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

View previous editions here.

COVID vaccination provider bulletins 18 and 23 November

No change to booster dose recommendations
In response to a number of enquiries to the VOC about the use of a third booster (fifth dose), ATAGI have reiterated that they DO NOT recommend a third booster of any COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine providers are responsible for staying up to date with recommended doses as outlined in this poster and in the ATAGI clinical guidelines. Some FAQs have been provided here. Tips to avoid administering more booster doses than recommended are outlined in the bulletin. Further resources are available at the end of this update.

Changes to vaccine access in CVAS
New functionality will be available in the Covid-19 Vaccine Administration System (CVAS) from tomorrow, which will allow sites to submit requests directly to the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) to activate, reactivate or deactivate access to vaccine products. Once all eligibility conditions are met (stock and reporting requirements) the request will be sent to DoHAC for review. The site’s primary contact will be notified of the outcome via email. Details are outlined in the bulletin.

Moderna 6 months to 5 years vaccine
All sites who have been onboarded and have not yet ordered are encouraged to do so by 2 December 2022 to ensure children who require three doses can receive them before the vaccine stock expires.

VOC holiday period arrangements
The VOC will be closed from 3pm Friday 23 December 2022 to Monday 2 January inclusive. The last date for deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines and consumables will be 16 December 2022. Last orders for delivery before the shutdown must be placed by 2 December. Consider if additional stock is needed to meet demand over the holiday period. 

Flood recovery
Here are some quick links to help you navigate recovery. If you require additional support, email gpsupport@murrayphn.org.au or visit our website for helpful advice and information for community and health services.

• The Disaster Response Network (DRN) is a national network of Australian Psychological Society psychologists who volunteer to help those affected by disasters and emergencies. Murray PHN can link you to the DRN to access support for your front-line workers. Contact covax@murrayphn.org.au for assistance.
• Focus on Emergency Response is a quick-reference, printable document for health services staff
• HealthPathways: General Practice Management During a Disaster and Rural Community Support During Adversity 
• Victorian general practices: Emergency Response Planning Tool (ERPT)
• The Pharmacy Guild of Australia: Information for pharmacies affected by disaster.
• Department of Health and Aged Care: Flood and storm information and support
• Victorian Government: Flood Recovery Hotline (1800 560 760) 
• Emergency Relief Centres: here.

• Contaminated floodwater can increase the risk of infections and mosquito-borne diseases, see advice from Loddon Mallee PHU, NSW Health, Healthdirect and WorkSafe QLD.
• Look out for signs that you or those around you might be struggling. Head to Health services can be accessed by calling 1800 595 212 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday except on public holidays.

Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV)
The Victorian Department of Health has developed a FAQ resource to assist immunisation providers in answering questions from the public about the JE vaccination program. It includes a printable list of eligibility examples for display at vaccination centres. In addition, a social media pack is available for the promotion of prevention messages to the community, as are the below posters.

It is strongly recommended that JEV vaccination be reported to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) using your medical practice software. Reporting these vaccinations to the AIR means that the register contains a complete and reliable dataset and can monitor immunisation coverage and administration. It also means that individuals have a complete record of their vaccinations. More information for Victorian immunisation providers can be found here

The vaccine is free for eligible people and general practices are encouraged to bulk bill for the service whenever possible. Vaccination can also be administered after arrival in flood affected areas to those from other regions deployed for prolonged recovery efforts. Further information is provided in this factsheet. Contact immunisation@health.vic.gov.au for more information and assistance with vaccine ordering.

Providers of the vaccine in the Murray PHN region can be found here and local public health units are also providing JEV vaccines. Please call ahead to ensure stock is on hand and note some sites will be closed due to floods. 

JEV serosurvey
The Victorian Department of Health is leading a study to investigate JEV seroprevalence. Individuals from Mildura and Shepparton can take part during November, by attending a participating Austin Pathology site, completing a questionnaire, and giving a blood sample.

In Mildura at:

• Austin Pathology, 216 Ontario Avenue, Mildura (Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm, Saturday: 8am-12pm).

In Shepparton at:

• Austin Pathology, GV Health, Graham St, Shepparton (Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm)
• Austin Pathology, Shepparton Medical Centre, 45 Graham St, Shepparton (Monday-Friday: 8am-3pm)
• Austin Pathology, Corio Street Community Health, 135 Corio St, Shepparton (Monday-Friday: 7:30am-4:30pm, Saturday: 8:30am-11:30am).

• GV Health COVID-19 vaccination buses - including Pfizer, Moderna bivalent boosters and JEV vaccines.
• Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit outreach vaccination clinics – COVID, Influenza and JEV. The LMPHU are now taking expressions of interest to receive a JEV vaccination, these will be referred to a local provider or an outreach clinic. 
• Ovens Murray PHU vaccination clinics – COVID-19, influenza and JEV vaccines. There is now a ticketing system in place – people must have a booking to receive their vaccination.

GP respiratory clinics
GPRCs provide free care for Victorians with respiratory symptoms, including comprehensive assessments and support to manage illnesses. If your health service lacks capacity or adequate PPE to manage patients with respiratory symptoms, please refer them to the nearest GP respiratory clinic and not to a hospital, unless it's an emergency. Local GPRCs are:

• Shepparton Respiratory Clinic (Princess Park Clinic), 172 Welsford Street, Ph: 03 5821 9655 - click here for opening hours and bookings.
• Wodonga Respiratory Clinic (Central Medical), 224-226 Beechworth Road, Ph: 02 6067 2437 - click here for opening hours and bookings.

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, email: 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

Education and training

Upcoming events

• Avant: An information session on managing COVID risks in the workplace after the revocation of public health directions | Thurs 24 Nov, 1-2pm

Online learning

• Phoenix Australia: Trauma-informed care during COVID-19 (self-paced approx. 5 hours). Use code PHNMCOVTIC20 to access the course free of charge.
• Phoenix Australia: Being Trauma Aware for Trauma-informed Care (self-paced 90-minutes). Use code PHNMCOVTIC20 to access the course free of charge. This course is included as part of the full Trauma-informed care course above.
• Victorian Department of Health Immunisation eLearning – JEV and Influenza
• Victorian Department of Health and VICNISS: Infection prevention and control free online learning package
• NSW Health: Fit testing and fit checking videos 

• Health Issues Centre: Covid antivirals – How do they work, who should use them and how do we increase uptake (7 September)

New and updated resources

• DoHAC posters – Childrens Remember to check; Babies remember to check; Vaccine preparation and administration don't forget to check
• COVID-19 Referrals and Escalation of Care HealthPathway
• Vic DoH - JEV vaccine eligibility checklist for the public; JEV vaccination consent form
• Agriculture Victoria – flood response
• Better Health Victoria – JEV information in your language
• Health Translations (Victorian DoH) – JEV in Victoria
• NCCET– drug treatment flowcharts for adults, children and adolescents, and pregnant and breastfeeding women with COVID-19