As we wrap up February, the SAGE meeting is just around the corner (March 10-13th). Be sure to tune in to the NITAG and prioritization of NVI sessions, as they are highly relevant to your work and will emphasize the significance of what you do. If you cannot listen in, a catch-up session will be available through the GNN webinar on March 27th.
Huge thanks to all the NITAGs who completed the survey on the NITAG secretariat, we received responses from 84 countries! The data is currently being analyzed, and some of the findings will be shared at SAGE. The final report will be distributed to the GNN and published.
Avian flu :
- NACI (Canadian NITAG) issued a Preliminary guidance on human vaccination against avian influenza in a non-pandemic context as of December 2024, available here.
Influenza
- ATAGI (Australian NITAG) will issue their statement on administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2025 shortly on their webpage: https://www.health.gov.au/committees-and-groups/atagi/statements
- Acknowledging recent international activity of avian influenza, ATAGI notes that seasonal influenza vaccine is not protective against avian influenza virus. However, people in occupational risk groups, e.g. poultry workers, are recommended to receive seasonal influenza vaccination to minimise the potential of virus reassortment in the case of dual infection with seasonal and avian influenza viruses.
- The WHO and the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) have recommended that the inclusion of the B Yamagata lineage virus in vaccines is no longer warranted. ATAGI notes that time to transition from quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) to trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) formulations will vary for some vaccine brands. Some QIV brands have been discontinued as a part of this transition process in 2025. All influenza vaccines available in Australia in 2025 will still be QIVs (which continue to include a B Yamagata strain). Despite this, ATAGI makes no preferential recommendation between QIVs and TIVs as both formulations contain the recommended strains for 2025 and exhibit no differences in safety or efficacy.
Measles:
NACI published a summary of their updated recommendations on measles post-exposure prophylaxis. The summary is available here.
Yellow Fever:
The NITAG in Belgium published their recommendation for vaccination against yellow fever. The scientific opinion offers advice for travelers, healthcare professionals and vulnerable populations, with updates on revaccination and risk management. It is available here.
GNN
The GNN organized a webinar on DTP boosters and shared the results of the survey on off-label use of vaccines. The recording and slides for DTP boosters are available here.
Dates for your diary:
- March 10-13th: SAGE meeting: the agenda is available here. Note the session on NITAGs on March 12th at 3.45pm (Geneva time)
- March 19th: NISH webinar on modelling for NITAGs
- March 27th: GNN SAGE digest, focusing on PCV, Polio, Varicella and NITAGs
Looking forward to seeing you virtually at SAGE.
Best wishes,
Louise
- NITAG Recommendation
