Updates to the Handbook

Funding information update

Recommendation updates and additions including

• Recommendation updates for all Recommendations
• Recommendation added for people ages ≥18 years who are immunocompromised
• Recommendation added for People who have previously received Zostavax can receive Shingrix
• Recommendation added for People who have previously received Shingrix need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis to receive Zostavax

Chapter updates have occurred throughout the document in detail, including detailed changes to accommodate the Shingrix vaccine. Sections of particular note are:

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding,
• People who are immunocompromised
• Precautions
• Adverse events
• Transporting, storing and handling zoster vaccines
• Variations from product information
• References

Recommendations for skin testing before BCG vaccination have changed. A tuberculin skin test before BCG vaccination is now only recommended in limited circumstances, based on a risk assessment.

Updates to all sections of the Tuberculosis chapter have been made including Recommendations, Vaccines, dosage and administration, Contraindications and precautions, Adverse events, Nature of the disease, Clinical features, Epidemiology, Vaccine information, Transporting, storing and handling vaccines, Public health management and Variations from product information.

Information added to contraindications and precautions regarding vaccination of people with possible IFNAR1 deficiency.

Information added to contraindications and precautions regarding vaccination of people with possible IFNAR1 deficiency.

Information added to contraindications and precautions regarding vaccination of people with possible IFNAR1 deficiency.

Information added to contraindications and precautions regarding vaccination of people with possible IFNAR1 deficiency.

Information added to contraindications and precautions regarding vaccination of people with possible IFNAR1 deficiency.

Information added to contraindications and precautions regarding vaccination of people with possible IFNAR1 deficiency.

There is updated clinical guidance on the use of both zoster vaccines, Zostavax and Shingrix, that is relevant for people aged ≥18 years. Please refer to the ATAGI clinical statement on the clinical use of Zoster vaccine in Australia.

• Updated advice on co-administration of Fluad Quad and Shingrix vaccine has been provided
• Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent is registered for use in Australia and is indicated in adults ≥60 years of age.
• The indicated ages for Flucelvax Quad and Influvac Tetra have been extended. Flucelvax Quad can now be used in children ≥2 years of age. Influvac Tetra can now be used in children ≥6 months of age.

Updated influenza vaccine brand in table on components of vaccines used in Australia

Updates to the 'Doses of intramuscular 1:1000 adrenaline for anaphylaxis' table to reflect changes to ASCIA's clinical guidelines on acute management of anaphylaxis (June 2021)

Updates to Table. Catch-up schedule for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination for children <5 years of age

Changes to the 'People with latex allergy' section under 'Precautions', to reflect updated product information regarding Adacel.

• Added 'People with latex allergy' section under 'Precautions', to reflect updated product information regarding Adacel.

Improved clarity regarding MenB vaccine recommendations for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 2 months to 19 years are strongly recommended to receive MenB vaccine.

• Added 'People with latex allergy' section under 'Precautions', to reflect updated product information regarding Adacel.

• Improved clarity regarding recommendations to vaccinate infants with underlying conditions that predispose them to severe rotavirus gastroenteritis, despite existing precautions. See 'Infants with underlying conditions that predispose them to severe rotavirus gastroenteritis' under 'Precautions'
• Added relevant information and guidance on interrupted vaccination

• Added 'People with latex allergy' section under 'Precautions', to reflect updated product information regarding Adacel.

Editorial updates to reflect the changes to the NIP, where children >12 months are recommended to receive Men ACWY vaccine (Nimenrix) as opposed to just the Men C vaccine.