The ASCIA COVID-19 Working Party has developed the following two new documents to provide guidance about allergy, immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and COVID-19 vaccination, in preparation for the COVID-19 vaccination programs in Australia and New Zealand:

• Allergy, Immunodeficiency, Autoimmunity and COVID-19 Vaccination - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for patients, consumers and carers (New)
• Allergy, Immunodeficiency, Autoimmunity and COVID-19 Vaccination - Position Statement for health professionals (New)

These documents will be regularly reviewed and updated by ASCIA as new information becomes available.                     

Why is the COVID-19 vaccination program important?

Vaccination is an important way to reduce the risk of developing infectious diseases which can easily spread. This includes COVID-19, which is caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Immunity occurs after the vaccine stimulates a person’s immune system to make antibodies (immunoglobulins) to help protect the body from future infections. This means that if a person is vaccinated, they will be less likely to get COVID-19. Even if a person does get infected, it is likely to be a milder illness.

Public health measures and restrictions that were implemented by the Australian and New Zealand governments since March 2020 have been successful in controlling the spread of COVID-19 in our countries. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a major cause of illness and deaths in other countries. This means that vaccination programs are required throughout the world, including Australia and New Zealand. 

ASCIA supports the Australian government's National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence TaskForce Living Guidelines

These Guidelines are reviewed and updated weekly with the latest research, which is important, as some treatment recommendations have changed significantly over the past year. 

The Guidelines are available at https://covid19evidence.net.au/

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