This post is not the latest immunisation update and therefore may contain information or advice that is out of date.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.
This poster, in English, explains why you need a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.
Mandatory boosters for disability workers
On 16 March, ATAGI advised that disability workers now require three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date, in order to provide protection against both infection and severe disease.
COVID cases in Australia are on the rise, rate of booster uptake stalling, and a new subvariant takes hold
On 18 March, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer reported that COVID cases in Australia are on the rise again, with the rate of booster uptake stalling as we head towards winter and a new subvariant takes hold. As adults prove slow to get their latest jabs, vaccine advisory group ATAGI is considering extending the booster roll out to those aged between 12 and 15.
COVID-19 vaccination coverage in children
On Monday 21 March, NSW Health reported that tragically, a previously well two-year-old child from Sydney died at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead due to COVID-19 infection. In NSW, 48.9 per cent of children aged 5 to 11 have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Children experience fewer side effects from COVID-19 vaccine
Latest COVID-19 vaccine safety data from AusVaxSafety active surveillance indicate that children aged 5–11 years are reporting fewer side effects than older Australians following their dose 2 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination. 33% of children experienced one or more expected side effects, compared with 53% of the Australian population aged 12 years and older, in the first 3 days following their dose 2 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination.
Japanese Encephalitis Virus – Update
Cases of Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) have been detected in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia in recent weeks. As at 18 March, 19 cases have been confirmed and 2 deaths have been reported.
The Department of Health has developed a ‘Health alert’ web page for JEV, which is updated regularly with the latest information and medical advice.
Vaccine Clinic Finder (VCF) Connect – User Guide – March 2022
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.
Speak up for the community: Do you know someone who could give great input about health needs and services? voices4health is the place where people living in central and eastern Sydney can contribute to decision-making about health needs and services in the area where they live. This is a place…
Voices4Health – have your say about health services in your area Are you interested in having a say about health needs and health services in your area? voices4health is the place where people living in central and eastern Sydney can contribute to decision-making about health needs and services in the…
FIVE QUESTIONS is where we ask members of the community to talk about how they stay HEALTHY. General Manager First Nations Fashion + Design and Wiradjuri Woman living on Dharawal Country Emma Griggs (pictured below at the recent Australian Fashion Week 2023 at Carriageworks, Gadigal land), shared this: 1. What did…
Mandarin and Cantonese Diabetes Workshops: Diabetes NSW & ACT have FREE upcoming workshops delivered in Mandarin and Cantonese. We know small, healthy lifestyle decisions can lead to great improvements in health, and can prevent or delay the onset of complications associated with diabetes. Participants will learn about: Understanding diabetes Making…
Mental Health Connect: Intellectual Disability Mental Health Connect (IDMH Connect) provides information on intellectual disability mental health pathways. IDMH Connect aims to: Support people with intellectual disability navigate the mental health system, and Assist health professionals to provide high quality care and support to people with intellectual disability and mental…
FIVE QUESTIONS is where we ask members of the community to talk about how they stay HEALTHY. Primary School teacher Leonie Turner from La Perouse (pictured below on the remote Black Cat Track in Papua New Guinea), has just had surgery for breast cancer. She shared this: 1. What did you…