Immunisation Weekly Update:

NIP: Vaxelis ® added to schedule

From 1 July 2023, Vaxelis® will be added to the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Vaxelis® is a hexavalent (six-in-one) vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). Vaxelis® is registered for use from 6 weeks of age. It does not require reconstitution.

More information will be shared when it becomes available. Register for our CPD education event Childhood Vaccination Schedule update which will provide in depth information about Vaxelis® and the updates to the childhood National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule.

Protect your patients from flu and COVID by ensuring they are vaccinated

NSW Health is urging people aged 65 and over to book in for their free influenza (flu) vaccine through their GP or local pharmacy, amid concerns of moderate levels of influenza transmission in the community.

More than 9,000 people in NSW were diagnosed with influenza during the past fortnight, 4 June to 17 June, with the latest data showing an increase in the number of people who presented to NSW emergency departments in June with influenza-like illness.

Influenza vaccination coverage in the central and eastern Sydney PHN region is behind that of NSW in the over 65 population, with only 48 per cent of people vaccinated, compared to the NSW coverage rate of 57 per cent. Additionally, only 25 per cent of children aged less than 5 years within CESPHN region are currently vaccinated against flu.

Those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza are eligible for a free flu vaccine and include:

• People aged 65 and over
• Children aged six months to under five years
• Aboriginal people from six months of age
• Pregnant women
• Those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, severe asthma, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease.

Contact us at immunisation@cesphn.com.au if you require assitance in generating a list of your patients overdue for flu or COVID vaccinations for follow up.

Discontinuation of Pfizer 12 years+ (Purple)

Expiry: All Pfizer 12 years+(purple) vaccine doses will expire on 30 June 2023. Providers should dispose vaccines on 1 July (the day after expiry) and report any wastage in CVAS.

Offboarding: Pfizer 12 years+(purple) stock is discontinued and can no longer be ordered. Once stock on hand in CVAS shows zero and all reporting has been completed, this vaccine product will be automatically deactivated in CVAS.

Workshop: Addressing vaccine hesitancy

• About: interactive workshop taking a scenario-based approach to address low vaccine confidence and provide strategies to identify and engage patients who are hesitant to vaccination.
• When: Thursday | 29 June 2023 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
• Register
• Pre-event submission: Attendees are encouraged to submit examples of vaccine hesitancy scenarios encountered in practice prior to the event. Email events@cesphn.com.au

Education event: Childhood vaccination schedule update

• About: recent updates to the childhood National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule, specifically regarding the addition of Vaxelis, and key differences between the hexavalent vaccines available on the NIP. We will also provide an overview of infectious diseases common in children and discuss declining childhood immunisation coverage rates in the CESPHN region. This event will also be live streamed so you can join online.
• When: Thursday | 3 August 2023 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
• Registration (hybrid event):
  • Register for IN PERSON attendance at The Waterfront Function Centre @ St George Motor Boat Club, 2 Wellington Street, Sans Souci, NSW 2219
  • Register for ONLINE attendance

For more information about the event visit CESPHN Events webpage. Target audience: GPs, Pharmacists, & Nurses.