Immunisation Weekly Update:

Updated NSW Immunisation Schedule

The NSW Immunisation Schedule was updated October 2023 to include NIP funded Shingrix®. Schedule change FAQs are published on the NSW Health webpage.

Providers will receive a hardcopy of the updated NSW Immunisation Schedule, NSW Schedule poster (with vaccine images) and fridge basket stickers in the coming weeks. Additional copies can be ordered by completing the NSW Immunisation Resource Order Form.

Restrictions for Shingrix® ordering

NSW Health released a statement on Shingrix® vaccine restrictions to advise that Shingrix will be limited to 5-20 vaccines per month (depending on clinic size) during the initial roll out of the program until early 2024 when supply restrictions are expected to ease. Shingrix® is now available to order through the NSW Vaccine Centre online ordering system.

Prioritisation of Shingrix®

• Patients who have previously received Zostavax® must wait at least 5 years after their dose before they are eligible to receive NIP funded Shingrix®.
• Prioritise highest risk patients for Shingrix® vaccination – risk of developing shingles increases with age and is higher in people who are immunocompromised.
• Zostavax® can be administered to people aged 70 years who prefer to receive this vaccine.

Opportunistic vaccination:

• Check vaccination history on AIR and offer any required vaccines at Shingrix® appointment:
  • Prevenar13® vaccine for people aged 70 years and over
  • COVID-19 vaccine for people aged 70 years and over if it has been 6 months since last dose/infection

HealthPathways provides health professionals in CESPHN with access to up-to-date clinical information and resources to support assessment, management, and referral of their patients.

For more information visit the Immunisation in Adults pathway:

• HealthPathways South Eastern Sydney – Contact SESLHD team for login details.
• HealthPathways Sydney – Contact SLHD team for login details.

Related resources:

• NSW Health FAQ website
• NSW Health Shingrix program information for: General Practice, Pharmacy, RACF
• NIP Shingles program advice for: Providers, Consumers

Injection sites poster for childhood vaccinations

This poster illustrates recommended sites for childhood vaccinations in NSW. It has been updated to include the addition of the new hexavalent vaccine Vaxelis® to the NSW Immunisation Schedule.

Download poster or order copies for your practice here.

Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) tips

The new NCIRS AIR tips webpage provides answers to common questions about using the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). The tips include information on topics such as:

• how to edit immunisation encounters
• how to report vaccinations for non-Medicare individuals
• how to correctly report influenza vaccinations. 

These items complement the infographics and eLearning modules available on the Services Australia Health Professional Education Resources page.

Vax at Home Service

The CESPHN Vax at Home Service is for those people who are housebound and not able to leave their house to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or booster. The service will accept referrals for people 16 years and over. Referrals will be accepted from GPs and from Local Health Districts. Patient self-referrals will not be accepted.

All referrals must be sent through this Vax at Home Service Online Form. Please also indicate if an influenza vaccine is also required. Please note, a referral will need to be attached to the online form. For further information on the program, please contact us.

Maternal vaccination rates in NSW

A new study has shown that from 2016 to 2020, maternal vaccination increased from 27% to 59% for influenza and from 43% to 79% for pertussis.

While coverage of both maternal influenza and pertussis vaccines has increased over time in NSW, disparities in coverage still exist – younger mothers (aged less than 30 years), those from lower socio-economic status areas and those using the public hospital care model had a lower likelihood of having received maternal influenza and pertussis vaccinations.

Immunisation providers can help to improve maternal vaccine uptake by recommending maternal vaccination and highlighting the benefits and risks associated. Resources are available to support recommended maternal vaccines available under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women.

The Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation website provides reliable information for expectant parents about vaccination in pregnancy and for babies.

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