This post is not the latest immunisation update and therefore may contain information or advice that is out of date.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 AIH National Immunisation Catch-up Calculator (NICC) currently supports providers to plan catch-up vaccination for children under 10 years. The NICC is also being expanded to support children under 10 years who are medically at-risk.
Minimum order for Pfizer decreased to 60 doses
COVID-19 sites are now able to order a minimum 60 doses of Pfizer 12+ from Saturday 14 May 2022 at the start of the new order window (previously 120 doses). The minimum orderable quantity for all other vaccines remains at 100 doses.
Errors relating to shelf-life extension of COVID-19 vaccines
The Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC) have reported a number of vaccine administration errors recently relating to the TGA approval of a shelf-life extension. The new/updated expiry date approved by the TGA:
refers to the manufacturer expiry date while the vaccines are frozen (prior to thawing)
does NOT replace the thaw use-by date – continue to calculate the thaw use-by date from defrost date
applies only to certain batch numbers of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines
Use the CESPHN COVID-19 vaccine Expiry Calculator to calculate thaw use-by date from defrost date for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
Latest updates to clinical guidance for COVID-19 vaccines
Updated COVID-19 vaccine clinical advice
ATAGI has released updated advice on the COVID-19 vaccination program:
recommended interval following COVID-19 infection now 3 months
vaccination after treatment with monoclonal antibodies and
dosing schedule for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines now 8 weeks – see flowchart
COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy update
The COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy has been updated to include the following:
updated information on Novavax
booster dose information for those aged 16 and 17 years
updated information on vaccine safety and effectiveness in pregnant individuals and infants
COVID-19 and flu vaccine can be administered at the same time
A COVID-19 vaccination and an influenza vaccination can be administered at the same time and may be provided to patients during the same attendance.
While a medical practitioner is under no obligation to bulk-bill a patient receiving an influenza vaccination, a patient who also receives a COVID-19 vaccination as part of the same occasion of care must be bulk-billed for the MBS COVID-19 vaccine suitability assessment component of the overall service. See MBS online FAQ.
This social tile, in English, explains that it is safe for you to get your COVID-19 and infleunza vaccines at the same time.
This social tile, in English, explains that it’s important to stay up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines and influenza vaccine for winter.
Fluzone high-dose influenza vaccine
All people aged 65 years and over must be advised that they are eligible for the NIP funded Fluad Quad and these patients should be referred to a GP or NIP participating pharmacy.
Fluzone has been approved by the TGA for use in people aged 60 years and over and is available from pharmacies on the private market. If Fluzone is not available, people aged 60 to <65 years of age are not eligible for and should not be given Fluad Quad.
AusVaxSafety 2022 flu vaccine safety data now available
The AusVaxSafety national vaccine safety surveillance program have now published the 2022 influenza vaccine safety data. AusVaxSafety will continue to update safety data weekly for the duration of the 2022 flu season.
Webinars
COVID-19 live stream update for GPs
COVID-19 vaccinelive stream for GPs – key updates and live Q&A
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