Immunisation Weekly Update:

Welcome to our weekly Immunisation Update! In this week’s update read about:

1. Mpox important updates
2. Childhood immunisation coverage data by PHN and SA3
3. New ‘Recommended sites for childhood vaccinations’ poster
4. New ‘Super Kids’ childhood vaccination campaign
5. Updated COVID-19 resources

Mpox important updates

Mpox transmission is increasing in NSW

On 9 September 2024, a NSW Health distributed a new Mpox alert to notify GPs and clinicians that mpox cases are continuing to increase with 236 cases notified in NSW since mid-June 2024, and 13 hospitalisations. All cases are male, and almost all are men who have sex with men (MSM).

There have been no hospitalisations in people who have received two vaccinations.

Key messages:

• Test all sexually active people with symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, sexual orientation or travel history.
• If mpox is suspected in a returned traveller from Africa, call the PHU immediately on 1300 066 055.
• Refer all eligible patients to receive mpox vaccination at a participating clinic. A Medicare card is not required.
• Ensure eligible patients receive two doses of mpox vaccine administered at least 28 days apart, as per ATAGI advice.
• People travelling to areas where mpox cases are circulating, including endemic Africa, are currently not eligible to receive the mpox vaccine.

New mpox walk-in clinic

An new mpox vaccination clinic at RPA HealthOne Green Square has been added to the list of participating clinics in NSW. Walk in appointments are welcome at this clinic:

• 9am-1pm – Monday, Wednesday and Friday
• 1pm-5pm – Tuesday and Thursday.

Patients and providers can contact the Sexual Health Info Link​ (SHIL)  on 1800 451 624 for further information and support.

Mpox vaccine age restriction removed

On 29 August 2024, ATAGI recommendations for mpox vaccination were updated to remove the previous age restriction of 16 years and older. ATAGI now recommends that people of all ages who are at risk of exposure to mpox receive mpox vaccine.

Currently, the mpox vaccine is only available to people who meet the eligibility criteria. ATAGI does not recommend vaccination for people travelling to areas where mpox cases are circulating, who do not meet the current vaccine eligibility.

The Mpox chapter of the Australian Immunisation Handbook outlines recommendations for primary and post-exposure mpox vaccination.

Childhood immunisation coverage data by PHN and SA3

Childhood immunisation coverage data for the period from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 is now available. This data, published by the Department of Health and Aged Care, provides immunisation coverage by Statistical Areas Level 3 (SA3) and by Primary Health Networks (PHNs).     

Childhood immunisation coverage is the percentage of children who have had all the vaccines recommended for their age. Australia’s national aspirational coverage target is 95%. Reaching this aspirational target will provide enough herd immunity to stop the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

How did CESPHN perform?

CESPHN is the third largest PHN in Australia by population and includes thirteen Statistical Area 3 (SA3). Several SA3s exceeded the 95% target rate, however overall, CESPHN coverage rates missed the target of 95% for the quarter ending 30 June 2024.

Register your practice to participate in our Immunisation QI Activity: Overdue Childhood Immunisations to help improve immunisation coverage rates and reach the 95% target!

New ‘Recommended sites for childhood vaccinations’ poster

A new NCIRS poster has been developed to support safe and effective administration of childhood vaccines.

The poster features illustrated diagrams for each immunisation schedule point for children, detailing the relevant recommended vaccines, sites and routes of administration. It also provides needle size recommendations, a checklist to assist in preparing for vaccination and additional clinical advice. 

The poster is available for download on the NCIRS website.

New ‘Super Kids’ childhood vaccination campaign

The Department of Health and Aged Care is emphasising the importance of childhood vaccinations in a new campaign for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and carers. It has been developed to help address lower vaccination rates in this group. 

The ‘Super Kids’ campaign depicts children who are up to date with their routine vaccinations as ‘superheroes’ who protect their entire communities. The campaign resource collection includes a range of posters and videos that health professionals can utilise in their workplaces.

Updated COVID-19 resources

On 30 August 2024, the Recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses and COVID-19 vaccines in Australia poster were updated to reflect the latest COVID-19 vaccine formulations available in Australia.

COVID-19 vaccination information and recommendations can be found in the COVID-19 chapter of the Australian Immunisation Handbook.