International COVID-19 vaccines recognised by Australia

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) 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.

Helping boost brain function in Currumbin

For individuals struggling with cognitive decline or wanting help to improve cognitive function as they age, Currumbin Clinic’s Brain Gym day program focuses on issues related to managing cognitive function. This includes brain training exercises and creating a healthy balanced lifestyle through mental and physical activities, healthy eating and social activities. Brain training for older

Updated advice on testing pregnant women for syphilis

New medical advice recommends women at increased risk be tested for syphilis twice during pregnancy. The updated guidance comes as rates of the sexually transmitted infection are on the rise. Between 2015 and 2020, the notification of infectious syphilis cases rose 90% Australia-wide. HealthPathways Clinical Editor Dr Kate Allan said three population groups were particularly

Avant Foundation 2022 grants

Expressions of interest for the Avant Foundation’s 2022 grants program are closing soon. Funding up to $100,000 per project is available to support current or planned projects that focus on quality, safety and professionalism. Since 2018, the program has funded small and large research, training, education and leadership initiatives that improve how healthcare is practised

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:

Changed criteria for COVID-positive referrals to MNCLHD

The Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) has introduced a referral form for ‘COVID Care in the Community’. GPs must complete the new form before referring COVID-19-positive patients to the COVID Care in the Community pathway, which is an outpatient service. Included on the referral form is a range of eligibility criteria that patients

COVID-19 update from the NSW Chief Health Officer

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has written a letter to all GPs outlining several important changes to the management of COVID-19. Some key points are copied below. Changes to the self-isolation period for people with COVID-19 Patients with COVID-19 can leave isolation if at least 7 days (previously 10 days) have passed since

Healthy North Coast providing logistical support for RATs

Healthy North Coast is working with the Australian and NSW governments to help connect health care providers to rapid antigen tests (RATs). The swift spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant has left RATs in short supply across the country. Healthy North Coast is supporting vulnerable and priority populations to obtain the tests. At this stage,