The introduction of new vaccine products can increase the risk of vaccine administration errors. Immunisation providers must ensure that a vaccine is clinically appropriate for the patient prior to administration. Some potential errors include:
Infant RSV immunisation
Eligible newborns will be offered Beyfortus™ in hospital under the NSW RSV Prevention Program. General practices can order Beyfortus™ where an eligible child has been missed in hospital or has not received 2nd RSV season dose in hospital. General practices are advised NOT to keep Beyfortus (nirsevimab) stock in their vaccine refrigerators.
Maternal RSV vaccine
Adult RSV vaccine
In a letter to health professionals, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer expressed concern about declining influenza vaccine rates, urging vaccinators to focus on improving uptake as the flu season approaches.
The ATAGI statement also expressly noted that the importance of influenza vaccination should be emphasised, and that a healthcare professional recommendation is the strongest predictor of a person’s decision to vaccinate.
Official advice on influenza (flu) vaccination 2025 – including on which flu vaccines are registered and available for use in Australia in 2025 – is contained in the following three documents:
· ATAGI statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2025
· 2025 influenza vaccination – Program advice for health professionals
· 2025 influenza (flu) vaccination – Consumer fact sheet
Services Australia has released a series of new infographics on the Health Professional Education portal to support health professionals in using the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
The resources detail how to:
· delete a vaccination from the AIR
· check the accuracy of immunisation encounters before reporting to the AIR
Safety data published by AusVaxSafety report low adverse event rates after Arexvy® RSV vaccination.
Safety surveillance data from more than 2,000 Arexvy® vaccine recipients between Feb to Sept 2024 showed that over 63% experienced no side effects in the first three days after vaccination.
The most common adverse events experienced were local reactions (30%) – mainly pain, swelling and redness at the injection site – followed by fatigue (21%), muscle ache (myalgia; 13%) and headache (12%).
The level of impact on routine activities was low, with less than 5% of respondents reporting missing work, study or routine duties in the three days after vaccination. The proportion of respondents reporting medical attendance to a GP or hospital was low, at 0.4%.
The following COVID-19 vaccination program resources were recently updated:
| REGISTER 27 March 2025 12:00 pm –1:15pm | Triple protection: Vaccines for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV in 2025 Staying informed on the latest recommendations for vaccination is essential for immunisation providers as we approach the 2025 respiratory illness season. This NCIRS webinar will provide essential information that will support the delivery of government funded vaccines protecting against influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, as well as privately funded RSV vaccines for older adults, in 2025. The event will feature practical tips on delivery and maximising uptake for triple protection and an interactive live Q&A session. |
| APPLY April – August 2025 | Nurse education scholarship opportunities in 2025 CESPHN is offering registered nurses (RN) working in general practice within the CESPHN region the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to attend one of four face-to-face educational workshops. Workshops include 2025 Immunisation Professional Development Conference, Ear Wax Removal (Irrigation), Managing Wounds in Primary Healthcare and Perform Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation and Iron Infusion. |
Health Referral Forms
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