Immunisation Community of Practice

Q 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).

Additional 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.

New 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).

The following update has been sent out to GPs today by NSW Health regarding respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

This includes:

• The current recommendations for monoclonal antibody (mAb) eligibility and access for vulnerable babies and under the

NSW Health RSV vulnerable babies program

• Arexvy vaccine for > 60 years (available on the private market only) and current ATAGI recommendations

Statement on the Clinical use of Zoster vaccine in older adults in Australia (health.gov.au)

This resource provides easy-to-read information on common reactions that may occur after vaccinations. It has has been reprinted and hard copies can now be ordered.

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/following-vaccination-what-to-expect-and-what-to-do

From Monday, 29 April 2024, the National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) Program will expand, allowing pharmacies to claim payment for administering National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines in residential aged care and disability homes. The vaccines able to be administered are subject to state or territory requirements and legislation. Additionally, NIPVIP payments will be indexed starting 1 July 2024.

The Program Rules are being updated to reflect these changes.

Further information on off-site vaccination can be found here and information on the NIPVIP program can be found here.

The Minister's announcement on expanded funding for pharmacist administration of vaccines in new settings can be found here.

Please be advised that the NSW Immunisation Unit expects to receive additional supplies of Shingrix® vaccines from today and will be opening ordering as soon as they are able.

The letter below will be sent out today to Immunisation Providers advising of same.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) - Information for GPs [27 March 2024]

There has been a rise in Pertussis (‘whooping cough’) cases in NSW after circulating at very low levels during the pandemic.

Pertussis is caused by Bordetella pertussis and spreads mainly through respiratory droplets.

Pertussis outbreaks usually occur every few years as population immunity wanes. Notifications of people with pertussis in NSW are starting to increase from a very low level and are expected to increase further.

Infants aged under 6 months are at greatest risk of severe disease, hospitalisation and death.

Consider pertussis and order a PCR test for people with a compatible illness, even if fully vaccinated.

Ensure that all patients are up to date with recommended vaccinations; this is especially important for:

• pregnant women, who should be vaccinated between 20-32 weeks gestation (ideally at 28 weeks) to provide antibodies to their infant for protection in the first few months of life
• infants and their siblings
• adults who care for infants under 6 months who have not received a booster in the last 10 years.
• Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook for details.

The Authorised Nurse Immuniser and Authorised Midwife Immunisers Policy Directive (PD2024_004) has been rescinded and replaced with the newly developed NSW Authorised Registered Nurse/Midwife Vaccination Standards (the Standards). Authority and Standards for RNs and Midwifes

Key updates

• The mandatory conditions which Authorised Nurse/Midwife Immunisers (ANIs) must comply with to ensure effective and efficient immunisation service delivery are now outlined in the Standards. These conditions have not changed for ANIs working in NSW Health, the requirements in the Standards remain consistent with the previous policy.
• The rescinding of PD2024_004 and the creation of the Standards mandate that all ANIs in NSW including those working in primary care or private practice, who initiate and administer a vaccine comply with both the Authority and the Standards.
• The updated Authority and new Standards include products that protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) including the new RSV vaccines and RSV monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), Beyfortus ™ (nirsevimab). ANIs must comply with the requirements in the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAG) recommendations when administering these immunisations. Information on the NSW RSV vulnerable babies program is available on the NSW Health webpage: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/respiratory-syncytial-virus.aspx

World Immunisation Week 2024: Humanly Possible: Immunization for All

World Immunization Week 2024 (who.int)