Updates to the Handbook
A list of updates made to the Handbook is provided below by the date they were published. The Handbook will be reviewed 3 times per year following ATAGI meetings in February, May and August. Urgent updates to the content will be made as required.
Recently added
This page was added on 06 June 2018.
Updates made
This page was updated on [date-counter-updated-date]. View history of updates
30 June 2023
The following pages were updated:
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Updates throughout the chapter to reflect the introduction of the hexavalent Vaxelis vaccines on the National Immunisation Program.
Additional detail also provided in the Epidemiology section of the chapter.
Hepatitis B
Updates throughout the chapter to reflect introduction of hexavalent Vaxelis vaccine on the National Immunisation Program.
Additionally, updates made to the Epidemiology section of the chapter.
Meningococcal disease
Updates to recommendations and information on National Immunisation Program funded vaccines to reflect GRADE assessment of meningococcal vaccines.
Updated List. Specified medical conditions associated with increased risk of invasive meningococcal disease.
Updates to Variations from product information section for Bexsero.
Pertussis (whooping cough)
Updates throughout the chapter to reflect the introduction of the hexavalent Vaxelis vaccine to the National Immunisation Program.
Additionally, updates made to the Epidemiology section of the chapter.
Poliomyelitis
Updates throughout the chapter to reflect the introduction of hexavalent Vaxelis vaccine on the National Immunisation Program.
Updates made to the Epidemiology section.
Preparing for vaccination
Updates to Table. Components of vaccines used in Australia to reflect introduction of Vaxelis vaccine and amend ingredients for existing vaccines.
Tetanus
Updates throughout the chapter to reflect the introduction of the hexavalent Vaxelis vaccine on the National Immunisation Program.
Additionally, updates also made to the Epidemiology section.
Vaccination for preterm infants
Updates to clinical guidance for Hib vaccine to reflect the introduction of hexavalent Vaxelis vaccine.
28 June 2023
The following pages were updated:
Administration of vaccines
Updates to clinical guidance throughout the chapter to improve clarity and provide further guidance regarding injection sites, positioning for vaccination, vaccine injection techniques, distraction techniques, use of vaccines in multidose vials, giving multiple vaccine injections at the same visit.
After vaccination
Updates throughout the chapter to improve clarity of information and provide up-to-date guidance.
Rubella
Updates to guidance in NHIG as prophylaxis in Public Health Management section to reflect most up-to-date information.
Vaccination for migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia
Updates to clinical guidance to align with current recommendations and funding for meningococcal catch up vaccination.
11 May 2023
The following pages were updated:
Influenza (flu)
Updates to clinical guidance have been made throughout the chapter in line with the 2023 ATAGI annual statement for seasonal influenza vaccines.
Updated information is provided on influenza vaccination and influenza activity in the context of COVID-19 vaccination and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pneumococcal disease
Updates to clinical guidance throughout the chapter to include interim recommendations for extended valency vaccines (Vaxneuvance [15vPCV] and Prevenar 20 [20vPCV]) in adults for whom they have recently been registered by the TGA but are not currently funded under the National Immunisation Program.
Preparing for vaccination
Updates to the Table. Components of vaccines used in Australia to include cell-based influenza vaccine (Flucelvax Quad) and 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevenar 20).
Vaccination for people who are immunocompromised
Updates to clinical guidance in multiple sections to reflect the addition of a 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
Vaccination for women who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding
Updates to reflect addition of 20vPCV in Table. Vaccines that are not routinely recommended in pregnancy: inactivated bacterial vaccines.
30 January 2023
The following pages were updated:
Catch-up vaccination
Updates to guidance regarding HPV vaccination for catch-up of people ≥10 years of age (for vaccines recommended on a population level).
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Updates to clinical guidance throughout the HPV disease page to incorporate the change from a 2-dose to 1-dose HPV vaccination schedule for young adults, including to recommendations and vaccine, dosage and administration.
Additionally updates to the following sections:
- contraindications and precautions
- adverse events
- nature of the disease
- clinical features
- epidemiology
- vaccine information
- variations from product information