ATAGI statement on the use of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, also known as Nuvaxovid, has been provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for use in a primary course of vaccination in people aged 18 years and older. Following this approval, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has published recommendations on the use of Nuvaxovid. In addition, the Australian Government Department
RATs to replace PCR in more settings
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) has released a statement regarding when to use rapid antigen testing (RAT) for high-risk patients. To help manage the current high case loads for PCR testing, the AHPPC recommends the use of RAT for the following purposes: an alternative test to PCRÂ for those with a higher risk of
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
Closing the Gap PBS Co-payment registration
On  1 July 2021, enhancements to the Closing the Gap (CTG) PBS Co-payment Program came into effect. At the time, it became evident there were a significant number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients who had not been correctly registered for the program. The Australian Government introduced a registration grace period to allow time
Important changes to Gold Coast Health outpatient referrals for NSW patients
As part of the Queensland COVID-19 response, Gold Coast Health is now required to redirect clinical and support staff to a range of frontline services. There will be temporary limitations on NSW patients accessing outpatient services at Gold Coast Health facilities, unless clinically urgent and not available in NSW. Due to these limitations during the
Working group to improve LGBTIQ+ inclusiveness in MNCLHD services
The Mid North Coast Local Health District is looking for expressions of interest from sexuality and gender diverse people who have used mental health or alcohol and other drug services who can help bring a lived experience perspective to the Allies working group. The Allies working group is a group of staff and community members
Cycle of care is key for diabetes management
The Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) is reminding GPs about the importance of completing an annual cycle of care for people with diabetes. The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist for reviewing diabetes management and general health. It aims to reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. A 2018 University of Sydney study found
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
