Cold Chain Management training requirements
Cold chain management is important to ensure that effective and potent vaccines are administered to the public. For continued access to government-funded vaccines, Victorian practices must ensure that their Vaccine Coordinator and a backup person complete the department’s Cold Chain Management eLearning modules by 1 August 2023. Staff who accept vaccine deliveries should also complete the training.
Click here to learn more.

COVID-19 provider bulletin 19 June

Increased Moderna BA.4-5 PFS allocation
Sites who administer Moderna BA. 4-5 pre-filled syringes (PFS) had their allocations increased to 100 doses per fortnight on 10 June. Note - if you have a need for more vaccines, you can place an additional order through CVAS.

Target groups for COVID-19 boosters
The primary goal of the COVID-19 Vaccine Program is to minimise the risk of severe disease, and as research demonstrates, vaccine effectiveness of boosters remains above 50 per cent even six months after receipt. For advice on COVID-19 boosters for target groups, see the provider bulletin here.

Vaccination from community pharmacy
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance has updated resources on what vaccines are available from community pharmacies, available here.

Providing COVID-19 in-reach 
Murray PHN is working with residential aged care homes and disability residences to enable access to the 2023 COVID-19 booster for residents and staff. If you can offer in-reach services, email us at covax@murrayphn.org.au

Aged care residents should be prioritised for COVID-19 booster doses. When administering vaccinations, please consider that COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can be administered on the same day. 

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

• Albury/Wodonga
• Bendigo/Loddon Mallee
• Shepparton/Goulburn Valley
• Wangaratta/North east

Supporting homebound patients
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

PPCC workforce needed
Administration staff, GPs (including GP registrars) and registered and enrolled nurses who would like additional workdays or hours can register their interest in supporting local Priority Primary Care Centres (PPCCs) in Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton and Wodonga. Click here to provide your details.

Education and training

Upcoming events

• Murray PHN: Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) for mental healthcare online training on Friday 23 June, 10am-12pm
• Vision 2020 Australia: Eye Health Webinar 3 - Diabetes and eye health on Wednesday 12 July, 6.30-7pm

Webinars

• DoHAC: COVID-19 vaccines update – fortnightly, subscribe here

• Vic PHNs: Statewide Victorian PHN Immunisation Forum 2023 (25 May)

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

• DoHAC – COVID-19 vaccine comparison poster (1 June)
• DoHAC – ATAGI recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses poster (1 June)
• DoHAC: Getting vaccinated against influenza resource collection
• DoHAC – ATAGI 2023 booster advice FAQ
• DoHAC – AIR Vaccine codes (2 May)
• DoHAC – Don’t forget to check poster (March 2023)
• DoHAC – 2023 Influenza – Program advice for vaccination providers factsheet
• VDoH: Immunisation schedule Victoria and vaccine eligibility criteria
• VDoH - Stay Well this Winter vaccination campaign stakeholder kit
• NSW Health – NSW Immunisation Schedule 2023
• NSW Health: Winter Respiratory Campaign resources for community, Aboriginal Peoples, health professionals and in languages
• NCIRS – Resources to support vaccine conversations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Murray HealthPathway: COVID-19 Referrals and Escalation of Care
• Murray PHN: Avoid Double Trouble, free influenza and COVID-19 campaign