Pharmacist Immuniser Update
Victorian Pharmacist Immunisers are now authorised to administer influenza vaccines to patients 10-years and older and pertussis-containing, measles-mumps-rubella and meningococcal ACWY vaccines to people aged 15 years and older.
For more information see the most recent DHHS Secretary Approval: Pharmacist Immuniser.
See also our updated MVEC: Pharmacist Immuniser page और यह एमवीईसी: इन्फ्लुएंजा वैक्सीन सिफारिशें page.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) & pregnancy
An article from the Raising Children's Network about Coronavirus and pregnancy. Coronavirus is new, so we’re still learning about it and how it affects people, including pregnant women and their babies. However, new evidence suggests pregnant women don’t seem to be more likely to get coronavirus than other healthy people of the same age. Use the link below to read the full article.
Coronavirus (COVIID-19) & pregnancy
The Royal Children's Hospital immunisation service closed to the public
Due to the current COVID-19 situation, the Immunisation Drop-in centre is providing vaccinations to RCH patients only, and based on clinical need. Children and families who are not current patients of the RCH are encouraged to visit their local GP or other immunisation provider.
The MVEC: Victorian council immunisation session page has the contact details of councils within Victoria, many of whom have updated their websites to advise how they will be providing immunisation services in light of COVID-19. Please contact your local council directly for the most up to date information.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and children in Australia
Your kids are hearing about coronavirus (COVID-19). The Raising Children Network (Australia) has developed a useful resource to ensure they get reliable information.
Here are some tips on how to talk about it: COVID-19 and children in Australia
Statement on school closures in Victoria; a Department of Health announcement
The Department of Health has released a statement made by Dr Brett Sutton, the Victorian Chief Medical Officer, on the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and school closures in Victoria
You can read the announcement here DHHS Vic: Education sector and COVID-19
When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?
With the presence of coronavirus in Australia, people are wondering whether they need to get the flu vaccine early this year.
According to ABC News the flu vaccine won't combat COVID-19, however, it does reduce the severity and spread of seasonal influenza, as contacting influenza can lower a person's immunity and make them more susceptible to other illnesses.
Timing is important with the flu vaccine. it is important to be protected when the flu season starts and also several months later, when flu activity peaks. To ensure the highest level of protection during peak flu season, the Department of Health recommends people get vaccinated from mid April.
Read the full article here:
ABC News: When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?
Worried about your child getting coronavirus? Here’s what you need to know
Early advice on 2020 National Immunisation Program seasonal influenza vaccination
Australia's Chief Medical Officer has released a statement providing early advice for vaccination providers on the 2020 seasonal influenza vaccines available through the National Immunisation Program.
Chief Medical Officer letter - Early advice for the 2020 influenza season and ATAGI statement
News article for Health Care Providers - 2020 seasonal influenza vaccines
'Get the facts about immunisation' - Launch of the 2020 childhood immunisation education campaign
The Governments ‘Get the Facts about Immunisation’ campaign supports parents of children aged 0-5 years and expectant parents in their decision making about childhood vaccinations.
The 2020 phase of the campaign builds upon the success of previous phases with a focus on the importance of vaccinating on time, the protection provided by vaccination, as well as continuing to address concerns around vaccine safety.
The campaign continues to address vaccination uptake in at-risk populations through supplementary targeted media and public relations materials developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and culturally and linguistically diverse audiences.
The 8 week campaign commenced 16 February 2020 and will feature across national television for the first time for greater reach, supported by supported by search, social, online and out-of-home channels.
To find out more and access the campaign materials including posters, brochures and videos, visit the Childhood Immunisation Education Campaign website, ‘Get the facts about immunisation’.
Coronavirus: What are viruses? And how do they spread?
Dr Rosalind Eggo of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine explains in this video from the BBC how viruses like the recently-detected coronavirus can spread globally.
BBC: What are viruses? And how do they spread?