The Department of Health says the drug Vaxelis is to be added to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) as an alternative for use in the primary vaccination series for children at two, four and six months of age.
In addition, the meningococcal B catch-up vaccination program for First Nations children under two will be made ongoing.
In a statement, the Department said Vaxelis could be used as a vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and invasive infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b.
“Vaxelis is also suitable and funded for use in children under 10 years of age who have not previously received DTPa-hepB-IPV-Hib vaccination (catch-up vaccination),” the Department said.
“Vaxelis is available as an alternative NIP-funded vaccine to Infanrix hexa, and not as a replacement vaccine. There is no preferred vaccine to use between these two products.”
It said vaccination providers could check a child’s Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) record through clinical practice software or the AIR site.
“This can help them find the vaccine type used in any previous primary doses,” the Department said.
It said that from 1 July, the meningococcal B (Bexsero) catch-up vaccination program would be ongoing.
“The program, originally due to end on 30 June, focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants under two,” the Department said.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants receive the meningococcal B vaccine at two, four and 12 months of age. Infants who have certain risk conditions need an extra dose at six months of age,” it said.
