On this page

1. Rabies immunoglobulin supply
2. Measles resources and vaccine eligibility
3. Commonwealth HPV campaign launch
4. Medical exemptions to vaccination
5. E-learning modules for AIR users

Human rabies immunoglobulin supply

Human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) is one component of the post-exposure prophylaxis for people who may have been exposed to rabies virus or other lyssaviruses. As hHRIG is in short supply globally, an alternative product, KamRAB, has been sourced by the Australian Department of Health. This product is not registered for use in Australia but it has been approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) under section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, accessing medicines during a medicines shortage, until 31 January 2021. No additional forms are required when this product is administered.

GP and patient fact sheets are being sent with every delivery of KamRAB.

Phone your local public health unit on 1300 066 055 for advice on post-exposure prophylaxis and to order HRIG and rabies vaccine for patients who may have been exposed to rabies virus or other lyssaviruses.

Measles resources and vaccine eligibility

The Australian Academy of Science has developed a suite of measles educational and promotional materials for vaccination providers and consumers, to raise awareness about measles, with a particular focus on those most at risk of the disease such as travellers or those born during or from 1966.

GPs are reminded that measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is free for all people born during or after 1966, who haven’t had measles or two doses of measles vaccine.

Commonwealth’s HPV campaign launch

The Australian Government’s Department of Health has launched a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination communication campaign (including translations), aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of the benefits, importance, safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine, and increasing uptake of the vaccine delivered in schools through the National Immunisation Program. The primary audience for the campaign is parents of young adults, and young adults aged up to 19 years who are eligible for free catch-up doses. A campaign news item is also available.

Medical exemptions to vaccination

• There are two permanent exemptions to vaccination: anaphylaxis to vaccine/vaccine component and significant immunocompromise (live attenuated vaccines only).
• Information on medical contraindications to each vaccine are detailed in the online nformation on medical contraindications to each vaccine are detailed in the online Australian Immunisation Handbook.
• NSW Health offers a specialist immunisation service for clinicians and families. The NSW Immunisation Specialist Service (NSWISS) provides clinical advice and support on immunisation needs for patients with complex of unusual backgrounds or who have had an adverse event following immunisation.
• Practitioners are encouraged to use this service to support clinical practice and management of medical contraindications to vaccinations. The service may also benefit patients and parents who need support in their immunisation decision making.

E-learning modules for Australian Immunisation Register users

• All childhood and adult vaccinations should be reported to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), regardless of funding source (Private Script, State or NIP funded).
• Services Australia has published five new AIR eLearning education modules to help providers understand how to access and use AIR site and record vaccination episodes. The modules can be viewed at www.humanservices.gov.au/hpeducation
• Reporting immunisations to the AIR ensures other providers can be aware of a patient’s vaccination history, prevents duplication of vaccinations, and facilitates Family Tax payments and enrolment into childcare.