COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics are scheduled over the next week at the following locations:

• south - Bridgewater, Dodges Ferry, Glenorchy, Hobart city, Howrah, Huonville, Kingston, New Norfolk, Rosny
• north - Fingal, Invermay, Mowbray, South Launceston
• north west - Burnie, Devonport.

These clinics are run by the Tasmanian Government and there is no cost for eligible people. Full details are available on the Tasmanian coronavirus website.

The latest data on influenza vaccinations reported to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) in the period 1 March to 24 July this year shows good news, especially for older Tasmanians.

At 24 July, around 93,000 of the 116,000 Tasmanians aged 65 and over had received an influenza vaccine. This represents a vaccination rate of 80.4% (calculation based on 65+ years population numbers published by the ABS as of 30 June 2021).

Tasmanian primary care providers delivered 82.4 % of all influenza vaccinations - 55.4% were delivered through general practices and 26.9% through pharmacies. The detailed report - comparing states - is available here.

From Monday 1 August, pharmacies will no longer distribute free COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to concession card holders.

Instead, Service Tasmania will be the new distribution point for concession card holders to get free RATs, with the same eligibility and product limits. To find the nearest centre, people can call 1300 13 55 13 or visit www.service.tas.gov.au.

The Department of Health also provides free RATs to all Tasmanians who are symptomatic or a close contact, regardless of their concession card status. RATs can be requested by visiting www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au or by calling the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.

A reminder that bookings are required for people needing a PCR test at Tasmanian Government COVID-19 testing clinics in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie.

These clinics are not equipped for walk-ins. However, walk-ins are welcome at the Devonport clinic.

Bookings can be made online or by calling the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738. Testing is free and remains vital to tracking and slowing the spread of COVID-19.

The Australian Government has launched the latest phase of its COVID-19 campaign, informing Australians that COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments are available for eligible cohorts.

Australians are encouraged to check their eligibility and speak to their healthcare professional about COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments that can be taken at home, as they need to be started early after testing positive. Read more.

New resources relating to the evolving monkeypox outbreak are available to support primary care practitioners.

This includes the recording of a recent webinar hosted by the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM), guidance on monkeypox patient referral, specimen collection and test requesting, fact sheets, a poster, and more.

The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) is a national immunisation register which records vaccines given to all people in Australia. 

Mandatory reporting of vaccinations to the AIR commenced in February 2021 for COVID-19 vaccines and influenza vaccinations. 

Further legislative changes effective from 1 July 2021 require vaccination providers to report to the AIR all National Immunisation Plan (NIP) vaccines given.

Cancer Council Australia has produced a GP resource which can be used to identify the best approach to support people reluctant or hesitant about bowel cancer screening.
 
The resource details research conducted into the barriers and enablers for potential bowel screening participants, and provides guidance on how to talk to the three key groups identified: the Intenders, the Refusers, and the FOBT (Faecal Occult Blood Test) Naïve.

The resource has been developed as part of an Australian Government-funded campaign encouraging people to Get2it and participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP).  

The Macular Disease Foundation Australia is inviting GPs to complete two free CPD-approved courses on age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease. 

Both courses are CPD-accredited activities (RACGP and ACRRM). 

Primary Health Tasmania is holding a free online session from 6.30 to 8pm on Tuesday 2 August aimed at supporting GPs, nurses and other primary healthcare professionals to increase their skills and confidence in providing high-quality health care for people with intellectual disability.

This webinar is being delivered under the Australian Government-funded Primary Care Enhancement for People with Intellectual Disability program and is an RACGP CPD activity attracting 2 points.

The Tasmanian Health Service is offering a number of free online workshops aimed at helping people embed health literacy considerations in their work practices:

• Communicate clearly and check understanding (using the 'teachback' method) - 10am to 12pm on Wednesday 3 August and 9.30am to 10am Wednesday 10 August (attendance at both sessions is required)
• 'Wayfinding' and the health literacy environment (how easy is it to find and navigate your service? Great for reception staff and management) - 1pm to 2pm on Wednesday 3 August 
• Writing clearly (for anyone who gives out or creates written information) - 10am to 12pm on Wednesday 10 August
• Visual design basics (for anyone who puts together posters and brochures) - 12pm to 1pm on Wednesday 10 August.

Dementia Australia's Centre for Dementia Learning is holding a free webinar from 12pm to 1pm on Thursday 18 August featuring an expert panel exploring the benefits of and barriers to providing high quality dementia education to residential aged care workers.

What should a dementia education program look like? Why does it matter? Where do we start? Residential aged care workers, health professionals, educators, people living with dementia, and family carers are welcome to attend.

The Murdoch Children's Research Institute's Centre for Community Child Health is holding a free virtual workshop from 12.30pm to 1.30pm on Tuesday 30 August where a panel of experts will explore the impact of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) on children's health and development; how CMV can be identified early; and whether it can be eliminated. 

Each year, the National Vaccine Forum brings together primary healthcare professionals to discuss challenges and possibilities surrounding vaccines in Australia. 

This free, live, and accredited online event organised by Arterial Education will start at 6pm on Thursday 1 September. 

CDM Plus is holding an online workshop from 9am to 12pm on Thursday 15 September for medical practice assistants, nurses, Aboriginal health workers and practitioners, nurse practitioners, reception staff and practice managers who are looking to get the most out of their Best Practice clinical software.

The cost is $295, and registration closes on 14 September. 

Researchers at the University of Tasmania are seeking the participation of Tasmanian healthcare providers in a 10-15 minute online survey.

The survey is part of a study aimed at assessing the use of Australian Government Department of Health clinical practice guidelines encouraging antenatal care providers to discuss oral health with pregnant women. The study findings will be used to develop an implementation strategy to improve antenatal care providers’ use of the guidelines.