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24 August 2022                                                                                   View this email in your browser

This Primary Care Update expands on the previous COVAX updates to include a broader range of information to support current challenges faced by primary care providers. If you have items to share across the network, please send them to covax@murrayphn.org.au

Please forward this update to any colleagues who may be interested and view previous editions here.

Reminder from 15 August provider bulletin

AstraZeneca (AZ)
Due to the reduced demand for AZ, the Taskforce will be withdrawing sites from CVAS and VCF for AZ if they have no pending AZ orders and:

  • have no stock on hand i.e. reported 0 stock
  • have never submitted a stock form for AZ.

If you fall into this category but do not wish to be withdrawn for AZ, e: covax@murrayphn.org.au

Monkeypox (MPX)
Due to limited supply of the monkeypox vaccine (JYNNEOS®) in Victoria, not everyone who meets the eligibility criteria will be able to access a vaccine. Patients requiring post-exposure prophylaxis will be prioritised. The vaccine is currently only available through select metropolitan sexual health clinics and regional local public health units. People who meet the eligibility criteria but are finding it difficult to access an appointment, can be referred to e: immunisation@health.vic.gov.au

For the most up-to-date information and eligibility criteria, see the Victorian Department of Health’s webpage. Murray PHN has also created a webpage, available here. Members of the public who are enquiring about the vaccine, can be directed to the Better Health Channel webpage for more information. The Commonwealth has also developed a patient information leaflet.

Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV)

Specific priority groups in Victoria can now access the JEV vaccine, including anyone who lives or usually works in the local government areas of Campaspe, Gannawarra, Greater Shepparton, Indigo, Loddon, Mildura, Moira, Swan Hill and Wodonga.

Pharmacists and nurse immunisers must complete online training before administering JEV vaccines. 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 on hand.  

JE vaccinations should 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 Victorian Department of Health webpages include information for health professionals and the public. A social media pack for the promotion of prevention messages to community is also available.

The Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit, in conjunction with the Victorian Department of Health are conducting a study on Japanese Encephalitis in Echuca and Rochester. The study aims to establish the prevalence of JE amongst the general population in high risk areas and in population groups known to be at higher risk of infection. Participants will be recruited from primary care. If having blood taken for other investigations, patients will be offered the opportunity to participate at the point of collection. More information can be found in this information sheet. 

If you would like to be involved, or if you have further questions, contact Jaimee Oxford, Operations Manager or Emily Gibson, Epidemiologist, e: PHU@bendigohealth.org.au


Support for homebound individuals
If you have a homebound patient, Murray PHN can help to engage a local primary care vaccine provider or apply to the Commonwealth for a VAPP provider to be allocated.
Click here to see eligibility criteria and complete a referral form or for further information, contact Emma Healion t: 0437 616 877 or e: covax@murrayphn.org.au

Local outreach vaccination and testing clinics
Upcoming clinics in the Murray PHN catchment:  To promote vaccination outreach clinics or events, e: covax@murrayphn.org.au

Local vaccination providers
Details of local general practices, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and pharmacies providing COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations are available on Murray PHN's website. If you wish to opt-out, e: covax@murrayphn.org.au

Note: Sites listed on our website are those classified as ACTIVE by the Commonwealth. Where specific vaccines are classified as DORMANT (no orders and <10 total administrations in the last 4 weeks) those vaccines have been removed.

Withdrawing from COVID-19 vaccination
If you wish to have a break from ordering and vaccinating, you don’t need to fully withdraw from the Program. You can remain in the program and recommence administering any time. Follow the process outlined in this Commonwealth factsheet then contact covax@murrayphn.org.au. Do not call the VOC to withdraw.

COVID-19 antivirals
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) can prescribe COVID-19 antivirals to Victorians who return a positive result and can’t get a GP appointment or access a GP respiratory clinic. The VVED can assess patients, determine their eligibility for COVID-19 medications, and prescribe these medications. Eastern Melbourne PHN hosted a webinar last night explaining how to refer, eligibility criteria and benefits of the VVED – view it here.

Practices and pharmacies are encouraged to proactively identify at-risk patients and put plans in place to support their access to timely care, including antiviral and other early therapies if they contract COVID-19, influenza or other respiratory viruses.

For resources including a list of local dispensing pharmacies (updated 9 August), visit Murray PHN's antiviral webpage.

The Health Issues Centre is hosting a free online forum for consumers and clinicians, with two sessions available: Wednesday 7 September, 6-7pm or Thursday 8 September, 12-1pm. Register here.

Supporting the disability sector

Disability providers and liaison officers have been advised to contact Murray PHN for assistance with engaging local primary care providers to offer in-reach vaccinations or to request Commonwealth in-reach. If your practice is able to assist with in-reach or homebound vaccinations, e: covax@murrayphn.org.au

Primary care vaccine providers can access support and resources from Disability Liaison Officers to enable people with disability to access COVID-19 vaccination at their site in: 

For additional vaccination information for specific groups, click here.

Education and training

Upcoming events

Online learning

Recorded webinars

Communication and engagement

  • Murray PHN has a free community campaign that encourages people to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19. Resources include social media tiles, posters and flyers. Health services, local organisations and community groups are invited to share the campaign, available free to download from our Winter preparedness webpage.

New and updated resources

Further assistance
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Copyright © 2022 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.
 






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