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COVID-19 provider bulletin 2 May
Novavax batch recall
There is a potential issue with Novavax batch no. 4302MF031. Sites who have had deliveries of this batch have been notified via CVAS – it should not be administered but should be disposed of, as per state and territory guidelines. Any disposed vaccines should be included in Stock Management Reports as wastage, using ‘wastage upon receipt’ as the reason. There are no patient safety concerns associated with the vaccine and revaccination of people who have been administered this vaccine is NOT recommended. Further details are available in the full bulletin.
Moderna 6 months to 5 years vaccine
All stock of Moderna 6 months to under 5 years (Blue/Purple) have now been delivered. All doses will expire today, 3 May. Providers should ensure that all remaining stock is disposed of and reported as wastage in CVAS. Once sites show zero stock on hand, they will be deactivated in CVAS for this product. Children of this age are still able to receive the Pfizer 6 months to 5 years (Maroon) vaccine.
Moderna Bivalent BA.1 vaccine
Sites will not be able to order Moderna Bivalent BA.1 vaccine after Friday 19 May as supply is close to depletion. ATAGI recommends other Moderna and Pfizer bivalent vaccines for booster doses as outlined in the ATAGI 2023 booster advice and the COVID-19 Vaccines in Australia poster.
Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) reminder
It is important to record the correct vaccine type, batch number, administration date and patient in the AIR. It means patients have an accurate record of vaccination and is essential for monitoring and reporting on the COVID-19 vaccination program. A number of case studies have been included in the bulletin which emphasise the importance of accurate recording.
VCF Connect
VCF Connect will cease on 30 June 2023. After that, providers can self-manage their health service information on Provider Connect Australia. More information is available on the Provider Connect Australia web hub.
JEV resources
The Victorian Department of Health has updated their advice regarding the JEspect vaccine. There is now sufficient supply for providers to re-commence administration of dose 2. Providers are encouraged to identify and recall existing clients who are due for dose 2 of JEspect. Orders are still being taken via immunisation@health.vic.gov.au, not Onelink. In your email, please include the following information:
- Onelink vaccine account number
- Current stock on hand
- Confirmation that the person meets the specific eligibility criteria to receive JEspect®
Refer to the factsheet for JEspect and Japanese encephalitis vaccine information for more information (updated April 2023)
If your site has excess JEV stock you can transfer to other providers as long as correct cold chain management is followed. If you need assistance, we may be able to connect you with other local providers, email covax@murrayphn.org.au
Public Health Unit reminders
Ovens Murray Public Health Unit (OMPHU)
Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) Infectious Diseases would like to remind GPs to monitor the prescribing of antibiotics closely following an increase in cases of community onset clostridioides difficile (C. diff) associated diarrhoea (CDAD) and pseudomembranous colitis in the Ovens Murray catchment.
GPs are asked to ensure that antibiotic use is rationalised and strictly reserved for strictly necessary indications only, particularly in patients that have a previous history of C-diff and their family members.
Most cases are occurring while antibiotics are being taken or shortly after the course has been finished. The most common symptoms that patients are presenting with include watery diarrhoea that can sometimes be bloody, painful stomach cramps and nausea.
Please contact AWH Infectious Diseases through the AWH switch if further advice is required on 02 6058 4444.
AIR history statement reminder
The new Immunisation History Statement (HIS) which displays COVID-19 and influenza vaccination information 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. 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 Avoid Double Trouble campaign encourages people to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19. Health services, local organisations and community groups are invited to share the campaign, which is free to download:
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