Immunisation Weekly Update:

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

1. Mpox declared a global emergency
2. SESLHD immunisation clinic dates extended
3. Vaccine fridge annual service
4. Provider update on COVID-19 vaccines
5. Education
6. Flu vaccine coverage in NSW

Mpox declared a global emergency

Australian health authorities are monitoring the evolving epidemiology of mpox after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global emergency. The Department of Health and Aged Care has updated its mpox webpage to reflect this.

ATAGI interim statement published July 2024 advises:

• those who received their first dose of mpox vaccine more than 28 days ago to have their second dose as soon as possible, to maximise protection. 
• booster doses of mpox vaccine are not recommended for people who are already fully vaccinated with a 2-dose course, including those with severe immunocompromise.  

Mpox vaccine eligibility criteria

The JYNNEOS vaccine is free in NSW for eligible groups of people. Two doses are required. A Medicare card is not needed. See eligibility criteria to be vaccinated against mpox in NSW. People travelling are currently not eligible to receive the mpox vaccine.

Mpox vaccination clinics

The JYNNEOS vaccine is only available at participating clinics in NSW. Mpox vaccine is not available to general practices or pharmacies. List of mpox vaccination clinics in CESPHN:

• RPA Sexual Health Clinic, Camperdown
• Kirkton Road Centre, Darlinghurst
• Short Street Sexual Health Clinic, Kogarah
• The Albion Centre – Surry Hills
• Sydney Sexual Health Clinic, Sydney CBD

Further information

• The Handbook Mpox chapter outlines the latest recommendations for primary and post-exposure mpox vaccination.
• CESPHN Mpox health alert contains relevant links for local support
•  Contact the Sexual Health Infolink​ on 1800 451 624 for further information and support.

SESLHD immunisation clinic dates extended

Free immunisation clinics are currently operating in Hurstville, Wolli Creek, Menai and Rockdale. These clinics offer increased access to immunisation for all, no Medicare card required. For more information and to book see here.

Vaccine fridge annual service

Did you know that vaccine fridges are required to be serviced annually? It is important (and mandatory) that purpose-built vaccine refrigerators receive annual maintenance to maintain them in optimal operating condition and extend their useful life.

Order a free CESPHN vaccine fridge temperature logbook which includes a reminder to service your fridge every 12 months and complete an annual vaccine storage self-audit to ensure that your practice is compliant with Strive for 5 requirements.

Provider update on COVID-19 vaccines

On 9 August 2024, the Handbook COVID-19 chapter was updated to keep in line with the latest available information on SARS-CoV-2 and its prevention. The changes include: 

• removal of references to Comirnaty (Pfizer) Original 5 <12 years formulation (no longer available)  
• addition of information on Pfizer XBB.1.5 6 months to <5 years formulation 
• updates to information on individual product shelf life and registration for use as a booster vaccine  
• other minor updates to reflect currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.
  

Education

HotDoc webinar: Cold Chain Monitoring in General Practice

Register here for a webinar on Cold Chain Monitoring in General Practice on Wednesday 4th September at 12:30 pm AEST.

This session will cover: 

• Principles of cold chain monitoring for immunisations
• How to detect and manage cold chain breaches
• What are the best practice guidelines including monitoring and reporting
• Effective strategies to ensure vaccine efficacy and safety

NCIRS webinar recording: Rabies and travel vaccines

Watch recording of NCIRS’s recent webinar on rabies, vaccination for travellers and worldwide disease trends, hosted by the Centre’s Director Professor Kristine Macartney. The event featured a panel of prominent domestic and international experts presenting on topics including the current status of rabies and its prevention, which vaccine-preventable diseases are emerging or re-emerging globally, and how to conduct successful travel vaccination consults in 2024.

Flu vaccine coverage in NSW

Snapshot of the latest NSW flu vaccine coverage from AIR data as at 18 August 2024: NCIRS Influenza vaccination coverage data.

Immunisation providers are reminded to encourage vaccination at every opportunity, especially for those medically at risk and eligible for free vaccination under the NIP.