Our RACF managers thank their GPs
Feedback from residential aged care facility (RACF) managers has been positive in relation to the support and availability of the GPs during COVID outbreaks. During the peak of the current Omicron wave, 50% of local RACFs were in an outbreak or deemed an exposure site. It has been a hectic time for the Public Health
Tweed Valley Clinical Society explores social isolation and loneliness
On Thursday 10 February 2022 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, the Tweed Valley Clinical Society will hold its first event of the year. Delivered via Microsoft Teams for COVID-safety, the meeting invites the Tweed Valley primary care workforce to come together and explore social isolation and loneliness interventions. Since the onset of the COVID-19
Fourth COVID-19 vaccine approved
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has given approval for a fourth COVID-19 vaccine. The Novavax vaccine will be available to people 18 years and over. It will be given in 2 doses, 3 weeks apart. The Novavax vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine. Protein vaccines use a non-infectious component of the coronavirus. After vaccination, immune
Booster eligibility reduced again
From 21 January 2022, NSW residents can access a COVID-19 vaccine booster jab at state-run clinics three months after their second dose. For locations, see this list of NSW Health vaccination clinics. The interval for booster doses at general practices and pharmacies will remain at 4 months until 31 January 2022. Bookings will become available
Monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-positive patients in northern NSW
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved several monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 treatment. What are monoclonal antibodies? Â Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic or enhance the human immune system response to fight against harmful antigens such as viruses. Monoclonal antibodies that can specifically target surface viral proteins to block the viral entry
Monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-positive patients in the Mid North Coast
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved several monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 treatment. What are monoclonal antibodies? Â Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic or enhance the human immune system response to fight against harmful antigens such as viruses. Monoclonal antibodies that can specifically target surface viral proteins to block the viral entry
International COVID-19 vaccines recognised by Australia
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)Â has updated its list of COVID-19 vaccines recognised for the purpose of travel to Australia to include Sputnik V. For the full list of recognised vaccines, visit the TGA’s website.
ATAGI vaccination recommendation for severely immunocompromised children
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) made a recommendation for severely immunocompromised children aged 5 to 11 to receive a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine to optimise their protection. For more information, see ATAGI’s recommendations.
National Medical Stockpile PPE Update
To support the safe management of COVID-positive patients in the community, the Australian Government is making additional personal protective equipment (PPE) available to eligible services through the National Medical Stockpile. For general practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal community controlled health services (ACCHSs), and general practice respiratory clinics (GPRCs) Until 30 June 2022, additional PPE bundles (P2/N95 respirators,
Prioritisation of boosters for aged, disability and health care workers
The National COVID Vaccine Taskforce has issued the following update for vaccination providers. Many states are requiring aged care and disability support workers to have a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. While there are a number of channels available to access boosters and sufficient supply of vaccines, the taskforce is asking primary care vaccination sites to
Paediatric COVID-19 vaccination update
The National COVID Vaccine Taskforce has issued a bulletin for vaccination providers. Key messages on paediatric vaccination are available below. Allocations for Comirnaty (Pfizer) (5 to 11 years) vaccine Since 10 January 2022, more than 141,000 children between the ages of 5 and 11 years old across Australia have received their first dose of Comirnaty
Changed criteria for COVID-positive referrals to NNSWLHD
The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) has developed a referral form to its Virtual COVID Care Service for patients identified as ‘very high risk’. The NNSWLHD referral form is available on the HealthPathways COVID-19 Referrals page. Referral can also be used for consideration of sotrovimab infusion. Please complete the referral form and send to:
