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
5 October 2023
The following pages were updated:
Fundamentals of immunisation
Updates to guidance provided in 'Types of vaccines' to include information regarding mRNA and viral vector vaccines (as used in the development of some COVID-19 vaccines).
1 September 2023
The following pages were updated:
Diphtheria
Minor update to guidance on co-administration of Vaxelis vaccine with other vaccines.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Updates to guidance on the co-administration of Vaxelis with other vaccines.
Hepatitis B
Minor update to guidance on co-administration of Vaxelis vaccine with other vaccines.
Pertussis (whooping cough)
Minor update to guidance on co-administration of Vaxelis vaccine with other vaccines.
Poliomyelitis
Updates to guidance on co-administration of Vaxelis vaccine with other vaccines.
Tetanus
Minor update to guidance on co-administration of Vaxelis vaccine with other vaccines.
30 June 2023
The following pages were updated:
Diphtheria
Updates throughout the chapter to reflect the addition of the hexavalent Vaxelis vaccine on the National Immunisation Program.
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.