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26 April 2023                                                                                     View this email in your browser

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 update webinar
The Immunisation Coalition are holding their annual COVID-19 update on Wednesday 10 May, from 6-7pm. After viewing this webinar, participants will be able to:

  1. Review what is now known about COVID-19 and the situation locally and globally.
  2. Interpret the serological evidence and how COVID-19 infection is spreading.
  3. Understand how SARS-CoV-2 has evolved and the variants and subvariants now in the population.
  4. Review the disease course in patients with mild and severe symptoms, long COVID-19 and other post-COVID-19 syndromes.
  5. Detail current vaccination strategies, the use of antivirals and future pipeline vaccines.

Click here to register.

Influenza resources
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has updated their influenza resources for the 2023 season. Resources for health professionals and the public are available here. They include fact sheets, FAQs and clinical resources.

Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) updates
A new Immunisation History Statement (HIS) which displays COVID-19 and influenza vaccination information is now available on the AIR. The statement can be used as evidence for employment services, instead of individuals providing their full vaccination history. Further information is available on the Services Australia website.

The enhanced AIR042A report is now available for providers to generate through the AIR site with improved usability. Providers can extract information from the AIR based on an individual’s COVID-19 vaccination history. An eLearning module will soon be available via Services Australia including more information on how to use the report. Read more here - How to view identified reports on the AIR site using HPOS.


Winter vaccination campaign
 
Murray PHN's campaign that encourages people to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 is still available for use. Health services, local organisations and community groups are invited to share the campaign, which is free to download:

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: General practice and pharmacy vaccine providers in the Murray PHN region can be found here (updated 22 March).  

Victorian Department of Health resources: 

MBS items for COVID-19 antiviral prescription 
Two temporary MBS items, 93716 (for general practitioners) and 93717 (for other medical practitioners) have been extended to 31 December 2023 to support practitioners treating COVID-19 positive patients. These items are specific to services for eligible Medicare patients who have confirmed their COVID-19 infection via a laboratory test (PCR) or a COVID-19 rapid antigen self-test (RAT). Further information is available in this factsheet.

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

Vaccination clinics
Local primary care vaccination providers are available here. 

COVID-19 in-reach
Murray PHN is currently working with residential aged care homes and disability residences to enable access to the 2023 COVID-19 booster for all residents and staff in these sectors. Our staff may contact you to request assistance for local homes, however if you can offer in-reach services, let us know by emailing covax@murrayphn.org.au

Primary care providers can also access support and resources from disability liaison officers in:

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.

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Copyright © 2023 Murray PHN, All rights reserved.

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).
We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.
We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing.
We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Murray PHN (ABN 92 156 423 755) acknowledges the financial and other support from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
 






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Murray PHN · 3-5 View Point · Bendigo, Vic 3550 · Australia