This update provides information to help primary care providers tackle current challenges, including COVID-19. Submissions can be sent to covax@murrayphn.org.au

View previous editions here.

Moderna 6 months to 5 years vaccine
All sites who have been onboarded and have not yet ordered, are encouraged to do so by this Friday, 2 December 2022 to ensure children who require three doses can receive them before vaccine stock expires.

VOC holiday period arrangements
Last orders for COVID-19 vaccines and consumables must be placed by this Friday, 2 December for delivery by 16 December 2022. The VOC will be closed from 3pm Friday 23 December 2022 to Monday 2 January.

Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV)
Stock of JE vaccines remains limited. In the lead up to the holiday season, providers should reduce ordering to ensure excess stock is not held during closure periods. Contact immunisation@health.vic.gov.au for assistance with vaccine ordering.

Vaccine breaches
To avoid vaccination errors, please ask every question on the eligibility checklist to ensure the correct vaccine is chosen. If you are unsure which vaccine to administer, do not vaccinate and refer the individual to a medical practitioner.
 
The Department has provided mandatory eLearning. Pharmacists and nurse immunisers must complete online training before administering JE vaccines

Reporting vaccinations
It is strongly recommended that JE vaccination be reported to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) using your medical practice software. Please enter the correct brand of vaccine and not the generic name as well as route of administration (ID vs SC). Reporting these vaccinations to the AIR means that the register contains a complete and reliable dataset and can monitor immunisation coverage and administration. It also means that individuals have a complete record of their vaccinations. More information for Victorian immunisation providers can be found here

Eligibility
The vaccine is free for eligible people and general practices are encouraged to bulk bill for the service whenever possible. Vaccination can also be administered after arrival in flood affected areas to those from other regions deployed for prolonged recovery efforts. Further information is provided in this factsheet.

Additional resources:

• Victorian Department of Health FAQ resource for immunisation providers
• Social media pack that includes posters is available for the promotion of prevention messages to the community.

• GV Health COVID-19 vaccination buses - including Pfizer, Moderna bivalent boosters and JEV vaccines.
• Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit outreach vaccination clinics – COVID, Influenza and JEV. The LMPHU are now taking expressions of interest to receive a JEV vaccination, these will be referred to a local provider or an outreach clinic. 
• Ovens Murray PHU vaccination clinics – COVID-19, influenza and JEV vaccines. There is now a ticketing system in place – people must have a booking to receive their vaccination.

COVID-19 antivirals in Prescriber Bags
Prescriber Bag arrangements changed on 1 November to allow medical and nurse practitioners to include Lagevrio and Paxlovid in the Prescriber Bag supplies for use in urgent circumstances for patients who are at a high risk of developing severe COVID-19 and who are unable to fill a PBS prescription from a community pharmacy in a timely manner. This is an emergency option only - prescribers should use a PBS prescription wherever possible. More information is outlined in this PBS factsheet.

Supporting the disability sector
Murray PHN is helping disability providers and liaison officers to engage primary care providers for in-reach vaccinations. If your practice can assist, email: covax@murrayphn.org.au

Practices can also access support and resources from disability liaison officers in: 

• Albury/Wodonga
• Bendigo/Loddon Mallee
• Shepparton/Goulburn Valley
• Wangaratta/North east

GP respiratory clinics
GPRCs provide free care for Victorians with respiratory symptoms, including comprehensive assessments and support to manage illnesses. If your health service lacks capacity or adequate PPE to manage patients with respiratory symptoms, please refer them to the nearest GP respiratory clinic and not to a hospital, unless it's an emergency. Local GPRCs are:

• Shepparton Respiratory Clinic (Princess Park Clinic), 172 Welsford Street, Ph: 03 5821 9655 - click here for opening hours and bookings.
• Wodonga Respiratory Clinic (Central Medical), 224-226 Beechworth Road, Ph: 02 6067 2437 - click here for opening hours and bookings.

Flood recovery
Here are some quick links to help you navigate recovery. If you require additional support, email gpsupport@murrayphn.org.au or visit our website for helpful advice and information for community and health services.

• The Disaster Response Network (DRN) is a national network of Australian Psychological Society psychologists who volunteer to help those affected by disasters and emergencies. Murray PHN can link you to the DRN to access support for your front-line workers. Contact covax@murrayphn.org.au for assistance.
• Focus on Emergency Response is a quick-reference, printable document for health services staff
• HealthPathways: General Practice Management During a Disaster and Rural Community Support During Adversity 
• Victorian general practices: Emergency Response Planning Tool (ERPT)
• The Pharmacy Guild of Australia: Information for pharmacies affected by disaster.
• Department of Health and Aged Care: Flood and storm information and support
• Victorian Government: Flood Recovery Hotline (1800 560 760) 
• Emergency Relief Centres: here.

• Contaminated floodwater can increase the risk of infections and mosquito-borne diseases, see advice from Loddon Mallee PHU, NSW Health, Healthdirect and WorkSafe QLD.
• Look out for signs that you or those around you might be struggling. Head to Health services can be accessed by calling 1800 595 212 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday except on public holidays.

Education and training

Upcoming events

• Healthed: COVID Update | Tuesday 6 December, 7-9pm

Online learning

• Phoenix Australia: Trauma-informed care during COVID-19 (self-paced approx. 5 hours). Use code PHNMCOVTIC20 to access the course free of charge.
• Phoenix Australia: Being Trauma Aware for Trauma-informed Care (self-paced 90-minutes). Use code PHNMCOVTIC20 to access the course free of charge. This course is included as part of the full Trauma-informed care course above.
• Victorian Department of Health Immunisation eLearning – JEV and Influenza
• Victorian Department of Health and VICNISS: Infection prevention and control free online learning package
• NSW Health: Fit testing and fit checking videos 

• Health Issues Centre: Covid antivirals – How do they work, who should use them and how do we increase uptake (7 September)

New and updated resources

• DoHAC posters – Childrens Remember to check; Babies remember to check; Vaccine preparation and administration don't forget to check
• COVID-19 Referrals and Escalation of Care HealthPathway
• Vic DoH - JEV vaccine eligibility checklist for the public; JEV vaccination consent form
• Agriculture Victoria – flood response
• Better Health Victoria – JEV information in your language
• Health Translations (Victorian DoH) – JEV in Victoria
• NCCET– drug treatment flowcharts for adults, children and adolescents, and pregnant and breastfeeding women with COVID-19