Immunisation Weekly Update:

Dinner & Networking CPD event next week

Join our immunisation event next week on Thursday 3 August 2023 to learn about the recent addition of Vaxelis® to the childhood NIP schedule as an alternative to Infanrix Hexa® and key differences between the two hexavalent vaccines, as well as an overview of infectious diseases common in children, AIR childhood overdue reports and more.

• Date: Thursday, 3 August 2023, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
• Location: The Waterfront Function Centre @ St George Motor Boat Club, 2 Wellington Street, Sans Souci, NSW 2219
• Registration:
  • Register for IN PERSON attendance
  • Register for ONLINE attendance

All immunisation providers including GPs, nurses and pharmacists are encouraged to attend.

Rabies management following exposure

Returning travellers may present to general practice with exposure to rabies virus following a bite from an infected animal. If not treated promptly after exposure, rabies is almost always fatal.

Urgent medical attention is critical – immediately contact Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 to arrange administration of post-exposure prophylaxis and rabies immunoglobulin where required.

Health professionals can find localised information for the management rabies on the relevant HealthPathways website: Sydney LHD HealthPathways or South Eastern Sydney HealthPathways.

Measles Alert: Randwick & Rose Bay

Measles cases have been notified in two residents of SESLHD. The cases visited several locations in Randwick and Rose Bay – see all exposure locations.

Secondary cases may arise in the coming week, and health workers should be alert for cases presenting:

• Isolate suspected measles cases (patients with fever and rash) in a separate room on arrival; if suspected cases call you ahead, arrange to see them at home, or in your rooms without exposing other patients.
• Notify the Public Health Unit about suspected cases – don’t wait for test results before calling. The earlier the PHU knows about a suspected case the more effective contact tracing can be.
• Test suspected cases and mark as urgent – collect both a nose and throat swab and a first pass urine sample for measles PCR, and blood for measles serology (IgM & IgG). The PHU can assist in expediting testing, if indicated.

Further information:

• Contact Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055
• NSW Health Measles alert for CESPHN General Practitioners
• NSW Health Media release 21 July 2023
• NSW Measles control guidelines for public health units

Vaccine timelines

The Vaccination for our Mob report shows that the percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children vaccinated on time is substantially lower than for non-Indigenous children. The report outlines key strategies to improve the timeliness of vaccination and address concerns about delayed vaccination in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Immunisation education

Online course: 2023 Influenza Preparedness & Vaccine Options

• This Healthed online course 2023 Influenza Preparedness & Vaccine Options for Older Adults is RACGP accredited for 2 hours of CPD training, free and available on-demand for GPs and healthcare professionals.

Webinar: Why do we need a new tuberculosis vaccine?

In this webinar, you will hear more about why we need to develop a new TB vaccine, the limitations of the current vaccine and what new vaccines are on the horizon – as well as the challenges associated with their development.

When: Thursday 27 July 2023, 3–4 p.m. AEST

Zoom meeting ID: 619 7690 1161

Password: 778295

This is a free event; contact asiapacific.health@mcri.edu.au with any questions.