This post is not the latest immunisation update and therefore may contain information or advice that is out of date.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.
REGISTER NOW: Immunisation update 2022 (Free for all CESPHN health care workers)
Learning Outcomes:
Presented by Associate Professor Nick Wood, MBBS, MPH, FRACP, PhD, Associate Director, Clinical Research and Services, NCIRS, Senior Staff Specialist.
FREE webinar, target audience: GPs, practice nurses, practice staff and pharmacists.
Register: Immunisation update 2022
ATAGI has considered the TGA’s advice and released a statement recommending that Moderna COVID-19 vaccine can be used as a primary course of COVID-19 vaccination in people aged 6 years and older.
This means all primary care sites can commence administering Moderna to individuals aged 6 from 24 February 2022. General practices who are not yet administering Moderna vaccine, can email immunisation@cesphn.com.au to indicate your interest.
A new specific Moderna training module for children aged 6 years and older is currently in development and will be available in the coming weeks. Clinicians will be required to complete the updated training module prior to administering the Moderna vaccine to children aged 6 – 11.
The TGA has approved a shelf-life extension of Pfizer 12 years+ (Purple) when stored between -90°C to -60°C. This applies only to the following batch numbers: FL3560, FH3221, FL7649, FL5729, FK6268, FL5333, FK0892, 210957.
Packaging associated with the above batches have not been amended to reflect the extended expiry dates. The new expiry date of each batch will be reflected in CVAS when completing delivery acceptance.
Scenario: Pfizer 12+ vials | Batch number FK0892 | Manufacture Expiry Date 28/02/2022 (on vial) | Defrost date 01/03/2022 at 8.00am. Vaccine were delivered to your practice on 1 March 2022 at 3pm. Which of the following is correct?
Correct answer is b.
Warning from TGA: DO NOT administer Zostavax if the immune status of the patient is unclear.
The TGA continues to receive reports of the use of Zostavax vaccine in immunocompromised patients. Fatalities have followed administration of Zostavax to immunocompromised patients – due to disseminated disease with vaccine (Oka) strain VZV.
Providers are reminded that careful assessment and screening for immunocompromise is essential for all patients for whom Zostavax is considered prior to vaccination. DO NOT administer Zostavax if the immune status of the patient is unclear. Resources are available to assist in the process.
Zostavax is a live, attenuated varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccine used to prevent shingles in patients aged 50 years and older, and prevention of nerve pain associated with the virus in patients aged 60 years and older. Zostavax is contraindicated in patients with current or recent severe immunocompromising conditions from either a primary or acquired medical condition or medical treatment.
CESPHN is proud to have supported over 300 RNs in completing their studies to be qualified Authorised Nurse Immunisers (ANI) over the last 12 months.
If you are an RN interested in completing studies to be a qualified ANI, please email immunisation@cesphn.com.au to receive a 20% discount code, to complete studies with The Benchmarque Group – Immunisation Endorsement Pathway.
This course is accredited by HESA, conforming with the National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals. Upon completion of the course, registered nurses and midwives will have the qualification to administer vaccinations in NSW, independent of a medical officer, as per NSW Health Authority.
The course involves practice in drawing up and administrating vaccinations in a simulated environment, as well as cold chain management and comprehensive knowledge in working out catch up schedules, assuring those participating are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to deliver vaccinations.
Tranche 1 primary care sites commenced Novavax administration from 21 February 2022. Practices have received an allocation of 200 doses of Novavax per fortnight and will be able to request an increase in allocation after the first administration week. Tranche 2 sites will commence from the 28 February 2022.
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has been included in the standing Expression of Interest open for all general practices interested in expanding their participation in the Program.
On 15 February, ATAGI advised that three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are advised for residential aged care workers. The third dose is required to provide up to date protection against both infection and severe disease.
New merchandise is available for primary care clinics who administer COVID-19 vaccines. To receive a package of national COVID-19 vaccine branded badges to give to patients after receiving their vaccination, email covidvaccinecomms@health.gov.au to place your order.
The ‘Tree of community informed strategies to increase childhood vaccination rates’ resource presents practical strategies for health services to improve childhood vaccination rates in communities that may generally support vaccination, but experience socio-economic disadvantage and access barriers to immunisation services
The research followed the World Health Organization Tailoring Immunization Programmes (TIP) approach and, in addition to summarising practical strategies to improve childhood vaccination rates, shows the complex relationship between broad determinants of childhood vaccination.
Immunisation stakeholders across Australia are invited to use and adapt the ‘tree’ to their local needs. More information.
On 18 February, ATAGI have updated guicdance for providers on acute major medical conditions that warrant a temporary medical exemption relevant for COVID-19 vaccines. What’s changed:
ATAGI have updated guidance for the correct use of multi-dose vials and are provided in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic to minimise the risks of vial contamination, administration errors and vaccine wastage.
Join the first NCIRS webinar for 2022 and reflect on where we are and where we are headed as we move into the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hear from our expert speakers on:
Details: Thursday 3 March 2022 | 12:00 pm – 1.30 pm AEDT | Register here
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.
Details: Thursday 24 February 2022, 11:30am (AEDT) | Click link to join
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