Updates to the Handbook

Updated advice on co-administration of influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine has been provided.

Guidance on intradermal injection expanded.

Guidance on MenB vaccine minimum intervals updated.

Greater detail provided on dose and administration.

Minor changes based on ATAGI advice. See Vaccination after tetanus-containing vaccines.

• Updated guidance on route of administration.
• Removal of Menitorix as vaccine was discontinued in July 2020.

NCIRS request: Page - Update - Minor corrections.

Detailed guidance on vaccinating adults and children taking corticosteroids.

Removal of Menitorix as vaccine was discontinued in July 2020.

Minor changes to guidance for women planning pregnancy in Variations from product information.

Clarification of advice regarding the minimum interval between a dTpa-containing vaccine after a dT-containing vaccine. See vaccination after tetanus containing vaccines.

Guidance for doses of 23vPPV required after a haematopoietic stem cell transplant updated.

Minor editorial corrections.

Updated Table. Components of vaccines used in Australia.

Minor editorial corrections.

Recommendations have been updated to allow intradermal vaccination and accelerated schedules for rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Recommendations for people at ongoing exposure risk in selected high-risk occupations have been updated to specify a booster dose 1 year after completing the 1st course of pre-exposure prophylaxis, and every 3 years after that.

For post-exposure prophylaxis, recommendations have been updated to specify the number of vaccine doses and the need for human rabies immunoglobulin for people who are mildly immunocompromised and people who are severely immunocompromised.

Guidance on vaccination after the age cut-off expanded.

NCIRS editorial changes.

More detailed guidance provided on the use of Zostavax in people who are immunocompromised or on immunosuppressive therapy, including:

• more details on pre-vaccination screening, including serological testing for past varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection when relevant
• expanded list of immunosuppressive therapies that are considered safe for administration of Zostavax

Adverse events section updated to include:

• detailed information on VZV-like rash that could rarely occur following Zostavax administration
• relevant advice to vaccine recipients
• management and reporting of these episodes 

2021 Influenza seasonal updates.

Updates to influenza information in line with the ATAGI annual statement for seasonal influenza vaccines. Flucelvax Quad is now registered for use in Australia and is indicated in children and adults ≥9 years of age.