COVID vaccination provider bulletin 16 December
Update to Pfizer Bivalent
As outlined in the bulletin, ATAGI clinical guidance has been updated to include advice on administration errors related to Pfizer 6 months – 4 years vaccine.
Training modules for Pfizer (Maroon) Additional Module 4a: Pfizer 6 month – 4 years (Maroon) vaccine and Pfizer Bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.1) accessible through Additional Module 1a: Pfizer Bivalent (Grey) are now available.
Note: Pfizer (Maroon) 6 month – 4 years vaccine requires dilution whereas Pfizer Bivalent does not. Both have longer thaw use-by dates (10 weeks).
AIR updates
On 3 December 2022, the AIR042A - COVID-19 Vaccination Status Report, became unavailable due to system updates. Vaccination providers can still access and view reports they requested prior to this time. If providers urgently require access to information while it is unavailable, email Immunisation.Registers@health.gov.au. It is anticipated that the enhanced AIR042A report will be available again from March.
National COVID Health Management Plan
A reminder that this year's COVID-19 vaccination program, as outlined in the National COVID-19 Health Management Plan for 2023 released in December, will include:
- A streamlined and simplified system of MBS items as outlined in the 12 December bulletin
- Maintenance of the existing remote supervision MBS items
- An increased flag fall item to support vaccination in-reach for aged and disability care residents (the existing PIP in-reach incentive will be extended to 31 January 2023 to cover the transition to the increase)
- The Vaccine Administration Partners Program (VAPP) will continue to provide vaccinations where primary care availability is limited
- The Vulnerable Vaccination Program will continue to 31 December 2023. This funding enables PHNs to continue supporting primary care providers to develop and implement innovative vaccination activities which are tailored to the needs of local priority populations.
|