Immunisation weekly update – 17 November 2021

EOI: CESPHN Immunisation working group

CESPHN is seeking expressions of interest from General Practitioners and Practice Nurses who would like to be involved as members of an immunisation working group. This will involve attending two video conference meetings per year with CESPHN and the Public Health Unit and participate in discussions around immunisation planning and review of strategies. Representatives will be paid for their attendance as per the rate in the CESPHN Representation Policy.

To apply, please complete this form. Applications close 26 November 2021.

COVID-19 vaccination highly effective during Delta outbreak in NSW

Fully vaccinated people were significantly less likely to become seriously ill or die and were better protected from acquiring COVID-19 during the Delta outbreak in NSW, a report from NCIRS and NSW Health has shown.

The findings are highlighted in the latest NSW Health in Focus report which shows hospitalisations, ICU admissions and deaths were all far lower among the fully vaccinated population during the outbreak’s peak.

The report also makes it clear fully vaccinated people were significantly less likely to become infected with COVID-19. 

In case you missed it: COVID-19 vaccines given overseas

COVID-19 vaccines given overseas since 1 October 2020 that have been recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) can now be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

• Covishield (AstraZeneca)
• Coronavac (Sinovac)
• Covaxin (Bharat Biotech)
• BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm)

It is important that country of immunisation and batch number are recorded. A list of all vaccines currently able to be reported to AIR is available on the AIR vaccine code page which is updated regularly.

A COVID-19 Digital Certificate will be available for individuals who have had two doses of these vaccines at the accepted interval. It is important that country of immunisation and batch number are recorded, as this information is needed to produce the International COVID-19 Digital Certificate. 

The overseas vaccination(s) can be reported to AIR by a recognised vaccination provider in Australia, with the patient present (to confirm/validate vaccination history and revaccinate, if required). The records must be in English (original or translated). If you deem that there is insufficient or potentially fraudulent evidence, you may request additional supporting information. If you do not believe the evidence provided is sufficient, you are not required to report the vaccination to AIR. Information about Translating Services is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.

NCIRS webinar: COVID-19 in children and adolescents: vaccines, transmission at school and disease outcomes

The final webinar for 2021 will focus on COVID-19 in children and adolescents with an update on:

• vaccine recommendations and safety in children and adolescents
• the latest data on transmission in schools in Australia, including the experience in NSW since the return to face-to-face learning
• outcomes in children with COVID-19 and long-term follow-up.

Time: Wednesday, 8 December 12.00 – 1.30pm AEDT. Register here

NPS Podcast: Talking to parents about the COVID vaccine

In this episode, NPS MedicineWise medical advisor Dr Caroline West interviews Professor Julie Leask to discuss the COVID 19 vaccination and its availability to children over the age of 12. They discuss the hesitancy some parents have toward the vaccines and how to address the questions parents have. The podcast is available on the NPS MedicineWise website or wherever you get your podcasts.

Nursing Australia Week – 22-26 November

APNA is running a week of entertainment and education, free for all nurses to celebrate Nursing Australia Week, delivered in audio podcast format. To register see the APNA website.

Short survey for immunisation providers: improve vaccine safety surveillance in Australia

Immunisation providers are invited to participate in a short survey that is part of a research study to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of immunisation providers in regard to vaccine safety monitoring. The study is being conducted by researchers at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS). The project aims to better understand whether immunisation providers know about existing vaccine safety surveillance systems, how they use the systems’ data and whether systems contribute to confidence in vaccine safety.

The roll out of multiple new COVID-19 vaccines to the Australian and global populations has highlighted the importance of having comprehensive vaccine safety surveillance systems. This work will contribute to improving Australia’s vaccine safety surveillance, including the national AusVaxSafety system, and adverse event following immunisation reporting. Click here to start the survey and for further information about the study.

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. Get involved by submitting questions and comments!

Details:  Thursday, 18 November |11.30am (AEDT) | Click link to join

Catch up on previous webinars 

New and updated resources

New 12 Nov: COVID-19 vaccination – Commonly asked questions about booster doses

%MCEPASTEBIN%