Immunisation weekly update – 25 May 2022

Childhood immunisation coverage rates

The latest data on childhood immunisation coverage by Primary Health Networks for the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 is now available. Immunisation coverage rates in Central and Eastern Sydney PHN have been generally trending upwards across all 3 ages groups. CESPHN’s coverage rates are currently at 95.06% for the 1-year-old age group, 92.61% for the 2-year-old age group, and 92.46% for the 5-year-old age group.

Aboriginal vaccination and cultural awareness training

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have higher rates of some vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) than non-Indigenous persons. For this reason, additional vaccines are available free through the National Immunisation Program.

Cultural awareness training in general practice

• Topics: Cultural considerations, Practice considerations, and Closing the Gap
• Details:Wednesday 1 June 2022 at 6:00pm to 9:00pm (AEDT)
• Register here

Influenza vaccination for children under 5 years

Many young children have never been exposed to the influenza virus or had an influenza vaccine, and have not developed any immunity, increasing the risk of complications. Children can get very sick from influenza which can cause a serious infection in the lungs and death.

The Children under 5 influenza vaccination campaign is currently promoting messages about the benefits and importance of vaccination to parents through online channels. The Department of Health is undertaking further activity to raise awareness of the importance of influenza vaccination for children under 5 years of age through a targeted mail-out to child care centres.

Download poster here.

Download info sheet here.  

COVID-19 Vaccines in Australia – A3 poster

The COVID-19 vaccine comparison poster provides key differences between each COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Australia as per the ATAGI guidelines. The poster was updated 19 May to include:

• winter booster dose recommendations,
• extended dose interval for mRNA vaccine primary course, and
• additional foot notes.

Updated ATAGI statement on the Clinical use of Zoster vaccine

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has released an updated clinical statement on recommendations for the Zostavax vaccine and Shingrix vaccine:

• In those aged 50 years and above, Shingrix is preferred over Zostavax for prevention of herpes zoster and its complications, due to its higher efficacy
• Shingrix is available in Australia through private prescription only – it is not currently available through the NIP
• Zostavax is recommended and funded under the NIP for immunocompetent people aged 70 years of age, with catch-up for those aged 71-79 years until October 2023

Karen Orr Nurse Education Scholarship – 2022 applications now open

Applications for the NCIRS Karen Orr Nurse Immunisation Education Scholarship 2022 are now open. This annual scholarship is offered to a nurse or a midwife to the maximum value of $1,000 in funding for further education by attending a conference or a course to enhance immunisation practice.

Eligibility criteria:

• Australian citizen or have permanent residency, and
• Registered nurse or midwife qualification with current registration with AHPRA, and
• Have an appropriate post-registration qualification as an authorised nurse immuniser

Webinars

• COVID-19 live stream update for GPs
  • COVID-19 vaccinelive stream for GPs – key updates and live Q&A
  • Details:Thursday 26 May 2022 at 11:30am (AEDT)
  • Click link to join

Latest webinar recordings

Monkeypox update for primary care

• Watch here
• This webinar on 23 May provided key updates and answer questions on Monkeypox
• Further information: Monkeypox update from acting CMO

Immunisation news

Catch up on previous Immunisation Weekly Updates.