In order to tailor the site to your needs, please click the button that relates best to you.
So long as you have cookies enabled you will only need to do this once. However, you can change your selection at any time using the dropdown navigation option above the CESPHN logo, top left.
This post is not the latest immunisation update and therefore may contain information or advice that is out of date.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.
Childhood immunisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have higher rates of some vaccine preventable diseases so extra vaccines (Bexsero for meningococcal B) are available free through the National Immunisation Program.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander routine childhood immunisation campaign was launched on 26 April 2022 to encourage routine childhood immunisations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Order Childhood Immunisation Education Campaign – Indigenous resources by calling 02 6269 1080 or emailing health@nationalmailing.com.au
Fluad Quad now available in NSW pharmacies for people aged 65 years and over
For the first time, flu vaccine for those aged 65 years and over (Fluad Quad) will also be available from pharmacies, in addition to GP clinics. While the flu vaccine is free, pharmacies and clinics may charge an administration or consultation fee.
People aged 10 to 64 years can also receive flu vaccines from pharmacies, however these are not funded and must be purchased privately. Some people aged 10 to 64 years can receive a free flu vaccine from their GP clinic if they meet the NIP eligibility criteria:
children aged 6 months to <5 years
Aboriginal people
pregnant women
people at higher risk of severe flu illness such as those with diabetes, serious heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, immunosuppression and obesity.
Flu vaccine strongly recommended for children under 5 years
NSW Health urges parents of children aged six months to under five years to book their child in for a free flu vaccine with their GP, as this cohort is at risk of suffering serious illness from influenza. Influenza vaccination is safe and effective, and children aged six months to under five years are eligible for a free vaccine from their GP under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Dr Vicky Sheppeard said young children are making up a higher proportion of flu cases than two years ago. “This year there is particular concern for those young children aged two and under, who have never lived through a flu season or gained any immunity to the virus.”
In NSW, 10,365 children have received the flu vaccine – see Influenza immunisation data (1 March 2022 to 25 April 2022).
MBS items for co-administration of COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (that is, given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine and may be provided to patients during the same attendance.
A vaccine suitability assessment MBS item would be billed for the COVID-19 vaccination. Influenza vaccine services are typically administered with standard MBS attendance items. While a medical practitioner is under no obligation to bulk-bill a patient receiving an influenza vaccination, a patient who also receives a COVID-19 booster vaccination as part of the same occasion of care must be bulk-billed for the MBS COVID-19 vaccine suitability assessment component of the overall service. See the updated MBS Factsheet
COVID-19 vaccination uptake in children
The uptake of childhood COVID-19 vaccines in the Canterbury-Bankstown, Bayside and George’s River LGAs continues to be below average. Practices in these 3 LGAs are strongly encouraged to promote childhood COVID-19 vaccination and download the AIR42A report to identify all children due for the COVID-19 vaccine. Contact immunisation@cesphn.com.au for assistance.
Why is it recommended to get a COVID-19 booster?
Two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine provide very good protection against severe disease, but a booster dose will ensure the protection from the first two doses is stronger and longer lasting.
Everyone aged 16 years and over is recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.
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.
Welcome to our new website! As you may have noticed, our website looks different. Central and Eastern Sydney PHN have moved to a new site and although much has remained the same, we have introduced some new functions. These include: Updated navigation When you land on our new website, you…
COVID-19 weekly update – 02 JANUARY 2023 COVID-19 cases in the region Please note: From next week the latest COVID-19 information will be included in the Sydney Health Weekly newsletter, rather than separated at the top. We will still provide COVID-19 related information as well as the dedicated COVID-19 latest…
FIVE QUESTIONS is where we ask members of the community to talk about how they stay HEALTHY. Randwick scientist and grandmother Hilda Stender shared this: What exercise did you do yesterday? I’ve had two knee replacements – one four years ago and the other six months ago. As a result,…
Immunisation weekly update – 1 February 2023 Childhood immunisation overdue reports CESPHN is inviting general practices to sign up to receive a regular report extracted on your behalf from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) which is specific to your practice. This report contains all children aged 0-5 living in the CESPHN region…
Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) digital health webinars Implementing MyHealth Record Policies in your organisation Thu 9 Feb 23, 12.30-1.00 pm – learn how to implement and maintain a My Health Record Security and Access policy in your organisation. Understand the importance of the Responsible Officer (RO) and Organisational Maintenance…
UNSW research – Palliative care and intellectual disability A research team led by Professor Julian Trollor at the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, UNSW Sydney, aims to design, implement, and evaluate a new palliative care service for people with intellectual disability. This is important because people with intellectual disability often…
GP support needed: Shared e-Care plan study for follow-up of colorectal and breast cancers This research evaluates shared care using a new interactive e-care plan being implemented through cancer services in Prince of Wales and St George public and private hospitals. Through the e-care plan GPs, cancer specialists and patients…