Immunisation Weekly Update:

NIP funded Zostavax® for people aged 71-79 years – ends soon

Healthcare providers are reminded that the Zostavax® funding for people aged 71-79 years ends on 31 October 2023.

With only two months remaining, providers are encouraged to contact eligible patients to offer them the zoster vaccine before the funding period ends.

Need help? Contact digitalhealth@cesphn.com.au or immunisation@cesphn.com.au

NIP funding for herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine is changing from 1 November 2023 and people aged 71-79 years will not be eligible for either Shingrix® or Zostavax® under the expected NIP program changes:

Vaccination videos for high school students

These videos provide information for students on how vaccination protects you, why it’s important, and what to expect when you receive your vaccinations at school. These vaccinations include:

• Year 7 or 8: Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa)
• Year 10: Meningococcal ACWY

Vaccination videos for high school students:

• Getting your human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination at school – what to expect
• Getting your meningococcal ACWY vaccination at school — what to expect
• Getting your diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) vaccination at school — what to expect
• Getting your HPV & dTpa vaccinations at school – what to expect
• The HPV vaccine for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
• HPV motion graphic for students

Stay well in Spring: NSW Health community influenza resources

Winter may be over, but flu and COVID-19 can continue to circulate in the community. NSW Health has a number of influenza and respiratory resources available for the community on the NSW Health website. This includes in-language resources and information on free influenza vaccination for higher-risk groups. As the weather warms and people are gathering, sharing these resources with the community can help encourage vaccination and healthy hygiene practices like staying home when sick and hand washing..

Influenza hospitalisation in children

The Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance (PAEDS) network is actively conducting surveillance of influenza hospitalisation in Aussie kids, in collaboration with the Influenza Complications Alert Network (PAEDS-FluCAN).

PAEDS-FluCAN is a vital source of data used to analyse influenza activity and severity in the community. Collected data contribute to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Australian Influenza Surveillance Reports (AISR) – 2023.

Surveillance is ongoing and PAEDS-FluCAN will continue to monitor flu in children for the remainder of the 2023 flu season.

NCIRS webinar: Vaccination for people with disability

This webinar we will explore gaps, opportunities and advice relating to vaccinating people with disability, including important tips and present effective strategies for vaccinating people with disability in your clinic.

• About: vaccination service gaps for people with disability, ways to support vaccination of patients with complex needs, and new NCIRS resources to support healthcare providers in vaccination.
• When: Friday 22 September 2023 | 12:00pm – 1:15 pm
• Register