This post is not the latest immunisation update and therefore may contain information or advice that is out of date.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.
New COVID-19 vaccine Novavax Module now available. The Novavax training module must be completed by health professionals prior to administering the Novavax (NUVAXOVID) COVID-19 vaccine.
ATAGI recommends that Novavax COVID-19 (Nuvaxovid) can be used for the primary course of COVID-19 vaccination in people aged 18 or older, it is not currently registered by the TGA as a booster. Subject to successful TGA batch testing, the Novavax vaccine will be available to be administered from the week of 21 February 2022.
Vaccine deferral after COVID-19 infection reduced to 4 months
ATAGI advises people who have had COVID-19 infection can defer vaccination for up to 4 months post recovery, a recent change from the 6-month timeline. This is due to the increased risk of re-infection with the Omicron.
On 28 January 2022, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provisionally approved the Pfizer COVID-19 booster dose for people aged 16–17 years old in Australia. Advice from ATAGI is expected to be provided to government shortly. Continue to prioritise boosters for people 18 years and over, until the Department of Health announces eligibility change to the Commonwealth COVID-19 Vaccination Program. See Product Information.
Booster doses are now listed on COVID-19 digital certificates
COVID-19 digital certificates now list all COVID-19 vaccinations that have been reported to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) including booster doses. The ‘valid from’ date on the digital certificate will be the date of the last primary dose. Further information about accessing COVID-19 digital certificates is available on the Services Australia website.
Rapid Antigen Testing – Concessional Access Program factsheet
The Australian government is introducing a temporary Rapid Antigen Test Concessional Access program. This new program starts on 24 January 2022 and ends on 30 April 2022. The new short-term rapid antigen test concessional access program provides people with valid, eligible Commonwealth concession cards access to up to 10 free rapid antigen tests.
COVID-19 vaccine well tolerated by children
Children aged 5–11 years are reporting fewer side effects following Comirnaty (Pfizer) dose 1 vaccination than older Australians, new COVID-19 vaccine safety data from AusVaxSafety have shown. 29% per cent of children experienced one or more expected side effects in the first 3 days following their Pfizer dose 1 vaccination, which is 8 percentage points lower than the Australian population aged 12 years and older (37 per cent).
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.
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…
Launch of new Australian Guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk The 2023 Australian Guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk, and associated Australian cardiovascular disease risk calculator (Aus CVD Risk Calculator), will become the new standard of care for the primary prevention of CVD in Australia. This…
At CESPHN we value your feedback and invite you to complete the 2023 stakeholder engagement survey At CESPHN, we value your feedback and invite you to complete the stakeholder engagement survey on our service delivery and communication over the past 12 months. This short survey only takes five minutes and…
CESPHN Healthy Ageing Strategy 2023-28 has been released The Central and Eastern Sydney PHN has developed a Healthy Ageing Strategy to empower older people in our region to live more active and fulfilling lives, enabled by inclusive communities, and supported by integrated person-centred health and social services. Healthy ageing relies…
NSW community urged to be on alert amid rise in listeriosis NSW Health is reminding people who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or aged over 65 years to avoid foods that can cause listeriosis, following several confirmed cases of listeria infection in NSW. Listeriosis infection, which comes from consuming food contaminated with…
CESPHN Primary Health Awards: 2023 Finalists and Winners announced At a packed event last night at the Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea, CESPHN held its annual Primary Health Awards. CESPHN’s multicultural community was reflected in our numerous and diverse submissions. All immensely impressive. The winners, announced at the awards event,…