Immunisation weekly update – 1 February 2023

Childhood immunisation overdue reports

CESPHN is inviting general practices to sign up to receive a regular report extracted on your behalf from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) which is specific to your practice.

This report contains all children aged 0-5 living in the CESPHN region who, according to the AIR, are not up to date with their National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccinations. All children included in your practice report had received their last vaccination by a provider at your practice.

If you do not already receive these regular reports from CESPHN and would like to, please let us know by filling out this form.

Error noted on Rotarix wheel (printed resource)

Providers will have received communication from GSK last week regarding an error noted on some printed copies of the GSK Rotarix Dosing and Administration Wheel (Rotarix Wheel). All providers are advised to stop using the Rotarix Wheel and discard any copies.

There is no issue with Rotarix vaccine itself, or the recommended schedule for administration as per the National Immunisation Program (NIP) or the Australian Immunisation Handbook, just the Rotarix Wheel printed resource.

Mandatory reporting of Japanese encephalitis vaccines to the AIR

A reminder that from December 21, 2022, vaccination providers must report the administration of all Japanese encephalitis vaccines to the AIR.

Under the Australian Immunisation Register Act 2015 (AIR Act), it is now mandatory for all vaccination providers to reports to the AIR the following vaccinations:

• COVID-19 vaccinations given on or after February 20, 2021
• Influenza vaccinations given on or after March 1, 2021
• NIP vaccinations given on or after July 1, 2021.

The timely and accurate reporting of information to the AIR allows for monitoring of immunisation coverage and administration across the country. It also provides individuals with a complete record of their vaccinations, which can be used for education, employment, and travel purposes.

Rabies and Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV)

South Eastern Sydney HealthPathways have published a new pathway regarding pre and post exposure for Rabies and ABLV, which are both nationally notifiable diseases, and must be notified to your local public health unit.

Ensure your patients are still getting tested for COVID-19 when unwell

t’s still important that we test for COVID-19 to limit the spread. Encourage patients to check the health website for the latest COVID-19 information, visit their nearest state-run testing site, GP-led Respiratory Clinic or GP, and check if they are eligible for oral treatments. See further information on access to PCR testing from 1 January 2023.

Immunisation Education

NSW Flu Vaccination Update 2023 – RACGP Webinar

• About: Participants will receive an update on the 2023 NSW Influenza Vaccination Program to help ensure they are well positioned to support their patients for the coming influenza season.
• When: Tuesday | 28 February 2023 | 7:30 – 8:30 pm (AEDT)
• Register: Free – Click to register

CESPHN Annual Immunisation Update – SAVE THE DATE

• About: latest updates on the COVID-19 vaccination program, NSW Influenza Vaccination Program and more. Agenda TBC
• When: Tuesday | 4 April 2023 | 7:00 – 8:30 pm (AEDT)
• Register: Further details and registration to follow