1 July 2007

Vaccines for prevention of rotavirus-caused gastroenteritis and some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which have been listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) are reviewed in the latest edition of NPS RADAR.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) became responsible for making recommendations for funding of vaccines under the NIP in January 2006. Having one body review drugs and vaccines has made it possible for NPS RADAR to review vaccines.

The two oral rotavirus vaccines reviewed were Rotarix and RotaTeq, which prevent rotavirus gastroenteritis in infants and children.

Both vaccines offer similarly high levels of protection against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis, a common cause of child hospital admissions in Australia. There is no evidence that either vaccine is more effective than the other and each state and territory will choose which vaccine to supply.

It is important to note that the rotavirus vaccines are not interchangeable: infants who receive a first dose of either vaccine should complete the entire course of vaccination using the same oral rotavirus vaccine. Both rotavirus vaccines are oral, and are not to be injected.

The review of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (Gardasil) stresses that all girls and women who have been vaccinated must continue to have regular Pap smears. This is because the vaccine does not protect against all HPV types that cause cervical cancer, or cervical cancer caused by HPV infection acquired before vaccination.

The HPV vaccine protects against four types of HPV, which are responsible for 70% to 80% of cervical cancers and at least 90% of cases of genital warts.

Both reviews recommend that patients always be given a CMI, especially when the medicine is new to them.

To read all editions of NPS RADAR log on to www.npsradar.org.au and register to receive an email alert each time an edition is released.

ENDS

National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.