to reflect the availability of Prevenar 20 (20vPCV) in infants and children from 6 weeks of age. Editorial changes to the list of risk conditions for pneumococcal for clarity. A new resource on recommendations for pneumococcal vaccination for people who have previously received a pneumococcal vaccine is now available. Funding statements have also been added to recommendations.