ASCIA Update 8 December 2023

ASCIA Website Updates

Major updates have recently been made to the following webpages:

Allergy/Immunology Positions

Locate a Specialist

Conference, Meetings and Events Calendar

ASCIA Website Information

Updated ASCIA Dietary Avoidance for Food Allergy FAQ

ASCIA Dietary Avoidance for Food Allergy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) has been updated to include a QR code which links to videos.

The short, easy to understand videos explain how to read and understand food labels for food allergy and are on the National Allergy Council Food Allergy Education website.

Read more here

Current Surveys for Health Professionals

Survey to Improve Allergy Training in Tertiary Healthcare Degrees

Edible Insect Food Allergy Survey

From mid December 2023 ASCIA will be conducting a series of workforce surveys as part of the National Allergy Council Shared Care project.

Read more here

Red Imported Fire Ants in Australia - Senate Inquiry

There is currently a call for submissions to a Senate Inquiry for the potential impacts of Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) on the health of Australians, as well as costs. RIFA stings can cause large local allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.

The closing date for submissions has been extended to 29 January 2024.

Read more here 

ATAGI COVID-19 vaccine recommendations

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommendations include monovalent COVID-19 Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines. These are available in Australia, following the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia (TGA) approval for use as primary and additional doses.

Read more here

PBAC Meeting March 2024

Consultation has opened for the March 2024 Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) agenda and feedback is due by 31 January 2024. This includes submissions for new or updated Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings of products that are relevant to allergy and immunology.

Read more here

Updated Guidelines for Anaphylaxis Prevention and Management

The National Allergy Council has updated the Best Practice Guidelines for anaphylaxis prevention and management in schools and children’s education/care services.

The updated Guidelines are available on the re-designed Allergy Aware website.

Read more here

NBA SCIg Report

The National Blood Authority (NBA) has developed a Report "Evaluate and Develop Options to Improve Access to Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIg)" which is now available on the NBA website.

This report includes options recommended for implementation that are consistent with the ASCIA SCIg Position Statement and other information about the benefits of SCIg on the ASCIA website.

Read more here

Allergy and Immunology Research

Donate here to support more AIFA allergy and immunology research grants in 2024. All donations go directly to fund AIFA research grants. 

Apply here for the Grifols ASPIRE Award (by 31 March 2024) for research projects that improve immunodeficiency awareness, diagnosis and therapy.

The ASCIA website includes information about current allergy and immunology research in Australia and New Zealand.

Product Availability – Recent Updates

Dymista® Allergy nasal spray for treatment of allergic rhinitis – now OTC

Jorveza® for the treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE)

Shingrix® varicella zoster virus recombinant vaccine

Recent ASCIA Immunodeficiency and Autoimmunity Updates

New Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIg) products

New Transition from Evogam to Hizentra AU SCIg products

New ASCIA Laboratory Tests for Autoimmune Diseases Position Paper

Updated ASCIA IVIg Infusion Guidelines

Outcomes from ASCIA Immunodeficiency Strategy Meeting

Recent ASCIA Allergy Updates

New ASCIA Management Plan for Delayed Allergic Reactions to Foods

New ASCIA Venom Immunotherapy (VIT) FAQ and consent form

Updated ASCIA Treatment Plan for Allergic Rhinitis

Updated ASCIA Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) FAQ and consent form

Updated ASCIA Travel Plan for People at Risk of Anaphylaxis

Updated ASCIA Guide for Milk Substitutes in Cow’s Milk Allergy

As the end of 2023 is approaching, we take this opportunity to wish you all the best for Xmas and the New Year.

ASCIA gratefully acknowledges the generous support of all sponsors listed on the ASCIA website www.allergy.org.au/about-ascia/sponsors