Immunisation weekly update – 12 May 2021

12 May 2021

Fluad Quad – urgent action required

Reports have been received that 2020 Fluad Quad vaccines have been distributed with 2021 Fluad Quad vaccines.

Urgent action is required:

• Check the expiry date of all 2021 Fluad Quad vaccines (including each vaccine inside each box) that have been received since the commencement of the 2021 influenza vaccination program.
• Report any vaccine issues to the state vaccine centre on 1300 656 132.
• Contact your local public health unit on 1300 066 055 for clinical advice. See GP fax from NSW Health

Guidance on the use of multi-dose vials

These ATAGI guidelines provide advice on the correct use of multi-dose vials and are provided in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Correct equipment, procedures and method for dose extraction will minimise the risks of vial contamination, administration errors and vaccine wastage.

See ATAGI guidance on the use of multi-dose vials for COVID-19 vaccinationInfluenza vaccine requirements to enter RACFS

From 1 June to 30 September 2021, all visitors and staff entering a residential aged care facility should be required to provide evidence that they received a dose of the 2021 influenza vaccination.

Exceptional and special circumstances for visiting an RACF

• Priority should be given to COVID-19 vaccination. Staff and visitors are permitted to enter a facility if their influenza vaccine is delayed due to receiving COVID vaccinations (has had a COVID-19 vaccine in the last 2 weeks or is booked in to have a COVID-19). See How to get an an immunisation history statement for documentation showing COVID vaccination dates.
• Where the person has a medical certificateindicating a contraindication to influenza vaccination or there are other special circumstances, visits may be permitted provided additional precautions are applied.
• See Exceptional and special circumstances

Further information: Advice to residential aged care facilities

NSW vaccination centre now open

The NSW Vaccination Centre at Sydney Olympic Park is now open for bookings. Those currently eligible include:

• anyone in Phase 1a, regardless of age, and
• those in Phase 1b aged under 50.

Check eligibility and book an appointment using the Vaccine Eligibility Checker.

People aged 40-49 years 

People aged 40-49 years can register their interest for the Pfizer vaccine.

People aged 50 years and over

• People who are 50 years of age or over can make an appointment for the AstraZeneca vaccine from Wednesday 12 May 2021 via the Vaccine Eligibility Checker.

Pen CS COVID-19 vaccine rollout

COVID-19 Vaccine CAT Report Guide updated with New AstraZeneca Vaccine Recommendations

With the latest update to the recommendations for the Astra Zeneca vaccine, our COVID-19 CAT Vaccine Reports will need to be filtered to exclude anyone younger than 50 years, regardless of their underlying medical conditions. For any questions or further information, contact Pen CS Support.

COVID-19 vaccine updates for GPs

Join the latest COVID-19 vaccine live stream update for GPs.

The panel will provide latest key updates and answer participants’ questions live about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Details: Thursday 13 May, 11:30am-12:30pm (AEDT) | Click link to join

Get involved by submitting questions and comments!

Catch up on previous webinars

New resources and webinars

A collection of resources to assist residential aged care managers and infection prevention and control leads to engage with their workforce and support discussion about COVID-19 vaccination, and fact sheets about COVID-19 vaccines for the residential aged care workforce.

• COVID-19 vaccine information for the residential aged care workforce
• COVID-19 vaccination – Information to engage and support residential aged care workers to get a COVID-19 vaccine

ATAGI has released updated clinical advice

• COVID-19 vaccination – ATAGI clinical guidance on COVID-19 vaccine in Australia in 2021
• Guidance on the use of multi-dose vials
• Decision guide for people receiving palliative care or end of life care
• Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome
• Guide to seeking consent

Clinical guidance and other resources for COVID-19 vaccines provided by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), and resources for patients receiving a COVID-19 vaccination.

• COVID-19 vaccination – Provider resources
• COVID-19 vaccination – Patient resources and Easy Read resources