As noted in the recent Provider Bulletin, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved a shelf-life of 6 months from the date of manufacture of NUVAXOVID (Novavax), provided that approved storage conditions between 2°C to 8°C have been maintained.
Cartons and vials of Nuvaxovid were labelled with an expiry in the month/year format but continue to meet the TGA approved shelf life up to 6 months after the date of manufacture. This is reflected in the revised expiry date when expressed as a day/month/year. The changed expiry date applies to the following batch number that has been distributed:
Batch Number
Labelled Expiry Date
Date of Manufacture
Revised Expiry Date
4301MF004
Apr 22
22 Nov 2021
22 May 2022
Novavax stock at sites: This revised expiry date applies to all stock on site provided that approved storage conditions have been maintained.
The Department has requested that vaccinating sites please update the expiry date on any vials you have on site to reflect the revised expiry date.
The Chief Health Officer provides a Ramadan message
Clinical guidance on COVID-19 vaccine administration errors
ATAGI has provided advice on the management of a range of possible vaccine administration errors, including when a replacement (repeat) dose is recommended. This advice includes winter booster doses. Link to ATAGI advice.
ATAGI advice on use of sedation for COVID-19 vaccination
ATAGI provides an overview of the principles for the use of sedation as one of a range of measures to assist in the safe administration of COVID-19 vaccines. Link to ATAGI advice.
The list of Vaccination Clinics in Western Queensland is updated weekly. It includes General Practices, Pharmacies and HHS outreach clinics and is available on the WQPHN website.
Please email Melissa Williams to notify WQPHN of any change you want to your listing.
COVID Care
Updated forms - Queensland Health
The Go-To webpage on the Queensland Health Website
For the latest state and national COVID-19 guidance view details at WQ HealthPathways
Message from the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Prof. Michael Kidd
In recent weeks I have discussed treating patients who are infected with COVID-19 with the COVID-19 anti-viral medications Paxlovid and Lagevrio (Molnupiravir). These medications are taken as capsules or tablets. There is information on the department’s website on oral treatments for COVID-19.
Lagevrio is currently available for prescription under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). From 1 May, Paxlovid will also become available under the PBS. Paxlovid will benefit patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, who are at risk of developing severe disease. Until then, you will need to work with your local, state, or territory health department to access Paxlovid for your patient(s).
There are currently an estimated 370,228 active cases of COVID-19 across Australia. Over 3,100 people are hospitalised with COVID-19, with 146 patients in intensive care.
So far this year, there have been more than 5 million cases of COVID-19, and 4,700 deaths reported across Australia.
Prof Kidd notes three new items on the Department’s website:
Queensland PHNs Webinar: An approach to end-of-life care from the consumer and clinician’s perspective - Tuesday 26 April: 6.30pm to 8.00pm
General Practitioners (GPs) and general practice staff are invited to attend an upcoming webinar organised by Queensland's primary health networks (PHNs). The webinar will review a case study discussing the approach to end-of-life-care for our patients and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Facilitated by Helen Mees, health consumer, this panel discussion will cover:
a systematic approach to end-of-life-care
being proactive: advance care planning and clinical care planning
HealthPathways to support end-of-life care in your community
Panellists:
Dr Geoff Mitchell, Partner and GP, Limestone Medical Centre Ipswich, and Emeritus Professor, School of Medicine, University of Queensland.
Dr Leyton Miller, Palliative Care and Advance Care Planning Registrar, Metro South Health.
Prof Liz Reymond MBBS (Hons), PhD, FRACGP, FAChPM, Director, Brisbane South Palliative Care Collaborative, Director, Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning, and Deputy Director, Metro South Palliative Care Service.
Western Queensland Primary Health Network gratefully acknowledges the financial and other support from the Australian Government Department of Health
Although funding has been provided by the Australian Government, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views
or policies of, nor is endorsed by, the Australian Government.
