The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013

een removed and replaced with an evidence statement for consistency with
other chapters in the 10th edition of the Handbook. The ATAGI has developed new
recommendations for the Handbook after considering clinical questions, reviewing
available evidence, as described above, and through extensive consultation with
other experts (described below). Evidence statements for recommendations, with
cross reference to other relevant sections of the Handbook, have been included
wherever possible.
1.2.2 Consultation and input into the draft 10th edition Handbook
Prior to completion of the draft 10th edition Handbook, the ATAGI sought expert
review of individual chapters by leading Australian experts. These reviewers,
who are acknowledged in the front of this Handbook, provided input to further
refine each chapter. The ATAGI also, where relevant, consulted members of
each of its current disease-based Working Parties. Other peak advisory groups,
in particular the National Immunisation Committee, were also consulted and
provided valuable input into the development of this revised edition. The draft
10th edition of the Handbook was available for public consultation over a 4-week
period during July–August 2012. The ATAGI reviewed all public comments
received and, where necessary, incorporated these as changes to the Handbook.
The NHMRC was also consulted throughout the development of the 10th
edition of the Handbook, prior to the Handbook being proposed for submission to
the NHMRC for consideration of approval (under section 14A of the NHMRC
Act 1992).
1.2.3 Implementation of recommendations in the 10th edition
Handbook
The 10th edition of the Handbook is disseminated directly to all registered
medical practitioners in Australia. Additional hard copies are distributed to
other immunisation service providers via their state or territory health authority.
An electronic version of the Handbook is freely accessible on the Immunise
Australia Program website (www.immunise.health.gov.au). Implementation of
the recommendations as stated in the Handbook is undertaken by immunisation
service providers in conjunction with their state or territory health authority and
the Immunise Australia Program of the Australian Government Department of
Health and Ageing.
4 The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th edition