Health practitioners are advised not to readminister Pneumovax23 vaccine to patients who have previously received a first dose of Pneumovax23.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation are reviewing adverse event data for
Pneumovax23 vaccine and further advice will be provided on completion of the review.

In the meantime health practitioners are advised not to readminister Pneumovax23 vaccine to patients who have previously received a first dose of Pneumovax23.

The administration of a second dose of Pneumovax23 vaccine is predominantly causing an increase in injection site reactions including cellulitis, extensive swelling from shoulder to elbow and or abscess.

For more detailed information on this matter please visit the TGA website
at: http://www.tga.gov.au/alerts/medicines/pneumovax.htm

Click here for  more detailed advice from the Chief Health Officer, Dr John Carnie about not readministering a second dose of Pneumovax23 vaccine.

This advice would also be relevant to those patients who may be due a third revaccination due to their higher risk of invasive pneumococcal disease. 

Please report any adverse event following administration of Pneumovax23 vaccine to SAEFVIC either:
On-line: https://www.saefvic.org.au 
Phone: 1300 882 924
or download and fax the SAEFVIC report form:
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/261492/aefi_2.pdf