This post is not the latest immunisation update and therefore may contain information or advice that is out of date.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.
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.
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…