1. If a child requires either DTPa or IPV separately will DHS provide these vaccines separately?
2. Are different combination vaccines used elsewhere in Australia?
3. If parents choose to vaccinate their child with varicella vaccine before 18 months of age will it be recognised by ACIR?
4. Will varicella vaccine provide protection against wild type varicella infection brought in from overseas?
5. If someone has commenced a vaccine schedule in another State or Territory will Western Australia provide vaccines to complete their schedule?
6. How do immunisation providers report to ACIR that a child has already had either the varicella vaccine or that they are naturally immune?

1. If a child requires either DTPa or IPV separately will DHS provide these vaccines separately?
IPV will be provided individually on a case by case basis. Providers will need to ring through their request and explain the circumstances for which it is to be given. Infanrix will no longer be provided. If a child requires DTPa then they will receive Infanrix IPV.

2. Are different combination vaccines used elsewhere in Australia?
Yes. Each State/Territory is responsible for purchasing their own vaccines and so the schedule can vary in Australia depending on the brands and combinations used.

3. If parents choose to vaccinate their child with varicella vaccine before 18 months of age will it be recognised by ACIR?
Yes, if the immunisation provider reports this information to the Australian Childhood Immunisation Registers (ACIR).

4. Will varicella vaccine provide protection against wild type varicella infection brought in from overseas?
Yes. Seroconversion following vaccination occurs in 90-100% of those vaccinated. Once a significant number of children have been vaccinated the herd immunity provided will prevent the spread of wild varicella virus in Australia.

5. If someone has commenced a vaccine schedule in another State or Territory will Western Australia provide vaccines to complete their schedule?
As is the case in all vaccine schedules a catch-up program to complete the course should be undertaken in WA for all children with an incomplete immunisation history. WA’s selected vaccines will complement other State and Territory schedules. It must be remembered when Infanrix hexa vaccine has been administered as part of the primary course that 4 doses of a Hib containing vaccine must be administered to ensure full protection against Haemophilus influenzae type b. The booster Hib dose is required at 12 months of age.

6. How do immunisation providers report to ACIR that a child has already had either the varicella vaccine or that they are naturally immune?
Immunisation providers can report this information to ACIR by either fax or secure email. When faxing ACIR information it is important that immunisation providers print the child’s immunisation status onto their organisation’s letterhead and include their ACIR provider number.