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TGA alert about 2nd dose of Pneumovax 23 Vaccine

Community and Residential Aged Care Providers and Directors of Care,

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has advised health professionals not to administer the second dose of Pneumovax 23 vaccine, pending the outcome of a review of an apparent increased rate of injection site reactions following the administration of the second dose.

The TGA is continuing to work with the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the States and Territories to collect and analyse adverse event data. Until that analysis is completed it is recommended that patients are not revaccinated with Pneumovax 23.

This advice does not apply to the conjugate pneumococcal vaccines (Prevenar and Synflorix) used in babies.

The full TGA statement is available on their website.

A media release is also available.

Dr Susan Hunt
Senior Nurse Advisor
Department of Health and Ageing
(02) 6289 5071
19th April 2011
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