This post is not the latest immunisation update and therefore may contain information or advice that is out of date.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.
Webinar audience: GPs, practice nurses, practice staff and pharmacists.
Please join us for our annual Immunisation update, with the latest clinical information regarding the 2022 Influenza season, COVID-19 update and more.
This event will focus on information and forecasts for the upcoming 2022 influenza season, including guidelines for the new vaccines. The session aims to ensure immunisation providers are aware of the importance of adhering to the NSW Immunisation Schedule and ensuring children are kept up to date with their vaccination requirements. Reporting requirements will also be covered in the presentation.
Apply for a practice AIR provider number
All generalpractices must now register for an AIR provider number for their organisation for the purposes of sending immunisation data to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) – see NSW Health website. You will need to link this number to your practice software (e.g. Best Practice, Medical Director) to send immunisation data to the AIR.
Forward the completed IM004 form to the attention of the Manager of the NSW Health Immunisation Unit at: MOH-VaccReports@health.nsw.gov.au
PKI site certificates must be renewed to continue to transact digitally for Medicare and PBS. NASH PKI certificates must be renewed online through HPOS.
On 4 March, Australia’s Acting Chief Medical Officer has declared the unfolding situation in Australia concerning the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance.
On 11 March, Greg Hunt announced the government will invest $69 million to control the spread of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), including $28.18 million to purchase additional JEV vaccines – to be available from late March and into April.
There are two human JEV vaccines available on the Australian private market:
Imojev is a single dose vaccine which supports broad use and rapid vaccination, however it not suitable for pregnant women or people who are immunocompromised.
JEspect is given in two dose course and is suitable for most people who can’t receive the Imojev vaccine.
AusVaxSafety has published active safety surveillance data for dose 1 of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. These data provide a profile of what to expect in the days following Novavax COVID-19 vaccination.
New training module for Moderna 6 to 11 years
The COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program has released a new additional module for Moderna (6 to 11 years). All immunisation providers must complete the additional age specific training modules.
Many of the existing modules have also been updated with new information to reflect the latest ATAGI recommendations.
COVID-19 Vaccines in Australia – A3 poster
This A3 poster, updated 10 March, provides key differences between each COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Australia as per the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) guidelines.
COVID-19 vaccination rates for children 5-11 years old by LGA
This report, updated 15 March, lists the percentage of people aged between 5-11 years old who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 by local government area (LGA). CESPHN is concerned about low vaccination rates in children and general practices are encouraged to identify those families who require vaccination support.
NCIRS webinar recording
The first NCIRS webinar for 2022 looked at where we are and where we are headed as we move into the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch to hear from our expert speakers on:
an update on Australian COVID 19 vaccine recommendations
vaccine and infection immunity duration – where are we headed?
new COVID-19 vaccines – do we need to change our strategy in response to new variants?
COVID-19, routine immunisation and emerging from the pandemic
Video now available: How do we get to immunisation business as usual while living with SARS-CoV-2?
CESPHN webinar: Practice Nurse Orientation
Presented by Karen Booth, President of Australian APNA, the CESPHN Nurse Orientation webinar aimed at helping practices nurses new to primary health care and general practice.
Details: Tuesday 24 May 2022 | 7.00pm to 8.30pm | Register now
Shingrix webinar: shingles prevention ‘in-practice’ for nurses
An educational webinar tailored for nurses on herpes zoster (shingles) vaccination for Australian adults ≥50 years of age. The webinar aims to enhance nurses knowledge of shingles and its prevention with Shingrix, a non-live shingles vaccine available in Australia.
Details: Tuesday 22 March 2022 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm AEDT | Register here
COVID-19 live stream update 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.
Includes the COVID-19 NuvaxovidTM (Novavax vaccine) vaccine for use as a booster – only with a written request from a medical practitioner. This is the same requirement for use of COVID-19 Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca vaccine) vaccine when used as a booster dose.
CPR certification reverts back to an annual requirement. From 1 June 2022 all pharmacist immunisers must have attended CPR certification within the previous 12 months.
Approved vaccines and vaccination schedules have been incorporated into a table for easy reference
Maroubra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is now open The Maroubra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is now open, seven days a week, from 8.00am to 8.00pm. It was officially launched by member for Kingsford Smith, the hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP (pictured at the launch with CESPHN CEO Nathalie Hansen…
Media Release: Central and Eastern Sydney PHN releases Healthy Ageing Strategy to empower older people In response to the increasing longevity and rapid growth of the older population the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) is proud to release its new Healthy Ageing Strategy 2023-2028. This comprehensive strategy…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Are your vaccines ready for summer? In the summer season, storms are more likely to occur, which can lead to power outages. Refer to the Cold Chain Toolkit to ensure all vaccination storage requirements are in place should an outage occur. Disposal of Zostavax® Zostavax® vaccine will…
Immunisation Weekly Update: COVID-19 XBB.1.5 vaccine onboarding The Australian Government has accepted the latest advice from ATAGI on the use of the new COVID-19 XBB 1.5 vaccine as part of the National COVID-19 Vaccine Program. All sites currently participating in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program will be onboarded for the three…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Increase in COVID-19 infection cases ATAGI notes a recent increase in COVID-19 cases since November 2023 across Australia and encourages all eligible people who have not yet had their recommended 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose/s to receive them as soon as possible. A first 2023 dose is recommended…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Vaccination coverage in RACF Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) data suggests that only 36% of people aged 70+ living in the central and eastern Sydney PHN region are immunised against Pneumococcal diseases. Immunisation providers are reminded to check AIR immunisation history statements of patients going into Residential Aged…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Introduction of Shingrix® to the NIP From 1 November 2023, the shingles vaccine Shingrix® will replace Zostavax® on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule for the prevention of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. It will be available for eligible people most at risk of complications from shingles. A…
NSW urged to prepare for heat wave Severe heatwave conditions are forecast in NSW in the coming days. Please read the NSW Health media release about taking steps to prevent heat-related illness. For further information about staying safe in a heatwave, visit Beat the heat and stay well during hot…