Version 5 of the Immunisation Handbook is now available.

The latest version is published on the Health on the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora website (including a PDF version) here.

The major change in this version is the removal of the adjuvanted recombinant COVID-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid (rCV), as this vaccine is no longer offered as an alternative for mRNA-CV. This includes removal of all relevant statements about co-administration and use as an alternative COVID-19 vaccine. 

  
Other major updates include:  

• Removal of rCV sections throughout relevant chapters 
• Inclusion of DTaP-IPV-HepB/Hib (Infanrix-Hexa) funded for those aged 10 years to <18 years for revaccination following haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) (Chapter 4 - Immunisation of special groups and other relevant chapters) 
• Added herpes zoster (Shingrix) vaccine recommendation, funded for those who are immunocompromised following haematological malignancy diagnosis, HSCT or post cellular therapy (Chapter 4 - Immunisation of special groups) 
• Updated ‘Available vaccines/History of approved vaccines’ section and mentioned Novavax withdrawing Medsafe application for XBB.1.5. rCV. (Chapter 5 - COVID-19) 
• Edit to wording in ‘post-exposure prophylaxis’ section following concerns about offering MMR to potentially immunocompromised elderly adults – recommended to seek advice from IMAC prior to vaccination of adults born prior to 1960. (Chapter 12 – Measles) 

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