Immunisation weekly update – 7 September 2022

Monkeypox update

As of 1 September 2022, there are 124 cases (confirmed and probable) of Monkeypox (MPX) in Australia, which 48 cases in New South Wales. For the latest information, see CESPHN Public Health Alerts webpage.

CESPHN Monkeypox webinar

Join us for a lunchtime session, educating you on the latest information regarding the Monkeypox virus including vaccination, identification, treatment, and case management.

• Speaker: Presented by Dr Kasha Singh, Infectious Diseases physician at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and clinical researcher based at The Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity in Melbourne, Australia.
• Register: Click here to register for event on Tuesday 20 September 2022, 12.30 pm – 1.00 pm
• Target audience: All primary health professionals

Childhood immunisation coverage data – June 2022

The latest data on childhood immunisation coverage by PHN and SA3 for children is now available, for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.

In the CESPHN region, we have seen a decline over the past two consecutive quarters in 2022 for coverage rates across all three childhood immunisation age groups.

What can your practice do?

Contact immunisation@cesphn.com.au to access an AIR overdue childhood immunisation report for your practice.

Temporary medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines – Expanded guidance

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) have developed guidance for providers on acute major medical conditions that warrant a temporary medical exemption relevant for COVID-19 vaccines.

What’s changed? Cardiac illness precautions now apply to all COVID-19 vaccines.

Paediatric COVID-19 vaccine rollout commences

On 5 September 2022, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout for at-risk children aged 6 months to 4 years commenced. Bookings for the Moderna (6 months to 5 years) vaccine can be made via the Vaccine Clinic Finder website.

Currently ATAGI recommends COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 6 months to 4 years who are severely immunocompromised, have a disability, or have complex and/or multiple health conditions.

COVID-19 information in other languages

The Department of Health have developed COVID-19 information and resources in other languages. The latest translated resources include:

• The Vaccines are safe for children (other languages) language set contains translations of a social tile that explains that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for children.
• The Vaccination is the best way to protect your child language set contains translations of a social tile that explains that vaccination is the best way to protect your child against getting very sick from COVID-19.

Nurse Scholarship

CESPHN is inviting registered nurses to apply for a scholarship to become a qualified Authorised Nurse Immuniser in NSW. CESPHN are offering successful applicants 100% scholarship to the Understanding Vaccines and the National Immunisation Program.

For more information about the scholarship and to apply, see CESPHN Immunisation website. Applications close 30 September 2022.

Upcoming immunisation webinars

Adolescent Vaccination

• About: Listen to adolescent health experts discuss the key role of General Practice in improving uptake of recommended adolescent vaccinations, adolescent preventative health topics , and communication with young patients
• Register: RSVP here for either sessions: Wednesday, 14 September 7 pm or Thursday, 15 September 1 pm
• CPD: the 1 hour webinar is RACGP accredited attracting 2 CPD points
• Contact benjamin.tuckey@pfizer.com or 0417 395 849 for further information

NCIRS 25 Year Anniversary Showcase live stream

• About: A virtual showcase of inspiring presentations from Australian and international experts to commemorate the moments that have shaped the immunisation landscape over the past 25 years, with a look towards the future.
• Register: RSVP here for event on Thursday, 15 September 2022, 9.30 am – 4.30 pm (see showcase program)

COVID-19 response update

• About: primary care update on the COVID-19 response and the vaccine rollout – key updates and Q&A

Thursday, 2 September 2022 at 11.30am (AEST) – Click link to join

Immunisation news

Catch up on previous Immunisation Weekly Updates.

Keep up to date with the latest information on Monkeypox.