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Over the past two weeks to 30 January there were 43,180 casesof COVID in the region. Please note that the actual number of cases is likely to be much more. For further information please go to
The Department of Health has released a COVID-19 vaccine rollout update with data until 25 January. Click here to access the update.
Novavax training module
A new COVID-19 vaccine Novavax Module is now available. The Novavax training module must be completed by health professionals prior to administering the Novavax (NUVAXOVID) COVID-19 vaccine. ATAGI recommends that Novavax COVID-19 (Nuvaxovid) can be used for the primary course of COVID-19 vaccination in people aged 18 or older, it is not currently registered by the TGA as a booster. Subject to successful TGA batch testing, the Novavax vaccine will be available to be administered from the week of 21 February 2022.
Vaccine deferral timing reduced
ATAGI advises people who have had COVID-19 infection can defer vaccination for up to 4 months post recovery, a recent change from the 6-month timeline. This is due to the increased risk of re-infection with the Omicron variant. ATAGI continues to advise that previous infection is not a contraindication to vaccination and that vaccination can occur following recovery of acute illness from COVID-19. See ATAGI Expanded Guidance on temporary medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines.
Booster doses for 16-17 year olds
On 28 January 2022, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provisionally approved the Pfizer COVID-19 booster dose for people aged 16–17 years old in Australia. Advice from ATAGI is expected to be provided to government shortly. Continue to prioritise boosters for people 18 years and over, until the Department of Health announces the eligibility change to the Commonwealth COVID-19 Vaccination Program. See Product Information.
Resources and vaccination clinic for Aboriginal children aged 5-11 years
The Department of Health has released a factsheet for Aboriginal communities around vaccines for children aged 5-11 years. Click here to view it and distribute to your patients.
This week and next there is a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 5-11 years at the Menai Community Health Centre.
Bookings preferred but walk-ins also welcome. Call 0439 865 304 to book. To have a yarn with an Aboriginal health worker about the vaccine, please call 0439 413 094.
Upcoming webinars
COVID infection prevention triage and risk management in general practice
Join us for a pandemic infection prevention and control update, presented by Margaret Jennings, a microbiologist, antimicrobial, infection prevention and educator.
When: Tuesday, 22 February 7.00 pm – 8.15 pm Where: Online Target audience: GPs, nurses, practice manager and staff working in general practice
The NSW Health Testing positive to COVID-19 and managing COVID-19 safely at home fact sheet is available in the following languages: Arabic (العربية), Chinese-Simplified (简体中文), Chinese-Traditional (繁體中文), Filipino (Wikang Tagalog), Greek (Ελληνικά), Hindi (हिन्दी), Italian (Italiano), Korean (한국어), Spanish (Español) and Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt Nam).
The Australian Government has translations of information for people testing positive for COVID and their close contacts in 60 languages that you can access here.
In-language videos of doctors sharing important information about managing COVID-19 at home are also available:
With the increasing numbers of COVID cases, low risk immunised patients (the majority of people) are being asked to self-manage at home. People who test positive to COVID (via PCR test or who report their positive RAT test) are receiving an SMS from NSW Health and asked to complete a brief survey that identifies those patients considered high risk.
High risk patients will be managed by the local health district virtual care units.
Accessing pulse oximeters
Distribution of pulse oximeters to patients identified as high risk is occurring via local health districts. CESPHN have access to a small supply. GPs with patients they believe require a pulse oximeter urgently are asked to email pulseoximeter@cesphn.com.au with their name and address and we will arrange delivery of an oximeter. Practices actively seeing moderate risk COVID positive patients can also be sent up to five pulse oximeters.
CESPHN Vax at Home Service
Some people in our community may not be able to access a GP or vaccination hub to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
The CESPHN Vax at Home Service is ONLY for those people who are housebound and not able to leave their house to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or booster (their carers will also be able to be vaccinated).
Patient self-referrals will NOT be accepted. Patients should speak with their GP for a referral to this program if appropriate. Referrals will be accepted from general practitioners and from Local Health Districts.
Referrals MUST be sent through this Vax at Home Service Online Form – for people who are housebound and reside in the Sydney Local Health District and South Eastern Sydney Local Health District.
Referrals must include:
Name of patient
Patient’s residential address and contact details
Name of usual GP
Contact details of any carers
Vaccine status e.g. Ist dose, 2nd dose, booster
Which vaccine is required
Confirmation that:
patient is housebound and not able to access a COVID vaccine elsewhere
you have obtained the patients consent to send this information to CESPHN.
Pharmacists who are undertaking vaccinations may also receive a bundle of Personal Protective Equipment from our PHN that will support them for the next 4 weeks. Within this bundle each pharmacist is able to receive 90 N95 respirators and one set of goggles or a face shield. Following this initial bundle each pharmacist will be able to order N95 respirators until 31 March 2022. To order this PPE for your pharmacist click here.
General practice and community pharmacies
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) packages including surgical and N95/P2 masks, are available for community pharmacies and those GPs who continue to see their patients within their practices. PPE guidelines can be found here. CESPHN will continue to distribute these supplies. To order PPE for your practice or pharmacy click here.
Central and Eastern Sydney PHN have moved to a new site.
As you may have noticed, our website looks different. Central and Eastern Sydney PHN have moved to a new site and although much has remained the same, we have introduced some new functions.
Welcome to our new website! As you may have noticed, our website looks different. Central and Eastern Sydney PHN have moved to a new site and although much has remained the same, we have introduced some new functions. These include: Updated navigation When you land on our new website, you…
COVID-19 weekly update – 25 JANUARY 2023 COVID-19 cases in the region The number of reported COVID cases in our region has decreased over the last week and there are declines in hospital presentations, and residential aged care facility outbreaks. Infection control and wearing masks (staff and patients) is still…
FIVE QUESTIONS is where we ask members of the community to talk about how they stay HEALTHY. One Door Mental Health CEO Kathi Boorman shared this: 1. What exercise did you do yesterday? Most mornings, I get up at around 5 am and exercise for 30 minutes on my exercise…
Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) digital health foundations webinars The meaningful use of digital health in Australia is underpinned by healthcare organisations connecting to the Healthcare Identifiers (HI) service. This four-part webinar series will provide managers of medical practices, community pharmacies and other healthcare organisations with an understanding of the…
Palliative Care Resource Pack for Primary Care CareSearch has just released the Primary Health Care Resource Pack containing: communication starters, forms for assessing deterioration, forms to assess carer needs, a checklist of PBS prescriber medicines that can be used in terminal care, a practical checklist to guide and support a…
Palliative Care Resources for GPs CareSearch has now released printable versions of the reference guides to help GPs navigate CareSearch resources. These guides will direct you to actionable, relevant, evidence-based CareSearch resources to assist you in providing palliative care, including to specific populations. You can either download or order for…
New care finder services to assist older people in central and eastern Sydney The Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) is establishing a care finder program on behalf of the Australian Government. This follows recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which called for…