Dear all,
The end of this year is fast approaching and the monthly updates 22’ will also pause during the December break. In November, our article based on the survey conducted through the GNN on COVID-19 vaccine policy development was finally published and is accessible in open access here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X2201427X
This month, the WHO regional office for Africa organized a training of trainers in Accra, Ghana. This was a unique opportunity for consultants who will support the regional office in establishing and strengthening NITAGs in the region to familiarize themselves with the various training modules available to NITAGs and to be equipped to support NITAGs in making evidence-based recommendations. This initiative could be replicated in other WHO regions.
COVID-19:
- ACIP (USA) recommends a bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for persons aged ≥5 years, administered ≥2 months after completing the primary series or after receipt of a monovalent booster dose. The interim recommendation is available here along with the Evidence to Recommendation Tables.
- The French NITAG recommends including the bivalent Spikevax Original/Omicron BA.4-5 15/15 µg vaccine in the booster vaccination strategy against Covid-19. In line with its previous recommendations, the HAS considers that this vaccine can be used in subjects over 30 years old who are eligible for the booster. Read more here.
- ATAGI (Australia) updates its existing recommendations regarding use of bivalent Original/Omicron BA.1 vaccines, more here.
Children vaccination:
- ATAGI (Australia) issued recommendations on use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months to 4 years. The Pfizer 6 month to 4 years COVID-19 vaccine is recommended as a primary course of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 for children aged 6 months to 4 years with severe immunocompromise, complex or multiple health conditions, or disability with significant or complex health needs. More information here.
- STIKO issues a COVID-19 vaccination recommendation for children aged 6 months to 4 years with underlying conditions and updates its recommendation for children in contact with vulnerable people. The STIKO has reviewed its recommendation for 5 to 11-year-olds and is sticking to its existing recommendation: children who have an increased risk of a severe course of COVID-19 due to underlying diseases are given basic immunization with 2 vaccine doses and up to 2 Booster vaccinations recommended. In view of the high seroprevalence and the predominantly mild course of the disease, the STIKO does not currently consider it necessary to complete the basic immunization for healthy children in this age group. More information here.
- In Belgium, the NITAG issued recommendations on the Vaccination against COVID-19 with mRNA vaccines for children from 6 months of age. The report is available in English here.
Influenza:
- The Spanish NITAG issued Vaccination recommendations against flu in children aged 6 to 59 months, available here.
- The French NITAG opened a public consultation for the vaccination strategy against seasonal influenza in children, to understand the process, read more here.
- JCVI has issued an advice on the use of influenza vaccines in the UK for the 2023/2024 influenza season. Detailed information here.
Pneumococcal:
ACIP approved the following recommendations regarding pneumococcal diseases (these recommendations will be published in the MMWR):
- Adults with an immunocompromising condition, cochlear implant, or cerebrospinal fluid leak who have received both PCV13 and PPSV23 with incomplete vaccination status are recommended to complete their pneumococcal vaccine series by receiving either a dose of PCV20 at least 5 years after the last pneumococcal vaccine dose or PPSV23 as previously recommended.
- Shared clinical decision-making is recommended regarding administration of PCV20 for adults aged ≥65 years who completed their vaccine series with both PCV13 and PPSV23. If a decision to administer PCV20 is made, a dose of PCV20 is recommended at least 5 years after the last pneumococcal vaccine dose.
- Adults who have received PCV13 only are recommended to receive a dose of PCV20 at least 1 year after the PCV13 dose or PPSV23 as previously recommended to complete their pneumococcal vaccine series.
Mpox (new name for Monkeypox):
STIKO issued a statement on the completion of a monkeypox vaccination with the MVA vaccine (Jynneos/Imvanex), more here.
Childhood vaccination:
JCVI publishes its final recommendations on changes to the childhood immunisation schedule. This document sets out the JCVI’s final advice on changes to the childhood immunisation schedule. The changes are needed because the Menitorix© (Hib/MenC) vaccine is being discontinued.
SAGE:
- SAGE published the interim guidance on Vaccines and immunization for Mpox, available here.
- SAGE set up the working group for Dengue. ToRs and composition of the working group can be consulted here.
Global NITAG Network (GNN):
The face-to-face annual GNN meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 25-27th 2023 in Amman, Jordan. The Agenda is under development and meeting logistics are being organized. Feel free to reach out if you are interested in participating. The meeting will be hybrid to allow remote participation.
As we are building the agenda, we welcome ideas from NITAG members. Feel free to share them with us.
Best wishes to all.
Louise