Have you seen the latest National Immunisation Program (NIP) changes for toddlers?

From 1 July, the NIP Schedule at 12 months of age is changing^1–4

To ensure the NIP Schedule is aligned with changes in disease patterns, an update has been made to the recommendations on the use of pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines.^2,3

There has been a change of schedule for pneumococcal conjugate vaccination, where for all children the 6-month dose of Prevenar 13 (pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine, 13-valent adsorbed) has been moved to 12 months.^1,2,4 Any children who have received Prevenar 13 at 2, 4 and 6 months should receive one dose at 12 months.^1,2,4

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in WA, NT, SA, and QLD, and all children with underlying medical conditions associated with an increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease, should receive Prevenar 13 at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months (3+1 schedule).²

Meningococcal quadrivalent vaccination is new to the schedule, where for all children the 12-month dose of HibMenC vaccine has been replaced by Nimenrix (meningococcal polysaccharide serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y conjugate vaccine).^1,3,4 The fourth dose of Hib vaccine has been moved to 18 months.¹ There is no change to the MMR vaccine.¹

From 1 July, at 12 months of age, every child needs 3 injections
An injection for pneumococcal disease	Prevenar 13	Change of schedule1,2,4
An injection for invasive meningococcal disease (A,C,W-135,Y)	Nimenrix	New to schedule1,3,4
A combined injection for measles, mumps, rubella	MMR	No change1

Parents can be assured that each of the three vaccines in the updated NIP Schedule is important and can be administered concurrently.^1–6

 The following video contains tips and techniques for delivering multiple injections, as well as advice on how to reassure parents who may be concerned about concurrent administration of vaccines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oOv6YsgaF0

 

Resources to help you with this change

National Immunisation Program Schedule	Immunise.health.gov.au
National Immunisation Hotline	1800 671 811
Department of Health Resources link	https://bit.ly/2tUwMaY
National Centre for Immunisation Research & Surveillance fact sheets	ncirs.edu.au/provider-resources/ncirs-fact-sheets
Multiple Injection Technique video	https://goo.gl/bh59K7
Pfizer Medical Information	1800 675 229
Prevenar 13 and Nimenrix Product Information	pfizer.com.au
State Health Services	Contact your State Department of Health for more info.

 

There is no catch-up program available. Prevenar 13 and Nimenrix remain available on private prescription for patient’s ineligible via the NIP.

NIP: National Immunisation Program; HibMenC: Haemophilus influenzae type b and Meningococcal C vaccine; Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type b; MMR: measles, mumps and rubella virus vaccine.

This content has been produced by Pfizer.                            

Please review full Product Information before prescribing. Product Information is available on request on 1800 675 229 or here for Nimenrix and here for Prevenar 13.

References:

1. Australian Government Department of Health. National Immunisation Program Schedule. Available at: https://bit.ly/2EkXr3I (accessed: July 2018).
2. Australian Government Department of Health: Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. Public consultation on the infant pneumococcal vaccination schedule. Available at: https://bit.ly/2IcQ9WF (accessed: June 2018).
3. Australian Government Department of Health: Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. Public consultation on changes to the recommended use of meningococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccines. Available at: https://bit.ly/2Gf9cd7 (accessed: June 2018).
4. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. March 2018 PBAC Meeting – Positive Recommendations. Available at: https://bit.ly/2Ii8ulc (accessed: June 2018).
5. Prevenar 13^® Approved Product Information.
6. Nimenrix^™ Approved Product Information.

®Registered trademark. Pfizer Australia Pty Limited, Sydney, Australia. PP-NIM-AUS-0055 S&H 07/18 PFPFSH0167

             

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