The latest information for immunisation providers in Tasmania is posted to this Bulletin Board by the Communicable Disease Prevention Unit (CDPU).
11 October 2012
Recall of specific batches of Infanrix hexa®
On 11 October 2012, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing announced that six batches of the vaccine Infanrix hexa (AUST R 132881) have been recalled by the sponsor, GlaxoSmithKline Australia (GSK). This vaccine is used to prevent six diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, poliomyelitis (polio) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). It is given to children as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
This precautionary recall is being taken because a small amount of contamination with the bacterium Bacillus cereus was found on a surface in the area where part of the vaccine production occurred. No contamination of the ingredients or in the vaccine itself was found. There are no concerns about the efficacy and safety of the vaccine. All of the identified batches passed the quality assurance testing, including sterility testing, required for the vaccine to be released for use in Australia.
There have been no reported adverse events directly linked to this issue, in Tasmania or elsewhere. Children who have received a dose from one of the identified batches do not need to be monitored and do not need to be re-vaccinated.
Health professionals have been asked to not use any further doses from the recalled batches. GSK will contact all affected vaccine providers to arrange collection of the recalled vaccine. Tasmanian vaccine providers can order replacement vaccine ‘urgently’ though DHHS by the usual vaccine ordering process (for vaccine provided through the National Immunisation Program).
11 October 2012
The Prevenar 13® Supplementary Dose Program has now finished
This free program provided a dose of Prevenar 13® pneumococcal vaccine to children aged 12 -35 months who had completed a primary course of Prevenar 7®, but who were still young enough to be at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease. The supplementary dose program started on 1 October 2011 and stopped on 30 September 2012.
All infants now routinely receive a 3-dose course of Prevenar 13® pneumococcal vaccine.
Children with predisposing medical conditions should receive another dose of Prevenar 13® at age 12 months, and a dose of the polysaccharide vaccine, Pneumovax23®, at age 3 to 4 years.
6 March 2012
New guide launched
Quick Guide: Catch-up Immunisations in Tasmania
For people with no documentation of previous vaccines
27 February 2012
Immunisation Schedules
Adult and Child Immunisation Schedule (Feb 2012)
Adult and Child Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Immunisation Schedule (Feb 2012)
Influenza Immunisation Schedule (Feb 2012)
18 August 2011
Childhood Immunisation Schedule
Due to the increase of pertussis in the community it is still recommended that the first doses of vaccines (usually scheduled at two months) can be brought forward to six weeks. The timing of subsequent doses can be continued from four months of age as per the Immunisation Schedule for Children in Tasmania 2012.
18 August 2011
Ongoing HPV vaccination program
Gardasil® is now scheduled for girls aged 12 or 13 years in either grade 6 or 7 as part of a school-based vaccination program. General Practitioners may also offer Gardasil® to girls who miss out at school or for those who prefer to attend a General Practice. Gardasil® vaccine is funded for all girls aged 12-16 years who have not already received three doses. Providers can place orders for Gardasil® with CDPU as per the usual ordering process for funded vaccines.
Need more information?
Call the Public Health hotline on 1800 671 738.