Mask fit testing
Murray PHN is continuing to offer fit testing of N95/P2 masks to local primary care providers in the catchment. If you are interested, please contact Eva and Associates by calling 03 9563 2234 or emailing: FitTest@evaandassociates.com.au and note that:

• testers require a room with table and chairs to carry out the fit testing 
• testing takes approximately 15-20 minutes per person for one mask type and 40-50 minutes per person for 2-3 mask types
• practices can use masks from their own supplies or they can be supplied by the testers at a cost
• men will need to be clean shaven (no beards). 

COVID-19 provider bulletin 26 June

Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC) changes
On 1 July, the VOC moved to the normal business hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Medicare support for COVID-19 vaccinations
MBS fees increased on 1 July in-line with MBS indexation.

Pfizer 12 years+ (Purple) expiry and offboarding
As Pfizer 12 years+ (purple) has expired, check your fridges to ensure it has been disposed of as per state and territory guidelines and wastage reported in CVAS.          

Moderna Bivalent BA.1 vaccine nearing expiry
The last of the Moderna Bivalent BA>1 vaccine stock has been delivered and will expire between 9-12 July 2023. Dispose of vaccines as they expire and report wastage in CVAS.

For more on these updates, click here to see the full Provider Bulletin.


National Immunisation Program updates
The hexavalent vaccine (6-in1) Vaxelis vaccine is now listed on National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule. Vaxelis is being made available as an alternative NIP funded vaccine to the currently listed Infarix hex, and not intended as a replacement. For immuniser fact sheets, click here for Victoria and here for NSW.

Update your clinic details
As part of the transition of the COVID-19 vaccine program to post-pandemic operations, VCF Connect has been retired. To maintain your COVID-19 vaccine services information on the Service Finder, you need to register in Provider Connect Australia.

Paxlovid oral antiviral eligibility expands
The Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler, has announced expanded access to subsidised oral antiviral, Paxlovid. People aged 50 to 59 with at least one risk factor, now have access to the oral antiviral treatment, Paxlovid, if they test positive to COVID-19. The PBS eligibly criteria for molnupiravir (Lagevrio®) remains unchanged.

Cold Chain Management training reminder
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 before 1 August 2023. Staff who accept vaccine deliveries should also complete the training. Click here to learn more.

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. Shepparton PPCC is currently seeking a vocationally registered GP to work closely in their clinic which is based at the Shepparton Medical Centre. Click here to apply. Applications close 23 July.

Education and training

Upcoming events

• Vision 2020 Australia: Eye Health Webinar 3 - Diabetes and eye health on Wed 12 July, 6.30-7pm
• Murray PHN: GP Mental Health Online Forum, Wed 12 July, 6.30-7.30pm
• Murray PHN: Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) for mental health training for GPs and GP registrars in Bendigo on Thurs 3 August, 6.15-9pm
• Murray PHN: The ‘new’ cervical screening test webinar, Thurs 17 August 7-8pm

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; Vaccination for community pharmacy information sheet and COVID-19 vaccination from community pharmacy information sheet
• Murray HealthPathway: COVID-19 Referrals and Escalation of Care
• Murray PHN: Avoid Double Trouble, free influenza and COVID-19 campaign