Immunisation weekly update – 16 June 2022

First booster dose for at-risk 12-15 years olds

From 14 June 2022, adolescents aged 12 to 15 who are at most at risk of severe disease are recommended to receive a Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID-19 booster vaccination. Currently, Spikevax (Moderna) and Nuvaxovid (Novavax) are not licensed for use as a first booster dose in this age group.

ATAGI is not recommending a booster dose for all adolescents aged 12-15 years at this stage. Evidence shows otherwise healthy adolescents who have received two primary doses of a COVID-19 vaccine remain well protected against severe disease.

To be eligible for a booster dose, the children must have completed a primary course of vaccination 3 or more months ago, and meet one or more of these criteria:

• be severely immunocompromised
• have a disability with significant or complex health needs
• have complex and/or multiple health conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19.

ATAGI continues to recommend a 3-month interval between a recent confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection and a scheduled dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

ATAGI is also recommending that all Australians receive an influenza vaccine as soon as possible. The influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are also safe and effective to receive at the same time.

GP reimbursement form – Free flu vaccine in June program

General practices can administer either state funded or privately purchased flu vaccines for the ‘NSW free flu vaccine in June’ program. At the conclusion of the program on 30 June 2022, practices will be able to submit a declaration to seek remuneration for the purchase cost of quantities administered during the month of June.

How do practices apply for reimbursement?

• Practice will be required to complete one declaration form with attached invoices after 30 June 2022
• The declaration form is in development by NSW Health and will be circulated mid-June – check CESPHN | Influenzawebpage for updated information

For now, practices should keep records of: 

• invoices of privately purchased flu vaccines
• number of private flu vaccines administered in June

Do you know your Power Failure Action Plan?

With current concerns about power supply in NSW, practices are encouraged to review their alternative vaccine storage plan, in case of power failure or fridge malfunction.

Under the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines – Strive for 5, immunisation service providers are required to have a back-up plan and alternative storage if a power failure occurs. Ensure all staff know what to do in the case of a power failure, to make sure Government funded NIP vaccines stay effective and potent.

For more information see CESPHN | Cold chain webpage.

Updated pregnancy clinical advice

This fact sheet updated 9 June, provides clinical advice for vaccination providers on the influenza and pertussis vaccines for pregnant women. Changes to the fact sheet are summarised below:

• Influenza vaccine can safely be given at the same time as pertussis vaccine and/or COVID-19 vaccine. Influenza vaccine is recommended at any time (as early as practicable) during each pregnancy.
• Pertussis-containing vaccine can safely be given at the same time as an influenza and/or COVID-19 vaccine. Pertussis-containing vaccine should be given as a single dose between 20 and 32 weeks during each pregnancy.

Authorised Nurse Immuniser – Policy Directive update

On 7 June 2022, The Authorised Nurse Immuniser policy directive was updated to include Authorise Midwife Immunisers. The previous policy directive has been rescinded. See updated Authorised Nurse Immuniser and Authorised Midwife Immunisers. This information can be found on our Immunisation | Nurse .

Webinars

COVID-19 live stream update for GPs

• COVID-19 vaccinelive stream for GPs – key updates and live Q&A
• Details:Thursday 16 June 2022 at 11:30am (AEDT)
• Click link to join

Immunisation news

Catch up on previous Immunisation Weekly Updates.