Moderna bivalent vaccine for adult booster dose
On 29 August, the TGA provisionally approved Moderna's bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, SPIKEVAX Bivalent Original/Omicron, for use as a booster dose in adults aged 18 years and over. This is the first bivalent COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Australia. We will advise providers as soon as ATAGI release their recommendations for clinical administration and government approval is given. Click here to read the media release.
Primary care vaccine provider bulletin 25 August
Novavax for people aged 12-17 years
ATAGI has added Novavax as a vaccine that may be used as a primary course of COVID-19 vaccination in all adolescents aged 12-17 years. The recommended dosing schedule is two doses, eight weeks apart. The Australian Government will include Novavax for this cohort in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program from 5 September. All primary care sites may commence administering immediately if they have appointments and stock available. Read more in the bulletin here.
Moderna training module for 6 months to under 5 years
The Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) has launched its Moderna 6 months to under 5 years training module. To access the module (3.b), learners will need to complete the core modules, as well as the preceding Moderna (3. and 3.a) modules. To access the new module, learners need to update their profile to link it to a registered site administering the new vaccine. Read more on the COVID-19 vaccination training program page.
Safe disposal of COVID-19 vaccines
All vaccine vials and waste must be disposed of in a clinical waste bin in accordance with local requirements. Return Unwanted Medicines (RUM) bins are not an approved clinical waste bin. Vaccination providers are reminded to dispose of clinical waste immediately (including sharps and vaccine vials) at the point of use and when vaccines expire or when vials are empty.
The VOC has been notified of several vaccine administration errors (VAEs) occurring where expired and used vials/syringes that were stored in the vaccine fridge pending disposal were mistakenly administered to patients.
Changes to vaccine products administered
Primary care vaccination providers are reminded that Murray PHN is the primary point of contact for requests to change vaccine type/s you wish to administer. Follow the process outlined in this Commonwealth factsheet then email covax@murrayphn.org.au with your intention to withdraw or amend the vaccines you will be administering. Your request will be passed to the Taskforce for processing. You must also update your service details in VCF Connect. Do not call the VOC to withdraw.
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for 6 months to under 5 years
Six practices in the Murray PHN region were selected to participate in the COVID-19 Moderna 6 months to under 5 years roll-out and have now been added to the list of vaccinating sites on our webpages, accessible here.
The practices are in Albury, Benalla, Kennington, Myrtleford, Wangaratta and Wodonga. They were chosen based on applications received and decisions made by DoHAC. Due to the limited size of the population of the 6 months to under 5 years of age cohort, it was not possible for all interested practices to be able to administer the COVID-19 Moderna 6 months to under 5 years (Blue/Purple) vaccine. However, the Taskforce is closely monitoring the progress of the rollout and will consider onboarding additional practices where we identify any gaps in access to the vaccine.
Sites will receive a total allocation (not ongoing) and be able to place six orders four weeks apart. This vaccine should only be used for children aged 6 months to under 5 years with severe immunocompromise, disability, and those who have complex and/or multiple health conditions which increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
At this stage the Commonwealth has advised this is not an ongoing EOI and no more practices will be considered. If that changes, we will let you know.
Reporting COVID-19 cases
The Victorian Department of Health advised yesterday, that medical practitioners are no longer required to report COVID-19 diagnoses to the department. Notifications are now only to be made by pathology services.
Monkeypox (MPX)
ATAGI and the Victorian Department of Health have updated their warnings and guidelines on monkeypox.
Due to limited supply of the monkeypox vaccine (JYNNEOS®) in Victoria, not everyone who meets the eligibility criteria will be able to access a vaccine. Patients requiring post-exposure prophylaxis will be prioritised. The vaccine is currently only available through select metropolitan sexual health clinics and regional local public health units. People who meet the eligibility criteria but are finding it difficult to access an appointment, can be referred to e: immunisation@health.vic.gov.au
For the most up-to-date information and eligibility criteria, see the Victorian Department of Health’s webpage. Murray PHN has also created a webpage, available here. Members of the public who are enquiring about the vaccine, can be directed to the Better Health Channel webpage for more information. The Commonwealth has also developed a patient information leaflet.
Local monkeypox webinar
Murray PHN, in conjunction with Ovens Murray, Goulburn Valley and Loddon Mallee Public Health Units (PHUs) is presenting an update on management of MPX in general practice and the role of the PHUs. It will be held on Thursday 8 September from 7 – 8.15pm. For more information and to register, click here.
Meningococcal disease
A national social media campaign (sponsored by Pfizer) commenced on 29 August. It targets parents of teenagers to raise awareness of meningococcal disease. The campaign aims to support government run programs and assist vaccine uptake of 15-19 year olds who are recommended to receive meningococcal vaccinations. This cohort is eligible to receive free catch up menACWY vaccination through their GP (or pharmacist in Victoria) if they have missed their school vaccination. Campaign posts link to this article which includes this factsheet encouraging people to speak to a healthcare professional for more information.
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