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Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a new Medicines Safety Update highlighting the importance of the correct administration of RSV vaccine and antibody products to help reduce administration errors.
This update provides essential advice for anyone prescribing, dispensing, or administering RSV prevention products. It includes information on indications for each product and practical recommendations to minimise errors, such as:
As of 13 June, the TGA had received 84 reports of administration errors for RSV prevention products in Australia. These included Abrysvo (24), Arexvy (24) and nirsevimab (Beyfortus) (36). Many errors involved giving products outside clinical recommendations; for example, administering Abrysvo to an infant instead of the pregnant mother, or giving nirsevimab to a pregnant mother instead of the infant.
While most of these errors have not resulted in adverse events, incorrect administration can cause significant problems. Earlier this year, NCIRS released detailed clinical guidance on managing potential RSV immunisation product administration errors.
Queensland Health Decision Support Tool
The Queensland Health Immunisation Program (QHIP) has developed a decision support tool to help immunisation providers accurately select and administer RSV vaccines and related products.
Print and clearly display the Queensland Paediatric RSV Prevention Program Product Selection Guide in all clinical areas where RSV products are stored or administered and distribute this information and the guide to all relevant staff.
If a Vaccine Administration Error (VAE) occurs:
Local Prevention Resources
Locally, Gold Coast Public Health Unit (GCPHU) has noted a significant rise in vaccine administration errors, especially with nirsevimab and other vaccines. To help prevent these, they have developed a Preventing Vaccine Administration Errors guide. Practices are encouraged to print, laminate and display this document near vaccine fridges or in treatment rooms.
If you need help printing or laminating the Preventing Vaccine Administration Errors guide or the Queensland Paediatric RSV Prevention Program Product Selection Guide, please contact Primary Health Care Support at practicesupport@gcphn.com.au.
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