Immunisation weekly update – 31 August 2022

Immunisation Scholarship for Nurses

Registered nurses are invited to apply for CESPHN’s scholarship to complete a HESA accredited immunisation course to become a qualified Authorised Nurse Immuniser in NSW. CESPHN are offering successful applicants 100% scholarship to this course (valued at $350).

Qualification: Upon completion of this course, registered nurses and midwives will have the qualification to supply and administer vaccines independently of a medical officer, as per the NSW Health Authority.

Eligibility criteria: AHPRA registered RN currently employed at a General Practice within the CESPHN region. RN must be able to register and commence course within 1 week of invitation and must successfully complete course within 20 weeks of registration. RN must not have previously attained qualification as an Authorised Nurse Immuniser.

The course: SA Health – Understanding Vaccines and the National Immunisation Program. Approximately 70 hours of online study, with a maximum of 20 weeks to complete the course.

APPLY NOW:General Practice nurse – Application Form. Applications close 30 September 2022.

Monkeypox: ATAGI clinical guidance

The ATAGI clinical guidance on vaccination against Monkeypox was updated 26 August 2022 to include the following changes:

• New advice on intradermal administration of JYNNEOS® (MVA-BN)
• New advice on smallpox vaccination after confirmed monkeypox infection
• Updated storage and handling advice for JYNNEOS®

Important message for COVID-19 vaccination sites

1. Keep Vaccine Clinic Finder (VCF) details up to date

It is crucial that details on the Vaccine Clinic Finder are accurate. Patients rely on the VCF to find and book COVID-19 vaccinations. All COVID-19 vaccination sites must log in to VCF Connect and update their vaccine service details. Keeping VCF details up to date is a mandatory requirement of the vaccine program.

Contact coronavirus@cesphn.com.au for assistance.

2. Dispose of vaccines safety

All vaccine vials (expired, partially used, and empty vials), needles and syringes must be disposed of in a clinical waste bin, in accordance with local requirements. Pharmacy RUM bins (Return of Unwanted Medicines bin) are not an approved clinical waste bin.

The vaccine outer packaging (carton) should be defaced by striking through at least one panel of the carton with a permanent marker prior to disposal. All sites are required to have a documented procedure for disposal of vaccines.

Moderna 6 months to under 5 years – Latest resources

Training module available:

On 26 August 2022, the new training module for Moderna (SPIKEVAX) 6 months to under 5 years was launched via the COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program website. To access the new module (3.b), learners will need to:

• link their profile to a registered site administering the new vaccine
• complete the core modules
• complete the preceding Moderna 3. and 3.a modules.

Consent form available:

The Moderna 6 months to under 5 years information and consent form provides key information about COVID-19 vaccines for parents and guardians of children aged 6 months to 5 years.

COVID-19 reference chart updated:

The COVID-19 vaccine comparison A3 poster was updated 26 August 2022 to include Spikevax (Moderna) Primary Course (6 months – 5 years).

Guidance on multi-dose vials updated:

The ATAGI guidelines for the correct use of multi-dose vials have been updated to include advice that is also applicable to the use of Paediatric Spikevax (Moderna) vaccine. The Paediatric Spikevax vaccine is a new formulation (blue cap purple stripe vial) consisting of a new concentration of 100 mcg/mL in multi-dose vials containing 10 doses, each 0.25mL.

Novavax vaccine for adolescents aged 12-17 years

ATAGI has recommended the use of Novavax for adolescents aged 12-17 years for their primary course of COVID-19 vaccination. The recommended primary course dosing schedule for Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is 2 doses, 8 weeks apart.

From 5 September 2022, bookings can be made via the Vaccine Clinic Finder. Sites may commence administering Novavax to this population immediately if they have appointments and stock available.

Novavax is not registered by the TGA for use as a booster dose in adolescents aged 12-17 years, however ATAGI have advised that Novavax can be used as a booster in this age group if no other COVID-19 vaccine brand is suitable for that person. See ATAGI recommendations on the use of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine

Managing COVID-19 vaccine administration errors

The ATAGI clinical guidance on COVID-19 vaccine administration errors provides advice on the management of a range of vaccine administration errors. The guidelines, updated 29 August 2022, includes replacement dose advice for booster doses and includes advice specific to the 6 month to <5 year age group.

COVID-19 In-Reach Vaccination PIP extension

The COVID-19 In-Reach Vaccination Practice Incentives Program (PIP) has been extended to 31 December 2022. See the updated PIP Payment Guidelines.

Dinner event: Shingrix education for GPs, nurses, and pharmacists

• About: Learn more about herpes zoster and SHINGRIX, a new shingles vaccine now available in Australia for your patients ≥50 years old.
• Details:Bedouin, 53 Cross Street Double Bay | Tuesday 13 September | 6.30pm to 9.00pm
• Register: complete registration form and email to x.wu@gsk.com or call 0467 800 761

Immunisation news

Catch up on previous Immunisation Weekly Updates.

Keep up to date with the latest information on Monkeypox.