The Federal Government has announced that Australian children will begin receiving a new needle that will fully protect them from measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

To be administered on an 18month basis, from July onwards the new MMRV vaccine will replace both the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine currently given to four year olds, and the varicella vaccine for chickenpox given to 18 month olds. 

“The new combination vaccine protects against four common childhood illnesses in a single vaccine, reducing the number of vaccinations for children,” Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, said. “It means one needle rather than two. 
“You won’t need a script to get the vaccine. Just make an appointment with your doctor or immunisation clinic.” 
The new combination MMRV vaccine will be given to children at 18 months of age and will be available from 1 July this year. 

The announcement comes after the Federal Government has released the 10th edition of the Australian Immunisation Handbook for doctors, nurses and other health care providers.

The updated handbook contains new and updated recommendations on vaccine use and outlines the importance of vaccination during pregnancy. 
Included with the Handbook are the latest National Immunisation Program schedules which list the vaccines, provided free of charge to eligible Australians, under the National Immunisation Program.