Immunisation weekly update – 17 August 2022

New MPX resources

As of 11 August 2022, there are 70 cases (confirmed and probable) of Monkeypox (MPX) in Australia.

New resources available to support the MPX vaccine rollout include:

• MPX vaccines – new webpage
• Factsheet – JYNNEOS® MPX vaccine
• Consent form – MPX vaccine

GPs should identify patients in key risk groups and refer them for vaccination against MPX. Referral pathways for MPX vaccine include:

• Online registration form – for potentially eligible patients, or
• Direct referral – for vulnerable and marginalized high-risk GBMSM patients

For more information visit Monkeypox (MPX) vaccines or contact NICMonkeypox@Health.gov.au.

Pneumococcal vaccine clinical tool

The Pneumosmart Vaccination Tool has been developed to assist GPs, medical specialists and other immunisation providers to comply with the pneumococcal disease vaccination recommendations in the online Australian Immunisation Handbook.

The Pneumosmart tool provides recommendations for different risk conditions and if the condition meets eligibility for NIP funding for pneumococcal vaccine.

Vaccination for children aged 6 months to under 5 years

From 5 September 2022, COVID-19 vaccines will become available for at-risk children aged 6 months to under 5 years who are most at risk of severe disease. Bookings for Moderna 6 months to under 5 years (Blue/Purple) vaccine will be made available on the Vaccine Clinic Finder website.

All sites who applied in the Expression of Interest (EOI) process have now been notified of the outcome. If you have not received a notification, please email coronavirus@cesphn.com.au. Due to the small population size of the at-risk cohort, not all interested parties were selected, however there may be future opportunities for sites to participate in later stages of the rollout.

New labels for mRNA vaccines

On 15 August 2022, new labels were introduced for Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. The new labels will include a thaw “USE BY” date to address the recent increase in vaccine administration errors (VAEs).

The earliest of the thaw use-by date and the batch (manufacturer) expiry is considered as the “USE BY” date. This should include all TGA approved shelf-life extensions.

COVID-19 vaccine information for multicultural communities

This information pack includes the latest COVID-19 vaccine information for multicultural communities, translated in up to 63 languages. Translated information in this edition includes:

• COVID-19 oral treatments
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding and COVID-19 vaccines
• Staying protected from COVID-19 and influenza this winter
• COVID-19 vaccine fourth doses, and who is eligible

COVID-19 oral treatments for people without a Medicare card

This fact sheet outlines information on how to access COVID-19 oral treatments for people without a Medicare card and potential costs.

This information video, available in other languages, explains that new, lifesaving oral antiviral treatments are now available for people at high risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19. This social GIF animation, available in other languages, explains who is eligible for COVID-19 oral treatments.

Upcoming immunisation webinars

COVID-19 response update

• About: primary care update on the COVID-19 response and the vaccine rollout – key updates and Q&A
• Thursday 18 August 2022 at 11:30am (AEST) – Click link to join

NCIRS webinar: Emerging vaccine preventable diseases and vaccination for travel

• About: an update on travel vaccination recommendations and pre-travel consultations with a healthcare provider, in the context of increasing international travel. Emerging and re-emerging vaccine preventable disease include COVID-19 variants, diphtheria, measles, monkeypox, Japanese encephalitis and more
• Thursday 1 September 2022 at 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm (AEST) – Register now

Immunisation news

See latest Immunisation information – updated weekly
See latest Monkeypox information – updated daily.