Public health update: Stay alert for meningococcal symptoms. Read more.
This post is not the latest immunisation update and therefore may contain information or advice that is out of date.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 state funded Free Flu vaccine program for NSW residents ended on 17 July 2022. General practices who used privately purchased flu vaccines for this program can seek remuneration for the purchase cost of vaccines administered between 1 June 2022 to 17 July 2022.
How to claim:
Access to NIP free flu vaccines
After 17 July 2022, immunisation providers can only provide free flu vaccines to all patients who meet the NIP eligibility criteria, which include:
The new Health Professional Education Resources website provides education resources across all Services Australia health programs. It includes infographics, eLearning modules, simulations and videos on topics including:
Central and Eastern Sydney PHN is offering registered nurses working in General Practice within the CESPHN region the opportunity to apply for our Authorised Nurse Immuniser Scholarship. This qualification allows an RN to administer vaccines independent of a medical officer as per the NSW Authority.
CESPHN are offering successful applicants 100% scholarship to this course (valued at $350). If you are interested in applying, ensure you meet eligibility criteria and apply here. Applications close 31 July 2022.
ATAGI notes that coverage with the first booster and 4th doses (winter booster) of COVID-19 vaccine in those people who are already eligible is suboptimal. Adults aged 65 years or older who have not yet received a winter dose of COVID-19 vaccine should get this as soon as possible.
Reaching a higher level of coverage of the COVID-19 winter booster dose in older adults, including those aged 50 to 64 years, is likely to reduce the number of COVID-19 related hospitalisations over the coming months.
Sydney LHD has arranged a number of Pop-Up Vaccination Clinics for July 2022.
| Clinic Location | Opening Hours | Last Scheduled Day (may be extended) |
| Burwood Pop Up Vaccination ClinicBurwood Plaza, 42 Railway Parade, Burwood | 9:30am – 5:00pm Thursday – Saturday | 30 July 2022 |
| Leichhardt Pop Up Vaccination ClinicMarketplace Leichhardt, 100/122-138 Flood Street, Leichhardt | 9:30am – 5:00pm Friday – Sunday | 31 July 2022 |
| NSW Health Vaccination Centre – Sydney Olympic Park1 Figtree Drive, Sydney Olympic Park | 8:00am – 4:00pm Friday – Saturday | 30 July 2022 |
ATAGI advises that other public health and social measures will have the greatest impact against the surge in infections. This may include increased use of masks, working from home and increasing the use of antiviral treatment in people diagnosed with COVID-19, including in people aged 50 years and above.
ATAGI notes there is now a difference between:
Evidence suggests that BA.4/5 is associated with a higher re-infection rate compared to previous variants, and this is likely to be due to immune evasion.
The interval between the first booster and the winter booster (4th dose) has been reduced to 3 months (from 4 months) to provide earlier protection from the additional vaccine over the coming winter months.
With a new wave of COVID-19 cases continuing to increase across the state, people with disability are encouraged to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. COVID-19 booster doses are recommended for anyone 16 years and older who had their last dose of a primary course at least three months ago.
The COVID-19 vaccine can be taken at the same time as the influenza vaccine, which people with disability are also being urged to take.
While the free flu vaccination program in NSW ended on 17 July 2022, those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza remain eligible for a FREE flu vaccine beyond this date, under the National Immunisation program.
The NSW Government is also providing up to 7.9 million rapid antigen tests (RATs) to people with disability and other vulnerable community members with the program recently expanded to 31 October 2022.
If your practice would like further support and education around intellectual disability, contact our CESPHN GROW team here.
Vaccine Clinic Finder (VCF) Connect allows vaccination providers to self-manage vaccination service information. The user guide provides information about how to get started and use VCF Connect as well as contact details if you need help. Download the new User Guide Version 3.1 – July 2022.
Supporting GPs to manage influenza and respiratory infections webinar
GP weekly webinar: latest updates on COVID-19
Pneumococcal Disease 2022 webinar
Catch up on previous Immunisation Weekly Updates.
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