New Immunisation Schedule Commenced 1 July
The new NSW Immunisation Schedule commenced on 1 July 2020. We have been advised that there is confusion as to which schedule point Act-HIB should be administered. Act-HIB should be given at the 18 month schedule point. The online version of the schedule has been updated to include solid lines between schedule points. If you
New Changes to the National Immunisation Schedule
From 1 July 2020, the National Immunisation Program schedule will be updated to improve protection against meningococcal and pneumococcal disease. These changes are: Introduction of meningococcal B vaccination and changes to meningococcal ACWY vaccination. Pneumococcal vaccination schedule will change to reflect the current best clinical evidence in preventing pneumococcal disease in adults and in people
Primary Care Impact Update
Nurse Led Cervical Cancer Screening Service Danielle Midgley, Practice Nurse at Tweed Coast Medical, has successfully implemented a nurse-led cervical cancer screening service. She has kindly shared her PDSA with you. We have added a new QI topic to the list in Primary Care Impact: Increase cervical cancer screening through a nurse-led screening service This
Pneumovax 23 Vaccine Out of Stock
Due to unprecedented demand, Pneumovax 23 vaccine (23vPPV) is now out of stock until further notice. Orders placed from 28 April 2020 to 11 June 2020 that were in back order will be delivered this week. Please do not schedule appointments until you have received your vaccine delivery. If your practice had a back order
Influenza Vaccination Program – Distribution Update
NSW Health has sent updated information to all immunisation providers about the supply and distribution of 2020 influenza vaccines. This includes advice on ordering, stock availability and delivery of routine orders. Click here to read the 21 May update. (PDF)
Survey on the Availability of Influenza Vaccines
NSW Health is inviting immunisation providers to complete a short survey to record your availability of influenza vaccine stock. Information you provide will be included in a list published here. The list will enable individuals to contact you to arrange vaccination when you have influenza vaccine in stock. The existing list needs updating and new
Guidelines on Maintaining Influenza Immunisation Services
The Department of Health has released new guiding principles for maintaining immunisation services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Immunisation providers will need to adapt their procedures and practice to comply with measures in place, including physical distancing, to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Click here to download the guiding principles. (PDF)
BreastScreen NSW Set to Resume
BreastScreen NSW is now taking calls and preparing to resume screening from 18 May 2020. Screening will resume at the Tweed Heads, Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie centres, and via the mobile van in Bowraville. BreastScreen NSW has advised that women who had their appointments cancelled will be prioritised and contacted directly, as soon
Update on Flu Vaccines
NSW Health is advising that all influenza vaccine orders placed from 22 April onward are now on back order for: Aboriginal people aged five years to 64 years Those who are medically at risk Pregnant women Orders will be filled when more influenza vaccines stock becomes available in June 2020. Orders for persons aged 65 years
Drive-In Immunisation Clinics
NSW Health has developed guidelines to support practices considering drive-in immunisation clinics. Drive-in immunisation clinics are not routinely recommended, due to safety concerns for patients who may experience a rare adverse event following immunisation. Immunisation providers considering this option after reviewing existing advice for maintaining and implementing vaccinations clinics during COVID-19 should consider the guidelines.
Advice on Post-Vaccination Observation Time
The Australian Technical Advisory Group On Immunisation (ATAGI) has released advice on post-vaccination observation time in the context of COVID-19. The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends that individuals who receive a vaccination should remain under observation for at least 15 minutes. This allows for the observation of possible adverse effects, such as anaphylaxis and fainting. Where an
Media Release: Distancing Also Helps Protect Against Flu
MEDIA RELEASE – DISTRIBUTED 3 APRIL 2020 This week, there has been a rise in the number of people calling their GP to get a flu shot. While it is great that people want to take precautions, Healthy North Coast is reminding local residents that the flu vaccine may not be here yet. Healthy North
