Updates to the Handbook

Updates throughout the chapter to remove outdated formulations (Comirnaty Original [Pfizer] 6 months to ≤5 years formulation, Comirnaty bivalent Original/Omicron BA.4/5 [Pfizer] ≥12 years formulation and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.  

Updates to 'Table. Responses to conditions or circumstances identified through the pre-vaccination screening checklist' and 'Table. Components of immunisation products used in Australia' to reflect the removal of Merieux, Vivaxim and Vaxzevria as these vaccines are 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 information on preparing for vaccination. Updates to include components of JYNNEOS that may cause anaphylaxis. 

Updates to reflect the new recommendations for RSV vaccines, Abrysvo and Arexvy, in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged ≥50 years. 

Updates to reflect the availability of Prevenar 20 (20vPCV) in infants and children from 6 weeks of age.

Updates to reflect new recommendations for RSV vaccines, Abrysvo and Arexvy. 

Updates to reflect availability of the mpox vaccine, JYNNEOS. Updates to include recommendations for use of JYNNEOS in specific populations, including travellers in risk groups. 

Updates to reflect availability of the mpox vaccine, JYNNEOS. Updates to include recommendation for use of JYNNEOS in men who have sex with men and sex workers who are at risk of mpox exposure. 

Updates to reflect availability of the mpox vaccine, JYNNEOS. Updates to include recommendations for use of JYNNEOS in people working in specific occupations, such as healthcare or laboratory work, who are at risk of mpox exposure. 

Updates to include new recommendations for RSV vaccines, Abrysvo and Arexvy, in people who are immunocompromised, people with cancer, solid organ transplant recipients, Haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, people with HIV and people with functional or anatomical asplenia.

Updates to reflect availability of the live-attenuated, replicant-deficient vaccine mpox vaccine, JYNNEOS. Updates to include recommendations for use in immunocompromised people. Updates throughout the chapter to reflect the availability of Prevenar 20 (20vPCV) in infants and children from 6 weeks of age. Updates to reflect rare risk of GBS following Shingrix.

Updates to reflect the new recommendation for long-acting RSV monoclonal antibodies for preterm infants.

Updates to reflect the availability of Prevenar 20 (20vPCV) in infants and children from 6 weeks of age.

Updates to reflect new recommendations for RSV vaccine Abrysvo in pregnant women. 

Updates to reflect the availability of the mpox vaccine, JYNNEOS. Updates to include detail on JYNNEOS use in pregnancy, if indicated, as post-exposure preventive vaccination.  

Updates throughout the chapter to remove references to Comirnaty Original 5 < 12 years formulation which is no longer available; and to add information on Comirnaty XBB.1.5 6 months to < 5 years formulation. Minor factual updates in relation to individual product shelf life and registration for use as a booster vaccine have been made to align with updated production information. Minor updates made to reflect current SARS-CoV-2 circulating variants.