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Close this windowThis post is not the latest immunisation update and therefore may contain information or advice that is out of date. Please see our most recent update here.
The Department of Health and Aged Care has introduced an online Cold Chain Breach (CCB) reporting form to be emailed to the Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC) on COVID19VaccineOperationsCentre@Health.gov.au.
On 8 February 2023, The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) provided updated advice on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, replacing previous booster dose recommendations.
ATAGI recommends a 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for adults in the following groups, if their last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection (whichever is the most recent) was 6 months ago or longer, and regardless of the number of prior doses received.
A booster dose is recommended for:
ATAGI advises that people in the following groups should consider a 2023 booster dose based on an individual risk benefit assessment with their immunisation provider:
ATAGI also advises that:
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation
ATAGI advises that the Pfizer bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.4/5) COVID-19 vaccine can be used as a booster dose by adolescents and adults aged ≥12 years who are recommended to receive a COVID-19 booster according to the ATAGI 2023 booster advice.
The Pfizer bivalent BA.4/5 vaccine is not currently registered for use in children aged <12 years or as a primary series . An approved alternative COVID-19 vaccine, e.g. Pfizer Original COVID-19 vaccine, should be used in children aged 5-11 years who require a booster dose.
Training
Complete the Additional Module 1a: Pfizer/BionNTech (BIVALENT) COVID-19 Booster vaccine available on the COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program website.
Onboarding
Commencement letters have been sent out to eligible general practices: Onboarding of Pfizer Bivalent (BA.4-5) 12 years+ (Grey) vaccine. These practices are commencing in two Tranches: Tranche 1 commencing 6 March 2023, and Tranche 2 commencing 13 March 2023.
Download the updated schedule card: National Immunisation Program Schedule.
In preparation for 2023 seasonal influenza vaccination, practices are advised to order their private stock with consideration to the NSW Immunisation Schedule. This includes the following groups receiving free influenza vaccination under the NIP:
Flu is recommended for all, however those that do not fall into one of the above categories must purchase flu stock privately.
On 11 February 2023, enhancements were made to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) in preparation for the 2023 influenza season. It is mandatory for providers to report all Influenza vaccinations to the AIR administered on, or after, 1 March 2021.
NIP and non-NIP influenza vaccines
Providers will now be able to indicate whether an influenza vaccine is NIP funded by selecting either:
Additional influenza vaccine names added to the AIR include: Afluria Quad (NIP), Afluria Quad (Non-NIP), Fluarix Tetra (NIP) and Fluarix Tetra (Non-NIP). On a patient’s Immunisation History Statement, only the vaccine brand name will display.
Updates to existing influenza vaccines
AIR has removed the following influenza vaccine brands which are no longer registered or available for use in Australia: Afluria Quad – AFLR, Fluvax – FLUVAX, Vaxigrip – VAXGRP, Fluarix – FLRIX, Fluarix Tetra – FLUTET, FluQuadri Junior – FQDJN, Fluvirin – FLVRN, Panvax – PANVAX, Influvac – INFLUV, Agrippal – AGRPAL, Vaxigrip Junior – VGRJNR, Fluvax Junior – FVXJNR, Fluad – FLUAD, and Fluzone High-Dose – FLUHID.
Vaccines administered prior to 11 February 2023 will still be able to be reported to the AIR.
In instances where the vaccine brand is not available to report to the AIR (eg overseas), providers can report it as ‘Generic Influenza’.
It is mandatory under the Australian Immunisation Register Act 2015, for vaccination providers to report all Influenza vaccinations administered on, or after, 1 March 2021.
The Department of Health and Aged Care is seeking expressions of interest from clinical professionals, researchers, and service delivery and consumer experts to join the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), commencing 1 July 2023.
ATAGI provides evidence-based advice on immunisation policies, programs and priorities. Applications must be received by close of business (Canberra time) on 22 February 2023 to ATAGI.Secretariat@health.gov.au.
Lunch and Learn: Immunisation catch ups – SECOND DATE ADDED
NSW Flu Vaccination Update 2023 – RACGP Webinar
CESPHN Annual Immunisation Update
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