This post is not the latest immunisation update and therefore may contain information or advice that is out of date.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.
On 30 June, NSW Health announced that free flu shots for NSW residents will be extended until 17 July amid concerns vaccination rates are still not where they should be. The NSW Health Minister has urged families to use the school holidays to book in for a free flu shot for children as well as adults.
On 2 July a case of diphtheria was confirmed in a two year old child in Northern NSW – the first case of diphtheria of the throat in NSW in a century. A second case of diphtheria of the throat in a six year old child was confirmed on 3 July. Both children were not vaccinated against diphtheria.
Diphtheria is very rare in Australia however, the disease has very serious outcomes and can be fatal. Immunisation providers are encouraged to be alert and review children’s immunisation status.
The diphtheria vaccine is free for children on the NIP at six weeks, four months, six months, 18 months, four years, and at the beginning of high school. In adulthood, diphtheria vaccine is recommended for adults every 10 years and in pregnancy.
This brief NCIRS report summarises perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines of unvaccinated adults living in Australia who were interviewed in late 2021. Informed by these findings, the recommendations aim to improve communication between health authorities, immunisation providers, and unvaccinated individuals and their friends and families.
Recommendations for immunisation providers:
NCIRS is currently evaluating two websites that provide information and resources to support better conversations about vaccination. The survey is focussed on routinely recommended vaccinations for pregnancy and early childhood. It does not focus on vaccinations for COVID-19.
Providers are encouraged to complete the survey to help NCIRS understand:
COVID-19 transmission in the community remains high, according to the latest Respiratory Surveillance Report. It is expected BA.4 and BA.5 will become dominant in the coming weeks and are likely to be associated with an increase in COVID-19 infections including an increase in reinfections.
NSW Health is urging people to remain COVID-safe this winter by:
On 1 July, ATAGI updated their clinical guidance on use of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose. Although not preferred, Novavax can be used as a booster dose in people 18 years and older in the following circumstances:
See Commonly asked questions about booster doses.
At this time, healthy people aged 16 to 64 years who do not have a risk factor for severe COVID-19 are not recommended to receive a winter booster after their first booster. This infographic summarises who should get primary, booster and winter booster doses.
ATAGI recommends that the following people should receive a winter booster of COVID-19 vaccine:
The second booster should be received four months after the first booster dose. For people who have been infected with COVID-19, the second booster dose should be delayed until three months after their infection.
ATAGI is consulting with stakeholders on proposed changes to recommended use of meningococcal B vaccines in people at increased risk of meningococcal B disease.
The draft recommendations and the rationale for the changes are outlined the public consultation document available on the Department of Health and Aged Care website. Deadline for submission is 11.59PM on Sunday 17 July 2022.
Zostavax remains restricted due to national supply shortages. To ensure ongoing supply to all immunisation providers, ordering quantities will be restricted from the NSW State Vaccine Centre until supply issues stabilise.
Central and Eastern Sydney PHN is offering registered nurses working in General Practice within the CESPHN region the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to complete studies to become a qualified authorised nurse immuniser (ANI) in NSW and administer vaccinations independent of a medical officer.
CESPHN are offering successful applicants 100% scholarship to this course (valued at $350). If you are interested in applying, ensure you meet eligibility criteria and apply here. Applications close 31 July 2022.
Pneumococcal Disease 2022 webinar
Vaccine Acceptance in General Practice
GP weekly webinar: booster doses and influenza vaccines
Catch up on previous Immunisation Weekly Updates.
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