ASCIA Update 19 April 2023

New ASCIA Penicillin Allergy FAQ

There are several types of penicillin antibiotics which are used for treating bacterial infections. It is important that people with unconfirmed penicillin allergy find out if they have a true allergy, so that they can receive the most effective treatments. To answer the most frequently asked questions (FAQ), ASCIA Penicillin Allergy FAQ for patients and carers has been developed. Read more here

Updated ASCIA OIT for Food Allergy Position Paper

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is an emerging treatment for food allergy, but is not a cure for food allergy. ASCIA strongly supports further clinical trials of OIT and other treatments for food allergy, to collect more data about safety, tolerability, cost-effectiveness, quality of life and long-term outcomes.

ASCIA OIT for Food Allergy Position Paper for health professionals has been updated with new recommendations. Read more here

Nucala® (mepolizumab) PBS listed for CRSwNP

Nucala® (mepolizumab) is now subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 April 2023 as an add-on treatment for adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) that is severe, eosinophilic and recurrent post-surgery.

Read more here

Updated ASCIA Guide for Milk Substitutes in CMA

Breastfeeding is recommended for the many benefits it brings to both the mother and child. If breastfeeding is not possible, the ASCIA Guide for Milk Substitutes in Cow’s Milk Allergy (CMA) can assist health professionals in recommending substitute milks for infants with CMA, and alternatives if there are specialised formula supply issues.

The ASCIA Guide has been updated to include new specialised formula products. Read more here

Updated ASCIA IVIg Infusion Guidelines

ASCIA Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Infusion Guidelines provide health professionals with standardised infusion rates for both 5% and 10% IVIg solutions, regardless of product. These have been developed to avoid confusion, as individual IVIg products recommend different weight-based rates of infusion.

ASCIA IVIg Infusion Guidelines have been updated to include new IVIg products. Read more here

EOIs for AIFA research grants are due by 5 May 2023

Thank you to the generous supporters who have enabled the Allergy and Immunology Foundation of Australasia (AIFA) to offer eight research grants to ASCIA members in 2023. To find out how to submit an expression of interest (EOI) for an AIFA grant by 5 May 2023, read more here

To support allergy and immunology research read more here

Shared Care consultation meetings in May and June 2023

The National Allergy Council Shared Care project aims to improve access to quality healthcare for people with allergies, particularly in regional, rural and remote areas. ASCIA’s involvement in the project includes education and training of health professionals.

To register for a consultation meeting being held in May and June 2023 go here.

Clinical Immunology questionnaire

The Clinical Immunology Committee (CIC) of the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) is inviting clinical immunologists to complete a short questionnaire that should take less than 10 minutes.

The aim is to obtain a global understanding of Clinical Immunology, and results will be presented at the IUIS Congress later this year.

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