Immunisation weekly update – 14 September 2022

Measles notification in SESLHD

First case of measles in NSW in over 2 years confirmed in an adult resident of South Eastern Sydney LHD. Infection was acquired overseas. The person was infectious in the community for several days, with known exposures at:

• St Andrew’s Catholic Church Malabar on September 4
• Maroubra Road Physiotherapy on September 5
• UNSW on September 6
• Pacific Square Malabar on 7 September in the morning

GPs are advised to be alert for cases presenting – isolate patients with fever and rash in a separate room on arrival and notify the PHU about all suspected cases (do not wait for test results). Collect a nose and throat swab and a first pass urine sample for measles PCR, and blood for measles serology (IgM and IgG). Mark tests as urgent (PHU can assist with expediting).

Further Information

Contact the Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 or see NSW Measles control guidelines

Moderna Bivalent vaccine (Original/Omicron BA.1)

From 10 October 2022, Moderna Bivalent will be included in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program for boosters in people aged 18 years, as per ATAGI advice.

Clinicians will be required to complete the relevant training modules prior to administering the Moderna bivalent vaccine. All sites currently participating in the COVID-19 Vaccine Program will be onboarded for Moderna bivalent 18+ blue/green in tranches. Your PHN will advise you which tranche you will be onboarded in. All primary care sites will receive an ongoing allocation of 100 doses of Moderna bivalent 18+ blue/green.

ATAGI has provided recommendations following the TGA provisional registration for Moderna Spikevax Bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.1) vaccine for use as a booster dose in people aged 18 years and older:

• The Moderna bivalent vaccine can be used as an alternative vaccine for any booster dose in people aged 18 years or older, according to the current ATAGI recommendations for booster doses.
• ATAGI have made no changes to the current booster recommendations and is not advising any extra booster doses beyond the second booster dose (fourth dose) in selected populations.
• The booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine should be given at least 3 months after the most recent COVID-19 vaccine dose or previous COVID-19 infection
• Co-administration of Moderna bivalent vaccine with other non-COVID vaccines is acceptable, as per current ATAGI clinical guidance.
• The bivalent Moderna vaccine is not recommended for primary course of vaccination (first two doses in most people or first three doses in severely immunocompromised people).
• ATAGI does not currently recommend use of the Moderna bivalent vaccine as a booster in anyone under 18 years as it is not registered for this age group.

For further information, contact coronavirus@cesphn.com.au

Nurse Scholarship

CESPHN is inviting registered nurses to apply for a scholarship to become a qualified Authorised Nurse Immuniser in NSW. CESPHN are offering successful applicants 100% scholarship to the Understanding Vaccines and the National Immunisation Program.

For more information about the scholarship and to apply, see CESPHN Immunisation website. Applications close 30 September 2022.

Webinars

COVID-19 response update

• About: primary care update on the COVID-19 response and the vaccine rollout – key updates and Q&A
• Thursday 2 September 2022 at 12:00pm to 12:30pm (AEST) – **note new time
• Click link to join

CESPHN Monkeypox webinar

• About: latest information regarding the Monkeypox virus including vaccination, identification, treatment, and case management.
• Speaker: Presented by Dr Kasha Singh, Infectious Diseases physician at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and clinical researcher based at The P eter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity in Melbourne, Australia.
• Register:Click here to register for event on Tuesday 20 September 2022, 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
• Target audience: All primary health professionals

Adolescent Vaccination

• About: Listen to adolescent health experts discuss the key role of General Practice in improving uptake of recommended adolescent vaccinations, adolescent preventative health topics , and communication with young patients
• Register:RSVP here for Thursday 15 September at 1pm
• CPD: the 1 hour webinar is RACGP accredited attracting 2 CPD points
• Contact benjamin.tuckey@pfizer.com or 0417 395 849 for further information

NCIRS 25 Year Anniversary Showcase live stream

• About: A virtual showcase of inspiring presentations from Australian and international experts to commemorate the moments that have shaped the immunisation landscape over the past 25 years, with a look towards the future.
• Register:RSVP here for event on Thursday 15 September 2022, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm https://www.addevent.com/event/rb14756504(see showcase program)

Immunisation news

Catch up on previous Immunisation Weekly Updates.

Keep up to date with the latest information on Monkeypox.