Information updates

A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI)* shows that food allergy prevention measures may be working. The study looks at hospital admissions in Australia for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), and reports that the rate of increase in anaphylaxis to food among children has flattened, with the changing of advice to feed babies the common allergy causing foods by 12 months of age. 

*JACI is an official scientific journal of the AAAAI, and is the most-cited journal in the field of allergy and clinical immunology worldwide. 

https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0091674922000811

The main aim of the study was to see if changes to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Guidelines for infant feeding and allergy prevention had any impact on hospital admission rates for childhood food allergy. ASCIA guidelines have changed in response to published studies over the last 15 years, from a recommendation to ‘delay’ allergenic foods (1999 to 2007) to ‘not delay’ (2008) and then later to ‘introduce early and often’ (since 2016). 

This study provides the first real-world evidence showing that food allergy prevention measures (as outlined in ASCIA Guidelines for Infant feeding and Allergy Prevention), are having a measurable impact on the population prevalence of food-related anaphylaxis presentations to hospital.

ASCIA Guidelines for infant feeding and allergy prevention and ASCIA How to Introduce Solid Foods for Allergy Prevention FAQ  are amongst the most popular webpages on the ASCIA website since the Guidelines were updated in 2016.

Through the National Allergy Strategy, a partnership between ASCIA and Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA), online resources are available on the Nip Allergies in the Bub website www.preventallergies.org (which are based on ASCIA Guidelines), that provide simple and practical information to help parents introduce the common allergy causing foods to their babies. A new series of short videos to help parents feed their babies the common allergy causing foods are now available. To read more go to www.allergy.org.au/about-ascia/info-updates/new-nip-allergies-in-the-bub-infant-feeding-videos

Allergy prevention study media release: www.mcri.edu.au/news/serious-allergic-reactions-food-among-children-stabilise-guideline-changes

Stallergenes Greer is hosting a 'Perspectives in AIT: 2022 and Beyond' scientific symposium as a webinar on Thursday 17th March 2022 6.00 – 7.30 pm AEDST (5.00 - 6.30 pm Brisbane / 5.30 – 7.00 pm Adelaide / 3.00 – 4.30 pm Perth / 8.00 – 9.30 pm Auckland).  The program and presenters are listed below.

To register go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkd-6spjwrHNyyWuMIJxbrUnx-O1sXbOFr

For more details please refer to the pdf: Allergen Immunotherapy 17 March 2022 Invitation162.73 KB

PLENARY (30 min): Evidence-based approaches to house dust mite ait: international insights and trends.

EXPERT PANEL (30 min): Burdens, risks and optimal management of springtime allergy: latest australian data

Featuring ‘snapshots’ of the very latest local research presented by:

Prof. Jo Douglass (Melbourne)
James Stewart Chair of Medicine, University of Melbourne; Director of Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital

Prof. Sheryl van Nunen OAM (Sydney)
Clinical Professor, Macquarie University; Clinical Associate Professor, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney; Visiting Medical Officer, Northern Beaches Hospital

Prof. Simon Haberle (Canberra)
Professor of Natural History, Director of the School of Culture, History and Language, Australian National University; Pollen lead for AirRater, ACT

A/Prof. Ed Newbigin (Melbourne)
Botanist, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne; Co-ordinator, Melbourne Pollen Count Team

COMBINED Q&A SESSION (30 min): Prof. Pfaar and the Australian Expert Panel will provide a platform to explore an overarching question: Based on the latest science, what approaches and future directions would inform the prescription of AIT to allergy sufferers in Australia?

Chair: A/Prof. Kymble Spriggs
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Melbourne

Nutricia has advised that they are continuing to experience supply issues with Allerpro Syneo Stages 1 and 2, Pepti Junior and Neocate Junior Unflavoured (see table below). Nutricia has also advised that there is good supply for Neocate Gold and Neocate Junior Vanilla.

If you are affected by formula supply issues, alternative formula and milk products are listed on the ASCIA website: www.allergy.org.au/hp/papers/guide-for-milk-substitutes-cows-milk-allergy

*Please note, these products need authority from the PBS or can be prescribed in consultation with a specialist i.e., paediatric allergist / immunologist or gastroenterologist. This consultation can take the form of a phone call or email between the GP / paediatrician and the specialist and, the patient must also have an appointment to see the specialist. They have also made allowances for waiting lists to see specialists.

**Not suitable for infants with suspected or confirmed soy allergy.

For supply of Karicare Soy, please note itis available in Woolworths, Coles and Chemist Warehouse stores nationwide and in www.nutriciastore.com.au 

If pharmacies are having difficulty ordering Neocate Gold or Neocate Junior Vanilla from their usual wholesalers, the following options are available:

1. Local pharmacy to order directly from Nutricia: Patients can ask their local pharmacy to contact Nutricia directly on 1800 889 480 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to place an order using a credit card.
2. Order online - Nutricia have partnered with some pharmacies that offer e-script fulfilment and interstate delivery. Patients just need to send their scripts via email to the following pharmacies:

• Better Value Springvale, VIC - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Better Value Box Hill, VIC - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• UFS Dispensaries, VIC - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Where CMPA is no longer suspected or has resolved, you may also consider the following products for the management of other feeding issues:

• Aptamil Gold+ Reflux – thickened formula with prebiotics for the dietary management of reflux or regurgitation

• Aptamil Gold+ Colic & Constipation –partially hydrolysed formula, low in lactose with prebiotics for the dietary management of colic and/or constipation

• Aptamil Prosyneo Sensitive – partially hydrolysed formula with prebiotics and probiotics

For supply of these products, please note that they are available in Woolworths, Coles, and Chemist Warehouse nationwide and in www.nutriciastore.com.au 

For any additional concerns or urgent queries, GPs, Allergy and Paediatric Specialists can contact their Nutricia Representative or the Nutricia Careline team on any of the following:

Phone: 1800 438 500

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Live chat: www.aptanutrition.com.au

Danone Nutricia has confirmed that there is good supply for Neocate Gold and Neocate Junior Vanilla. All Neocate formulas are specialised amino acid-based medical nutrition for the dietary management of infants and children with severe/complex cow's milk allergy, multiple food protein allergy and other indications where an amino acid diet is recommended by a healthcare professional.
Options to order Neocate products are as follows:

1. For pharmacies and hospitals:

• Order directly from Nutricia: Patients can ask their local pharmacy to contact Nutricia directly on 1800 889 480 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to place an order using a credit card.
• Order via their usual wholesaler

1. For patients:

• Purchase via their usual pharmacy
• Order online - Nutricia have partnered with some pharmacies that offer e-script fulfilment and interstate delivery. Patients just need to send their scripts via email to the following pharmacies:
o Better Value Springvale, VIC - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
o Better Value Box Hill, VIC - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
o UFS Dispensaries, VIC - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

New ASCIA Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) was developed in response to requests for clear and concise information about CSU.  CSU is the medical term for hives (the common term for urticaria) that are chronic (lasting six weeks or more, three to four times per week), and spontaneous (with no known trigger).

ASCIA CSU FAQ is now available on the ASCIA website www.allergy.org.au/patients/skin-allergy/urticaria-hives-chronic and includes information about:

• What is CSU?
• What causes CSU?
• How is CSU diagnosed?
• How is CSU treated?

Information about CSU for health professionals is available at www.allergy.org.au/hp/papers/chronic-spontaneous-urticaria-csu-guidelines

Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd and Abbott US are conducting a precautionary recall of some EleCare, Similac and Alimentum infant formula products, due to the possible microbial contamination (Cronobacter and Salmonella), which may cause illness if consumed. These products are manufactured in Abbott’s Sturgis plant in the United States and are available through prescription at pharmacies, hospitals and via direct mail order. ​

Only products with specific codes and expiry dates are being recalled, which can be identified by the 7 to 9 digit code and expiration date on the bottom of the package. Products are included in the recall if they have all of the following three items:

• First two digits of the code are 22 through 37 and
• Code on the container contains K8, SH, or Z2, and
• Expiration date is 1 April 2022 (APR 2022) or later.​

If you are affected by this recall, you should change to a suitable alternative product as soon as possible. Alternative formula and milk products are listed on the ASCIA website:

www.allergy.org.au/hp/papers/guide-for-milk-substitutes-cows-milk-allergy

For further information contact Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd www.abbottnutrition.com.au  Customer Service Number 1800 225 311.

Information about the product recall is available on the FSANZ website:

https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/industry/foodrecalls/recalls/Pages/Elecare,-Similac-and-Alimentum-infant-formula-products.aspx

ASCIA welcomes the speech that was delivered today in the Australian Parliament House by Dr Katie Allen MP, in support of government investment into allergy and anaphylaxis, by creating a new National Allergy Council (NAC) and a new National Allergy Centre of Excellence (NACE).

Implementing these recommendations from the Report on the Parliamentary Inquiry into Allergies and Anaphylaxis ‘Walking the allergy tightrope - Addressing the rise of allergies and anaphylaxis in Australia’ will result in significant improvements to the health of more than 5 million Australians with allergic disease, their families and the community, with immediate and long term impact. 

The new NAC and NACE would enable continued expansion of the National Allergy Strategy, a partnership between the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) and Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA), and expansion of the Centre for Food & Allergy Research (CFAR). 

The Parliamentary Inquiry Report was tabled on Monday 15 June 2020 in the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia.  

Walking the allergy tightrope - Allergies and Anaphylaxis Report

ASCIA welcomed the recommendations in the Report and the recognition of ASCIA’s pivotal and leading role in improving the care of Australians with allergic disease. ASCIA has thanked the Minister for Health, Hon Greg Hunt MP, the Committee Chair, Trent Zimmerman MP, Deputy Chair, Dr Mike Freelander MP, panel members including Dr Katie Allen MP, and the committee Secretariat for their excellent work in initiating and conducting the Parliamentary Inquiry.  

Stallergenes Greer, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in treatments for respiratory allergies has announced that it has received approval in Australia for a new indication for ACTAIR®, a 300 IR sublingual allergen immunotherapy (SLIT) tablet for the treatment of house dust mite allergic rhinitis, for patients aged 5 years and over.

This new approval by the TGA extends an existing indication for use of ACTAIR® in patients aged 12 years and over in Australia, which was approved in April 2016. 

ACTAIR® is now the first and only house dust mite SLIT treatment approved for use in Australia for paediatric patients under the age of 12 years.

ORALAIR®, a 300 IR SLIT tablet for the treatment of grass pollen allergic rhinitis, is already approved in Australia and New Zealand for patients under the age of 12 years.

Approval of ACTAIR® for patients under the age of 12 was supported by data from a multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, which evaluated the efficacy of ACTAIR® at a daily maintenance dose of 300 IR administered for 12 months to children between 5 and 16 years old with house dust mite-associated allergic rhinitis. A total of 438 patients were randomized to receive 12 months of treatment with ACTAIR® or placebo. The active group demonstrated a statistically significant difference (p=0.0005) versus placebo on the Average Adjusted Symptom Score after 12 months of treatment, achieving the primary efficacy endpoint. An onset of action vs placebo was demonstrated as early as 2 months. Local adverse reactions were observed, with most of them mild in nature. The safety profile of ACTAIR® in this paediatric population was consistent with that of adults, with no new safety concerns.

ASCIA Allergy, Immunodeficiency, Autoimmunity and COVID-19 Vaccination Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) has been updated to include approval of a new vaccine (Novavax) in Australia and updated advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) regarding co-administration of influenza vaccines:

• Novavax/Biocelect Nuvaxovid spike protein based COVID-19 vaccine was approved in Australia in January 2022, for adults 18 years and over. It is expected to be available from late February 2022.

• ATAGI now recommends that influenza vaccines can be co-administered with COVID-19 vaccines. Subject to availability of influenza vaccines, an ideal time to vaccinate could be on the same day as a COVID-19 booster vaccine. This updated advice was issued by ATAGI in December 2021, to coincide with borders reopening and greater population movement and an expected resurgence of influenza activity in 2022, outside of the usual influenza season. 

  Previously the preferred minimum interval between a dose of seasonal flu vaccine and a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine was seven days. This was to avoid confusion about the cause of side effects or allergic reactions, if they occur in response to the COVID-19 vaccine or the influenza vaccine. 

Futher information:

https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/ascia-covid-19-vaccination-faq

https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-statement-on-the-use-of-novavax-covid-19-vaccine-nuvaxovid

https://www.health.gov.au/news/updated-atagi-advice-on-the-administration-of-seasonal-influenza-vaccines-in-2021-december-2021 

This news item was issued on 9 February 2022 by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), the peak professional body for clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand.