Immunisation weekly update – 22 February 2023

Measles alert for plane passengers

A measles alert has been issued for passengers on an international flight (QF42 Jakarta to Sydney departing Tuesday 14 February 2023) and a domestic flight (QF1433 from Sydney to Canberra departing Wednesday 15 February 2023).

NSW Health is urging passengers on two flights and those who spent time in Sydney International and Domestic Airports on Wednesday 15 February to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after an ACT resident who flew into Sydney was diagnosed with the illness. The case developed their infection while travelling in Asia.

Passengers in the below categories who were on the above flights are asked to urgently contact their local PHU on 1300 066 055 to seek advice. 

• under the age of 12 months and have not received a measles vaccine,
• pregnant and not previously vaccinated against measles,
• immunocompromised

Media releases: Measles alert for plane passengers

Check your anaphylaxis kit is up to date

Anaphylaxis following vaccination is a rare but a life-threatening emergency and needs immediate adrenaline administration.

“If you suspect anaphylaxis, even if you’re not 100% confident of what’s going on, treat for anaphylaxis. Give the intramuscular adrenaline.” Paediatric Immunologist

General practices are reminded vaccination sites must have an anaphylaxis response kit in each treatment room where vaccines are being administered.

1. Preparing an anaphylaxis response kit – Before each vaccination session, check that you have the protocols, equipment and medicines to manage anaphylaxis. Keep an anaphylaxis response kit on hand at all times in each treatment room. Adrenaline has a short shelf life – check the contents regularly to ensure they are up to date and not expired.
2. Managing anaphylaxis – poster outlines the recommended steps to take if a patient is presenting with symptoms of anaphylaxis after vaccination. Order posters for your practice via email.
3. Doses of adrenaline – dose according to the person’s weight (0.01mg per kg up to 0.5mg per dose). Order dose cards for your practice via email.
4. ASCIA Anaphylaxis e-training for health professionals – complete refresher course for Health Professionals on managing anaphylaxis.
   
   

COVID-19 booster advice

Updated recommendations from ATAGI regarding COVID-19 boosters in 2023 replace previous ATAGI COVID-19 vaccine booster advice. People aged 18+ can now get a booster 6 months their last vaccine dose or COVID-19 infection. A bivalent booster is recommended for people aged 65+ or at high risk, to protect them from severe COVID-19 illness.

IMPORTANT: Providers are advised to discard all previous versions of the following posters, and print the updated version to avoid administration errors:

• ATAGI recommended COVID-19 doses and vaccines poster
• COVID-19 vaccine comparison A3 poster

HPV vaccine – FAQs

Download factsheet outlining changes under the National Immunisation Program in 2023. See NSW Health HPV vaccine FAQs.

• What is the new HPV vaccine dose recommendation?
  • From 6 February 2023, the routine HPV vaccine schedule is a single dose schedule using the same Gardasil®9 vaccine (previously two doses).

• Patients who have had 1 dose of HPV vaccine – are they now considered up to date?
  • People who receive a single dose before 26 years of age are now considered fully vaccinated and will not need further doses (except those who are immunocompromised).

• Who can receive an NIP funded catch up for HPV vaccine on the NIP?

The catch-up program for people who missed HPV vaccination includes people up to and including 25 years of age (previously 19 years of age).

See HPV vaccination changes Information for all Immunisation Providers

Updated resources

• ATAGI Clinical Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Errors – updated 16 February 2023

These guidelines from ATAGI provide advice on the management of a range of possible vaccine administration errors, including when a replacement (repeat) dose is recommended. What’s changed: Advice on administration errors related to Pfizer 6 months – 4 years vaccine.

• Consent form for COVID-19 vaccination – updated 17 February 2023

A patient consent form for COVID-19 vaccination – suitable for booster doses and primary doses.

• Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 – information and consent form – updated 17 February 2023

This resource provides key information about COVID-19 vaccines for parents and guardians of children aged 5 to 11 years.

Immunisation Education  

Lunch and Learn: Immunisation catch ups – SECOND DATE ADDED

• About: Please join us for an interactive lunch and learn presentation on immunisation catch up schedules. How to work them out, skills and insight to know in preparing a catch-up schedule.
• When: Tuesday | 28 February 2023 | 12:30 – 1:30 pm (this session has now reached capacity)
• When: Tuesday | 14 March 2023 | 12:30 – 1:30 pm 
• Register: Free – Click link to register for 14 March session. Please note numbers are limited as this session will be interactive.

NSW Flu Vaccination Update 2023 – RACGP Webinar

• About: Participants will receive an update on the 2023 NSW Influenza Vaccination Program to help ensure they are well positioned to support their patients for the coming influenza season.
• When: Tuesday | 28 February 2023 | 7:30 – 8:30 pm (AEDT) 
• Register: Free – Click link to register.

Lunch and Learn: Milestone checks at scheduled childhood vaccination appointments

• About: Please join us for a lunch and learn presentation on milestone checks – making the most of scheduled childhood vaccination appointments. Learn how to appropriately provide a milestone check to children attending your practice for scheduled vaccination.
• When: Tuesday | 28 March 2023 | 12:30 – 1:30 pm
• Register: Free – Click link to register.

CESPHN Annual Immunisation Update

• About: Latest updates on the COVID-19 vaccination program, NSW Influenza Vaccination Program and more. Agenda TBC
• When: Tuesday | 4 April 2023 | 7:00 – 8:30 pm (AEDT)
• Register: Free – Click link to register.