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

Subscribe and view previous editions here.

COVID-19 vaccine reminders

Moderna Bivalent (BA.4-5)
If your site wishes to provide this vaccine and was not onboarded, you can request access through the Vaccine Access Request feature in the COVID-19 Vaccine Administrative System (CVAS), from 25 March. Be mindful that this vaccine takes up approximately 12 times more fridge space than multidose vials. 

AstraZeneca (AZ)
All AZ stock has now expired. Providers are asked to check fridges, dispose of remaining stock and report as wastage in CVAS.

COVID-19 vaccine allocations
Murray PHN is unable to change vaccine allocations. If you need to secure more vaccine you can transfer stock. 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. Refer to the list of COVID-19 vaccine providers in Murray PHN here to locate potential sites for transfer. Contact covax@murrayphn.org.au for further assistance.


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 in EOI form. For more information, email: tenders@murrayphn.org.au

Applications close next Monday, 27 March 2023 at 5pm. 

2023 Influenza program
The distribution of National Immunisation Program (NIP) influenza vaccines by the Victorian Department of Health began last week. This stock is free for people at higher risk of complications from influenza, outlined in the 2023 Influenza vaccination - Program advice for vaccination providers.

Registered providers can order influenza vaccine through their Onelink online account. Refer to Ordering vaccines for further details.

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Virus
The vaccine remains free-of-charge for eligible people. More information for providers can be found at NSW Health and the Victorian Department of Health. Local councils are providing JE vaccinations as part of their vaccination programs:

• City of Greater Bendigo
• Moira Shire
• City of Greater Shepparton
• City of Wodonga Council

• Consent form
• Information for immunisation providers
• Eligibility checklist for the public
• Frequently asked questions.

GPRC panel update 
The Department of Health and Aged Care has advised those who have responded to RFT Health/23-325151 - Establishment of a GPRC Panel that, due to the large number of submissions received, the evaluation process remains in progress.
The revised timetable is:
 
All tenderers will receive an email notification of the outcome of their submission once the evaluation process has been completed. Any questions can be emailed to GPRC@health.gov.au

Support for the homebound 
Murray PHN can help to engage a primary care vaccine provider for homebound patients. Click here for eligibility criteria and referral. For more: covax@murrayphn.org.au
 

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, e: 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

Albury urgent care centre EOI
Accredited existing general practices, community health centres and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services who are interested in establishing an urgent care centre in Albury can submit an EOI. NSW providers who applied for the previous EOI do not need to re-apply but should engage with Murray PHN. To apply, go to Murray PHN's tender portal. For enquiries, email: tenders@murrayphn.org.au EOIs will close at 2pm on Wednesday 12 April 2023.

PPCC workforce EOI
General Practitioners (including GP registrars), Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses and administration staff who would like additional workdays or hours, can register their interest in supporting local Priority Primary Care Centres (PPCC) in Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton and Wodonga. Click here to provide your details.

Education and training

Webinars

• Immunisation Coalition: COVID-19 and flu pandemic planning in primary care. Lessons learnt from the UK, Tues 4 April, 7-8pm
• DoHAC: COVID-19 vaccines update – fortnightly, subscribe here

• NCIRS: COVID-19 and influenza vaccination update 2023 (16 Mar)
• RACGP: NSW Flu Vaccination Update 2023 (28 Feb)
• Murray PHN: Mosquito borne diseases: Information for clinicians in Northern Victoria (16 Feb)

• VDoH: Immunisation eLearning – JEV and Influenza
• VDoH and VICNISS: Infection prevention and control free online learning package
• NSW Health: Fit testing and fit checking videos 

• The Centre for Victorian Data Linkage and Bendigo Health: COVIDthon, 25 and 26 March, Bendigo

• DoHAC – ATAGI recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses poster (17 March)
• DoHAC – Moderna Bivalent (BA.4-5) 12 years + (PFS) factsheet
• DoHAC – 2023 Influenza vaccination – Program advice for vaccination providers factsheet
• DoHAC – Pfizer Bivalent BA.4-5 12 years+ factsheet
• DoHAC – Pfizer Bivalent comparison poster
• AIR Vaccine Codes for COVID-19 (16 February)
• Pen CS – new report | COVID-19 immunisation booster dose for the at risk population
• RACGP - Infection prevention and control guidelines for general practices and other office-based and community-based practices (January 2023)
• VDoH: Immunisation schedule Victoria and vaccine eligibility criteria
• Murray HealthPathway: COVID-19 Referrals and Escalation of Care