Immunisation weekly update – 8 September 2021

Overseas COVID-19 vaccinations, reporting to AIR

The Department of Health and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have approved 3 vaccines for use in Australia from 1 October 2020: AstraZeneca Vaxzevria, Moderna Spikevax and Pfizer Comirnaty.

If a patient received an AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer vaccine on or after 1 October 2020 while overseas, it can be recorded on the AIR when the patient returns to Australia and appear on their immunisation history statement. Patients will need proof of vaccination documents translated in English.

If a patient received a COVID-19 vaccine overseas that isn’t AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer, it cannot currently be added to the AIR. A GP letter can be provided as a form of documentation to the patient.

Use the document Clinical advice on the use of a different COVID-19 vaccine as the second dose (page 4) to assist in completing a COVID-19 vaccine course started with a brand that is not available in Australia.

COVID-19 Digital certificates and mixed vaccination schedules

Enhancements to the AIR will be implemented in mid-September 2021 to ensure that individuals who have received a mixed vaccination schedule in line with the ATAGI advice, can access a COVID-19 Digital Certificate. In the meantime, individuals can use their Immunisation History Statement (IHS) as proof of vaccination.

Information on how to download your COVID-19 digital passport is available in English and translated languages.

ATAGI recommends using the same COVID-19 vaccine for the two doses of the primary vaccination course. Recent updates have been made to the clinical guidance regarding the use of mixed vaccination schedules for specific medical contraindications or precautions, or where the same vaccine brand is not available in Australia. See Clinical advice on the use of a different COVID-19 vaccine as the second dose.

Vaccination advice for patients who have had COVID-19 infection

COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for people with a past history of COVID-19 infection. The ATAGI clinical guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccine in Australia in 2021 recommends that after a PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination should be deferred for up to 6 months. This is because after having had COVID-19, the risk of being re-infected is reduced for at least 6 months.

NCIRS noted there may be some situations where it is reasonable to be vaccinated earlier than 6 months following infection with SARS-CoV-2, such as people working in a job with a high risk of exposure to the virus or people requesting vaccination, for example, to satisfy a mandatory vaccination requirement or patients who are significantly immunocompromised and may not have a strong immune response after being infected with the virus. In these situations, the person should consult their healthcare professional, and their individual circumstances should be considered. The healthcare professional can consult with a specialist immunisation service for additional advice.

If a patient requires a temporary exemption from vaccination for work or other reasons, because they recently had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, this can be obtained from their doctor using the NSW Health approved medical contraindication form, for up to 6 months.

Consent to vaccination for minors

From 13^th September 2021, all people aged 12-15 years will be eligible for Pfizer vaccination. This is in addition to the 12-15 year olds in priority groups that are already eligible.

Evidence of consent

People can give consent either in writing or verbally, according to the protocols of the health facility. All consent must meet the criteria for valid consent. People need to give explicit verbal consent before receiving any vaccine, even if they gave written consent at previous vaccination encounters for the same vaccine. Document verbal consent in the person’s file each time they give it.

This COVID-19 vaccination – consent form is provided by the Commonwealth for vaccination providers to obtain patient consent prior to COVID-19 vaccination and meets consent legislation requirements. Use of this consent form is not mandatory.

Consent on behalf of a child or an adolescent

In general, a parent or legal guardian of a child has the authority to consent to that child being vaccinated. The law presumes that people have capacity to make decisions about their health care at 18 years of age. For certain procedures, including vaccination, a child or adolescent may be determined to be mature enough to understand the proposed procedure, and the risks and benefits associated with it. These young people may have the capacity to consent under certain circumstances. The legal test used to determine if a child is capable of giving consent is when he or she “achieves a sufficient understanding and intelligence to enable him or her to understand fully what is proposed”. This is referred to as ‘Gillick competent’ or a ‘mature minor’.

For further information consult with your indemnity provider. 

Updates to the Catch-up Calculator

 The National Immunisation Catch-up Calculator (NICC) has undergone minor updates and refinements based on the feedback received from stakeholders. Some of the updates that have been made are related to scheduling of catch-up appointments, pneumococcal vaccine dose recommendations and more. If you identify any issues with the updated NICC, please contact the Handbook Team or email Immunisation Handbook inbox of the Australian Government Department of Health.

Authorised nurse immuniser course – Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth-funded places are now available for Registered Nurses through participating RTOs. A number of public and private sector places are available across the country, including RNs working in general practice. The course enables nurses to deliver immunisation services and administer vaccines independently of a medical officer as per the NSW Health policy directive.

Scholarships are available through:

• Australian College of Nursing
• Benchmarque and
• University of Melbourne.

All of these courses are HESA approved and therefore recognised in NSW.

Statewide Protocol for supply or administration of COVID-19 vaccine

 The NSW Statewide Protocol for supply or administration of COVID-19 vaccine and associated Authority were amended to include additional workforce groups that can vaccinate within a NSW Health COVID-19 vaccination clinic, provided that the requirements of the protocol are adhered to including training and supervision requirements. 

Moderna vaccine – provisional approval in individuals aged 12 years and older

On 3 September 2021 the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) granted provisional approval for the use of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) in individuals aged 12 years and older. This decision follows the provisional approval granted on 9 August 2021 for use in individuals aged 18 years and older.

Extended deadline for authorised workers in LGAs of concern

Authorised workers from the LGAs of concern must have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of Sunday 19 September to continue to work outside the LGA they live in from 20 September. Priority bookings are available.

COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme

The Australian Government has finalised the details of the COVID-19 Vaccine Claim Scheme. People who have had a moderate to significant adverse reaction to an approved COVID-19 vaccine can now register their interest in the proposed COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme.

Translated Resources

• Department of Health – COVID-19 vaccination resources in other languages
• NSW Health – COVID-19 resource language list

New and updated resources

• COVID-19 vaccination – shared decision making guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy (updated 2 September): The newly registered Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna) has been included in this advice
• COVID-19 vaccination – Information on COVID-19 Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine (2 September): A fact sheet for patients about the Moderna (Spikevax)) vaccine.
• COVID-19 vaccination – After your Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine (2 September): A patient fact sheet about what to expect after being given the Moderna (Spikevax) COVID-19 vaccination.
• COVID-19 vaccination – Disability provider alert (6 September): This alert contains updates for disability service providers about the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

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. Get involved by submitting questions and comments!

Details: Thursday 9 September, 11:30am (AEDT) | Click link to join

Catch up on previous webinars 

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