Immunisation Community of Practice
Welcome to the Immunisation Community of Practice. A community of practice (CoP) is a group of people with a shared passion who come together and learn how to do better. The PHNs Immunisation CoP is your opportunity to get answers, share ideas and build your professional network regarding immunisation.
The PHN Immunisation CoP aims to reduce the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases in the community by providing appropriate and timely information about vaccine preventable diseases and the Immunise Australia Program to immunisation providers and the community and promote the delivery of the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases that can cause serious health problems in the community. Immunisation not only protects individuals from life-threatening diseases, but also dramatically reduces transmission in the community. The more people who are vaccinated, the fewer opportunities a disease has to spread.
Some of the benefits of joining this Community are:
- 24/7 access to filed Immunisation resources,
- keep current with Immunisation updates,
- brainstorm about Immunisation,
- and network with colleagues passionate about Immunisation.
Welcome to the Immunisation Community of Practice. A community of practice (CoP) is a group of people with a shared passion who come together and learn how to do better. The PHNs Immunisation CoP is your opportunity to get answers, share ideas and build your professional network regarding immunisation.
The PHN Immunisation CoP aims to reduce the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases in the community by providing appropriate and timely information about vaccine preventable diseases and the Immunise Australia Program to immunisation providers and the community and promote the delivery of the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases that can cause serious health problems in the community. Immunisation not only protects individuals from life-threatening diseases, but also dramatically reduces transmission in the community. The more people who are vaccinated, the fewer opportunities a disease has to spread.
Some of the benefits of joining this Community are:
- 24/7 access to filed Immunisation resources,
- keep current with Immunisation updates,
- brainstorm about Immunisation,
- and network with colleagues passionate about Immunisation.
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NEW - Australian Immunisation Handbook Infographic: Pneumococcal vaccination recommendations for people who have previously received a pneumococcal vaccine
Share NEW - Australian Immunisation Handbook Infographic: Pneumococcal vaccination recommendations for people who have previously received a pneumococcal vaccine on Facebook Share NEW - Australian Immunisation Handbook Infographic: Pneumococcal vaccination recommendations for people who have previously received a pneumococcal vaccine on Twitter Share NEW - Australian Immunisation Handbook Infographic: Pneumococcal vaccination recommendations for people who have previously received a pneumococcal vaccine on Linkedin Email NEW - Australian Immunisation Handbook Infographic: Pneumococcal vaccination recommendations for people who have previously received a pneumococcal vaccine linkThis infographic available in the Australian Immunisation Handbook provides updated pneumococcal vaccination recommendations for individuals who have previously received a pneumococcal vaccine. It outlines the recommendations for vaccinating:
- non-indigenous adults aged 70 years and over without risk conditions for pneumococcal disease
- all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 years and ove
- people aged 12 months and over with risk conditions for the disease
The infographic can be viewed on the Australian Immunisation Handbook website.
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Zoster (shingles) vaccination data
Share Zoster (shingles) vaccination data on Facebook Share Zoster (shingles) vaccination data on Twitter Share Zoster (shingles) vaccination data on Linkedin Email Zoster (shingles) vaccination data linkThe National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has released the latest Shingrix vaccination data in Australia. this data will be updated quarterly to report Shingrix vaccination rates.
The data, published last week, reveals that in the six months following the NIP change – which was implemented on 1 November 2023 – there was a rapid uptake of Shingrix across Australia. Over that period:
- nearly 1 in 5 eligible adults aged 65 years and over received at least one dose of Shingrix
- approximately 1.25 million doses of Shingrix were administered
- the number of monthly Shingrix vaccine doses given increased from 11,019 (in October 2023) to 269,029 (in April 2024).
The report can be viewed on the NCIRS website.
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National Immunisation Program (NIP): Expansion of eligible shingles cohort from September 2024
Share National Immunisation Program (NIP): Expansion of eligible shingles cohort from September 2024 on Facebook Share National Immunisation Program (NIP): Expansion of eligible shingles cohort from September 2024 on Twitter Share National Immunisation Program (NIP): Expansion of eligible shingles cohort from September 2024 on Linkedin Email National Immunisation Program (NIP): Expansion of eligible shingles cohort from September 2024 linkFrom September 2024, free shingles vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) will be expanded to include people at moderate to high risk of severe infection and complications from shingles.
The herpes zoster vaccine, Shingrix® is available free to eligible individuals:
- aged 65 years and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over
- adults aged 18 years and over who are at increased risk of herpes zoster due to an underlying condition and/or immunomodulatory/ immunosuppressive treatments. Details regarding those who are at increased risk of herpes zoster is available in the Shingles vaccination - Program advice for health professionals (September 2024)
More information and advice on the shingles vaccination program is available on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
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2024 influenza vaccination coverage data
Share 2024 influenza vaccination coverage data on Facebook Share 2024 influenza vaccination coverage data on Twitter Share 2024 influenza vaccination coverage data on Linkedin Email 2024 influenza vaccination coverage data linkNCIRS is monitoring and reporting 2024 influenza vaccination coverage data, which will be updated regularly (initially, weekly) on their website throughout this influenza season.
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Help your patients fight the flu – Australian Government launches 2024 influenza vaccination campaign
Share Help your patients fight the flu – Australian Government launches 2024 influenza vaccination campaign on Facebook Share Help your patients fight the flu – Australian Government launches 2024 influenza vaccination campaign on Twitter Share Help your patients fight the flu – Australian Government launches 2024 influenza vaccination campaign on Linkedin Email Help your patients fight the flu – Australian Government launches 2024 influenza vaccination campaign linkThe Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care recently launched its 2024 influenza vaccination campaign to raise awareness of the serious risks of influenza and the benefits of vaccination.
New video advertisements have been developed as part of the campaign to raise awareness of the seriousness of influenza, including during pregnancy and in children under 5 years of age.
Health professionals’ recommendations and advice play an important role in patients’ vaccination decisions. Health professionals are encouraged to promote and display the campaign materials in patient-facing areas.
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Reporting influenza medical contraindications on the AIR
Share Reporting influenza medical contraindications on the AIR on Facebook Share Reporting influenza medical contraindications on the AIR on Twitter Share Reporting influenza medical contraindications on the AIR on Linkedin Email Reporting influenza medical contraindications on the AIR linkMedical contraindications to influenza (flu) vaccines can now be recorded as ‘influenza vaccines’ instead of recording the influenza vaccine brand, using the AIR site or your software.
Medical contraindications can be reported by the following provider types:
- general practitioners
- general practice registrars on an approved 3GA training placement
- paediatricians
- public health physicians
- infectious diseases physicians
- clinical immunologists.
Information on how to report a medical contraindication to the AIR is published on the Services Australia website here.
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AIR042A COVID-19 Vaccination Report expanded to include influenza vaccine history
Share AIR042A COVID-19 Vaccination Report expanded to include influenza vaccine history on Facebook Share AIR042A COVID-19 Vaccination Report expanded to include influenza vaccine history on Twitter Share AIR042A COVID-19 Vaccination Report expanded to include influenza vaccine history on Linkedin Email AIR042A COVID-19 Vaccination Report expanded to include influenza vaccine history linkThe AIR042A report has been expanded and now includes both influenza and COVID-19 vaccination history for individuals who received a vaccination or MBS service at a practice.
Further information about AIR reports is available on the Services Australia website and an AIR042A eLearning module and simulation are available on the education gateway.
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Recording Q fever vaccines on AIR
Share Recording Q fever vaccines on AIR on Facebook Share Recording Q fever vaccines on AIR on Twitter Share Recording Q fever vaccines on AIR on Linkedin Email Recording Q fever vaccines on AIR linkQ fever (Q-Vax) vaccines and natural immunity information can now be reported to the AIR.
Vaccination providers will no longer be able to report Q fever vaccine information to the Q Fever Register.
Previous historical data stored within the Q Fever Register will not be automatically transferred to the AIR. Individuals can take their Q fever vaccination evidence (Q Fever eStatement) to a recognised vaccination provider in Australia and request that this information be recorded on AIR; it will then be listed on their Immunisation History statement. Alternatively, individuals may use their existing Q Fever eStatement as vaccination evidence, provided it is accepted by their employer.Individuals can access their Q Fever eStatement by:
- logging onto the Q Fever Register website and downloading a copy
- requesting a copy by either contacting the Q Fever Register or calling 1300 733 837. An individual’s identity must be verified before the release of any information. Individuals are required to provide their full name and date of birth and to answer a security question (or provide their Q Fever Number).
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New vaccines and immunisation products added to the AIR
Share New vaccines and immunisation products added to the AIR on Facebook Share New vaccines and immunisation products added to the AIR on Twitter Share New vaccines and immunisation products added to the AIR on Linkedin Email New vaccines and immunisation products added to the AIR linkAdditional non-standard vaccines and immunisation products can now be recorded on AIR:
- Abrysvo (respiratory syncytial virus [RSV])
- Arexvy (RSV)
- Beyfortus (nirsevimab – monoclonal antibody for the prevention of RSV)
- Generic RSV
- Degvaxia (dengue fever)
- Generic Dengue
- Q-Vax (Q fever)
- Vaxchora (cholera)
- Vaxneuvance (15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine; available to report to AIR from 22 May 2024).
The list of all vaccines that can be recorded on the AIR is available here.
Ensure you are using the latest version of your software product to access the full range of vaccines available for reporting. Your software vendor can assist you with this.
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New AIR resources available on Services Australia education gateway
Share New AIR resources available on Services Australia education gateway on Facebook Share New AIR resources available on Services Australia education gateway on Twitter Share New AIR resources available on Services Australia education gateway on Linkedin Email New AIR resources available on Services Australia education gateway linkNew education resources relating to the AIR are now available through the Services Australia education gateway. They include the following:
- eLearning module: Report a Planned Catch Up to the AIR
- eLearning module: AIR010A Due/Overdue report – by Immunisation Practice
- Simulation: How to request an AIR010A Due/Overdue report – by Immunisation Practice.
Visit the education gateway to view the range of education resources for health professionals, including resources about the AIR, Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) and Provider Digital Access (PRODA).
Who's Listening
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Phone 0409 148 062 Email kwisemantel@thephn.com.au
Key Dates and Education
Videos and Simulations
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Click here to play video Improving Immunisation Rates: What's Available? - Mastermind
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Click here to play video Cold Chain Management Update (Mastermind)
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Click here to play video Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
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Click here to play video 2023 Annual Immunisation Update A comprehensive 2023 Immunisation Update session from the HNE LHD Population Health Uni.
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Click here to play video 2024 Annual Immunisation - April Update A link to the 2024 Immunisation Update session from the HNE LHD Population Health Unit
Documents
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2025 Adult Pneumococcal Vaccine Recall Program
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Immunisation and Quality Improvement
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12 Month Quality Improvement Record Template (BLANK) (151 KB) (docx)
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One PIP QI Quarter Quality Improvement Record Template (BLANK) (145 KB) (docx)
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Immunisation QI Toolkit (459 KB) (pdf)
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Immunisation PDSA Example: Influenza Vaccination (205 KB) (pdf)
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QI Activity AIR10A reports - followup overdue children (649 KB) (pdf)
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Practice Incentive Program Quality Improvement and CAT Plus (5.2 MB) (pdf)
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Cold Chain Management
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Cold Chain PHN doc.pdf (286 KB) (pdf)
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Cold Chain Breach Protocol Poster (188 KB) (pdf)
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Cold Chain Breach Reporting Form (338 KB) (pdf)
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NSW Health Cold Chain Toolkit (606 KB) (pdf)
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Strive for 5 Vaccine Fridge Temperature Chart Resource (129 KB) (pdf)
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National Vaccine Storage Guidelines: Strive for 5 (3rd ed) (6.05 MB) (pdf)
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Immunisation and the MBS
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Immunisation AIR and PRODA
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Services Australia: AIR-010A Due and Overdue Immunisation by Practice Report (1.38 MB) (pdf)
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Services Australia: Australian Immunisation Register Data Quality User Guide (991 KB) (pdf)
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Department of Health: Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) Fact sheet (274 KB) (pdf)
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AIR access via PRODA PHN Doc (834 KB) (pdf)
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Recording vaccinations given overseas on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) PHN Doc (168 KB) (pdf)
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Requesting and viewing the COVID-19 Vaccination Status Report (AIR42A) PHN Doc (526 KB) (pdf)
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Immunisation - Nurses
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How to request an AIR 10A report.pdf (386 KB) (pdf)
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Immunisation contacts November 2023.docx (137 KB) (docx)
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AIR-010A-Report-User-Guide-Nov-2020-V1.0.pdf (1.41 MB) (pdf)
Important Links
- The Australian Immunisation Handbook
- NSW Health Immunisation Programs
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia
- Central Coast HealthPathways
- Hunter New England HealthPathways
- Central Coast LHD Immunisation
- HNE Health Immunisation
- Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation (SKAI)