This post is not the latest immunisation update and therefore may contain information or advice that is out of date.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 ATAGI advice on the introduction of Gardasil®9 in a 2-dose schedule under the school-based National Immunisation Program (NIP) was updated on 11 January 2022.
COVID-19 vaccine stock management and delivery delays
Has your COVID-19 vaccine delivery been delayed? Call CESPHN on 1300 986 991 option 7 for COVID-19 or email coronavirus@cesphn.com.au to access emergency Pfizer 12 years+ (Purple) vaccine supplies or notify us of excess vaccines available for redistribution.
COVID-19 vaccine in the severely immunocompromised
Latest recommendation for COVID-19 vaccine in the severely immunocompromised (17 Jan 2022):
Severely immunocompromised children aged 5 to 11 years are now recommended to receive a 3rd primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine, 2 to 4 months after their second dose.
People aged 18 years or older who received a 3-dose primary course are now recommended to receive a booster (4th) dose ≥ 4 months after their 3rd dose.
People receiving hormonal therapy alone or localised radiotherapy are not recommended to receive a 3rd primary dose.
Vaccines recognised for the purpose of travel to Australia
As of 17 January 2022, the TGA determined that two doses of Sputnik V (Gamaleya Research Institute) would be ‘recognised’ for the purpose of purpose of travel to Australia, in addition to the 4 currently recognised vaccines.
New: Web-based Clinical guidance for Covid-19 vaccine providers
Recently, ATAGI’s Clinical Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in Australia in 2021 has been converted to web-based content on the Department of Health’s website (previously a PDF document). It will continue to be updated by ATAGI as new evidence becomes available.
Have you completed the relevant training for vaccinating 5 to 11 year old children?
Immunisation providers must complete the mandatory training Pfizer (Comirnaty) Paediatric (5 to <12 Years) COVID-19 Vaccine Training Module before vaccinating paediatric groups as doses are different from adolescents and adults.
Submit your AIR forms online using the upload function in HPOS
From 31 January 2022, the following Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) forms \will no longer be accepted if sent by email, mail or fax: Immunisation medical exemption (IM011), Immunisation history (IM013), and Immunisation encounter (IM018).
The AIR forms will only be accepted if submitted online in Health Professional Online Services (HPOS), using the form upload function in HPOS Messages. This function allows you to securely send messages with forms and supporting documents directly to AIR. See How to use HPOS features.
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.
There are 4 different COVID-19 vaccines available for use in Australia. The below tools can assist with managing the different storage conditions and expiry requirements.
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…