The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013

• For persons undertaking high-risk travel, a 5-yearly booster dose with dT or
dTpa should be considered for protection against tetanus. In other travellers,
a booster dose of tetanus-containing vaccine should be provided if 10 years
have elapsed since the previous dose.
• More information on the definition of ‘tetanus-prone wounds’ is provided,
and the table (Table 4.19.1) on wound management has been updated to
include recommendations for use of tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) in
immunocompromised persons.
• Information on diphtheria antitoxin is now contained in Part 5 of
the Handbook.
4.3 Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Combination Hib-meningococcal C vaccine (Hib-MenCCV) included.
• Hib vaccination recommendations apply to all children, including Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander children, as only PRP-T Hib vaccines have been in
use in recent years.
4.4 Hepatitis A
• The section on serological testing for hepatitis A prior to vaccination has
been expanded, and more detail provided as to rationale for vaccination of
certain groups.
• Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended in preference to NHIG for use in
post-exposure prophylaxis in immunocompetent persons ≥12 months of age.
4.5 Hepatitis B
• Different schedules for hepatitis B vaccination, including minimum intervals
between doses, have been described in more detail.
• Advice is provided regarding the validity of a hepatitis B vaccine schedule
used for children born overseas, who were vaccinated at birth, 1 month and
6 months of age.
• Information is provided on checking for infection/immunity to hepatitis B
in infants born to mothers with chronic hepatitis B infection 3 to 12 months
after the primary vaccine course.
• It is now recommended that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
have their risks and vaccination status for hepatitis B reviewed, be offered
testing for previous hepatitis B infection, and be offered vaccination if
non-immune.
• Migrants from hepatitis B endemic countries should be offered testing for
hepatitis B, and vaccination if appropriate.
• The section on serological testing for hepatitis B prior to vaccination has
been expanded, and more detail provided as to rationale for testing and/or
vaccination of certain groups, including hepatitis B vaccine non-responders.
12 The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th edition