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COVID vaccination provider bulletin 9 March
Vaccine updates
Moderna Bivalent BA.4-5 12+ (PFS) vaccine
The new Moderna Bivalent vaccine will be included in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program (the Program) for boosters from 3 April. Ordering is now open for tranche one sites. Tranche two sites can order from 18 March. The training module will be available in coming weeks. All participating general practices received an email with full details, from Murray PHN on Friday.
Note: Packaging of the Moderna Bivalent BA.4-5 12+ (PFS) vaccine is a single dose, pre-filled syringe and is significantly larger than the multidose vials – only order what you need and will fit in your fridge.
Moderna Bivalent (BA.1) 18 years+ (Blue/Green)
This vaccine was previously known in CVAS as Moderna Bivalent 18 years+ (Blue/Green). It has been renamed to clarify the difference between the new BA.4-5 formulation. All primary care vaccination sites have had their allocation of Moderna Bivalent BA.1 reduced to 50 doses/fortnight.
Moderna 6 months to 5 years
The last doses of this vaccine expire on 3 May 2023. Last orders close on 31 March. New patients should no longer be accepted for this vaccine as there will not be time to complete the two primary course doses prior to vaccine expiry.
Eligible children aged 6 months to 4 years can receive the Pfizer 6 months to 4 years vaccine and those aged 5 years and over can receive Pfizer 5 – 11 years.
While the same brand is preferable for the primary course, an alternative brand is acceptable if the original is unavailable.
AstraZeneca (AZ)
All AZ stock has now been delivered to vaccination sites and will expire on 20 March. Providers are asked to check fridges on 21 March, dispose of remaining stock and report as wastage in CVAS.
COVID-19 vaccine stock transfers
Vaccine stock can only be transferred between sites participating in the Program. Both sites must have completed the relevant site declaration in CVAS and be enabled for that vaccine type. The transfer needs to be recorded in the CVAS Vaccine Stock Management Report by both sites.
Vaccine administration errors (VAEs)
There has been an increase in VAEs due to the administration of expired vaccines. The relevant dates for Moderna and Pfizer are outlined here:
- Manufacture (batch) expiry date on the vial (or syringes) indicates the expiry of the vaccine when stored frozen.
- Thaw use-by date is the length of time that the vaccine maintains stability when stored refrigerated between 2°C to 8°C. It is calculated from the time the vials (or syringes) are removed from the freezer or ultra-low temperature storage and thawing is commenced.
Whichever date is earliest is the last date the vaccines should be administered to a patient. Labelling examples and a case study are included in the full bulletin.
Vaccine Clinic Finder (VCF)
VCF is joining Healthdirect’s Service Finder to provide a platform which improves consumer access to healthcare services online, including finding and booking influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. Service Finder will replace VCF later in March.
Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC)
New operating hours are Monday to Thursday 9am-6pm, Friday 9am-7pm and Saturday 9am-1pm. Phone 1800 318 208 during these hours. The VOC can also be contacted 24 hours a day via COVID19VaccineOperationsCentre@Health.gov.au
COVID-19 Vulnerable Populations Small Grants
Murray PHN is providing up to $10,000 in funding to providers to support short-term activities that enhance access to COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations for temporary residents, people without a Medicare card and vulnerable individuals in the community who cannot access a vaccination site. Examples of items that may be funded include operational costs such as travel expenses or small asset costs like a portable cooler, equipment hire, advertising and staffing.
Since Local Public Health Units have ceased supplying vaccinations, Murray PHN is experiencing increased requests for aged in-reach and homebound vaccinations.
Activities must be delivered by 29 September 2023. To apply, review the guidance document and outline proposed activities via the updated EOI form. For more information, email: tenders@murrayphn.org.au
Applications extended to 5pm, Monday 27 March 2023.
2023 Influenza program
ATAGI's statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2023, should be read in conjunction with the Australian Immunisation Handbook. The Australian Government has compiled early advice for providers here, which includes identification of at-risk groups, supply and timing, as well as information to help prepare for the season.
Key points:
- Vaccination is recommended for all people over 6 months old
- The vaccine will be available from mid-April
- Influenza vaccines can be co-administered with COVID-19 vaccines
- For adults over 65 years old, both the adjuvanted (Fluad® Quad) and high dose (Fluzone High Dose Quadrivalent) vaccines are recommended over the standard influenza vaccines
- The National Immunisation Program (NIP) funds annual influenza vaccinations for all children aged 6 months to <5 years, and all adults aged 65 years and over. View the updated NIP Program Schedule here.
Note: All 2022 influenza vaccine stock has now expired, please ensure all remaining stock is discarded.
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