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Keyword: influenza

Possible cause identified for 2010 flu vaccine adverse events 18 September 2011 - 12:00pm

MJA release - Suboptimal virus splitting or other problems related to the use of deoxycholate may have played a role in adverse events linked to the 2010 CSL trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV), according to an article published in the latest Medical Journal of Australia.

New superbug detected in Australia 3 April 2011 - 12:00pm

MJA release: Australia is in the grip of a new superbug that can cause potentially fatal colon infections, an editorial in the latest Medical Journal of Australia says.

The first case of an epidemic strain of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) thought to have been acquired in Australia has been identified at a hospital in Melbourne, and further clusters have been reported in residential aged care facilities, Dr Rhonda Stuart of the Monash Medical Centre’s Department of Infectious Diseases said.

H1N1 Influenza Pandemic Status and Conclusion of the Pandemic Vaccination Program 2 December 2010 - 3:00pm

The Minister for Health and Ageing, on advice by the Chief Medical Officer, announced that as of 1 December 2010, Australia has moved to Pandemic Phase ALERT.  This signifies the end of the H1N1 influenza pandemic in Australia.

The key element of the ALERT phase is heightened vigilance for a new influenza virus or a change in a current circulating influenza virus, which may be of concern.

While Australia will move to the ALERT phase from 1 December 2010, to ensure maximum coverage and use of the remaining vaccine, the pandemic (H1N1) influenza vaccine will remain freely available until 31 December 2010, when all of the stockpiled pandemic vaccine will have reached its expiry.

Australia's defence against infectious diseases is at risk 14 November 2010 - 12:00pm

MJA release - The nation’s public health response capacity is at serious risk because the Australian Government has decided not to renew funding for an epidemiology program, according to an article in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Emeritus Professor Robert Douglas, visiting fellow at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian National University, and co-authors discuss the importance of the Master of Applied Epidemiology (MAE) program and its role in preventing the spread of epidemics.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine and young children 27 August 2010 - 12:00pm

Please find below information relating to the use of 2010 seasonal influenza vaccine in children.

Updated advice: On 26 August 2010, the Department of Health and Ageing and the Therapeutic Goods Administration advised that CSL has withdrawn Panvax® Junior 0.25mL pre-filled syringes because of a reduction in vaccine antigen potency over time.  The registered 12 month shelf life of Panvax® Junior 0.25mL pre-filled syringes is no longer accurate and has been reduced to 6 months.  As a result existing stocks of Panvax® Junior should now be considered expired. The safety of the vaccine is not affected.

Important: Please note that the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer's advice in relation to adverse reactions to 2010 seasonal influenza vaccine in children has changed as of 30 July 2010.

The Chief Medical Officer has today advised that children aged from 6 months to less than 5 years may be vaccinated with Vaxigrip® and Influvac®, following a discussion of the risks and benefits of these vaccines with parents and guardians.  This includes both children at risk of medical complications of influenza and healthy children.  Vaccination of children in this age group with Fluvax® and Fluvax® Junior is not recommended due to the identified increase risk of febrile convulsions.  Recommendations for the use of seasonal influenza vaccine including Fluvax® in children 5 years and older and in adults has not changed.

The CMO’s advice follows ongoing investigations in Australia and overseas which have indicated that there does not appear to be the higher than normal incidence of febrile convulsions in children under five with the seasonal flu vaccines Influvac and Vaxigrip. Investigations into fever and febrile convulsions associated with the vaccine Fluvax are continuing.

GP Network News Issue 10, Number 26 - 30 July 2010 30 July 2010 - 12:00pm

Support Family Doctors campaign materials; Updated advice on the use of seasonal influenza vaccine for children; Collaborative arrangements will provide better care for patients; A national disability insurance scheme must be at the core of any national disability strategy; Labor increases mental health investment but more needed

Seasonal Flu Vaccine and young children - letter from CMO 23 April 2010 - 11:30am

Due to a spike in the numbers of young children in Western Australia experiencing fever and convulsions following seasonal flu vaccinations, Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, is advising all GPs and immunisation providers to stop giving seasonal flu vaccine to children five years and under until a cause is established.

"This is a precautionary measure while the matter is being urgently investigated by health experts and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)," Professor Bishop said.

"Until it can be established what factors are causing the apparent rise in fevers in some children in WA, I am writing to all immunisation providers to advise them not to administer seasonal flu vaccine to all children 5 years of age and under until further notice."

Swine Influenza - information for doctors 5 November 2009 - 8:00am

The AMA has been actively working with government on the management of the H1N1 influenza in Australia since its initial outbreak. As a resource for Australian medical practitioners, links are provided below to important information for doctors regarding the management of this disease and the associated vaccination program. This list is regularly updated by the AMA with the latest information from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. Additional information can be accessed at State and Territory health department websites from the links listed below.

Swine Flu Discussion

AMA members can discuss this issue in detail via the Members forum

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