Immunisation weekly update – 23 March 2022

Why should I get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose? 

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.

Practices are encouraged to download the AIR42A report to identify all children due for the COVID-19 vaccine. Contact immunisation@cesphn.com.au for assistance. 

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 

Download Vaccine Clinic Finder (VCF) Connect – User Guide. VCF Connect allows vaccination providers to self-manage vaccination service information.

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.

Details: Thursday 24 March 2022, 11:30am (AEDT) | Click link to join

Catch up on previous webinars.

Immunisation news 

Catch up on previous Immunisation Weekly Updates.