News & Announcements

Before heading overseas these holidays, we are asking Australians to add vaccinations to their travel checklist.

Do you work with people with heart disease? We want to know your perceptions on using genetics to inform nutrition interventions.

The PHN has been working on reducing the burden of reporting for Commissioned Services. Part of this project was the introduction of a consistent validated Participant Reported Experience Measure (PREM) administered by Cemplicity, who will administer, collate and report the YES PHN Survey. Commissioned services are in the process of adopting this as new process.

Changes to ATAGI guidelines: Monovalent COVID-19 vaccines - As our regions faces increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has issued updated advice regarding the use of Monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines.

NSW Health has recently introduced a second universal antenatal syphilis screen at 26-28 weeks gestation and additional screening for women at high-risk of syphilis in pregnancy. This is in response to concerning increases in maternal and congenital syphilis diagnosed in NSW.

From 1 November 2023, the varicella virus recombinant vaccine, Shingrix ®, replaces Zostavax®, on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule for the prevention of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. It is available for eligible people most at risk of complications from shingles (1). The program changes follow recommendations from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and other clinical experts (1).

The 2023 Resilient Australia Awards were held this month at NSW Parliament House, where The Resilience Project was recognised as one of three finalists in the Mental Health and Wellbeing category for their 2022 Mid Coast project following bushfire and floods.

Aimed at youth leaving high school (at any age/level), the platform incorporates resources, videos and advice to assist young people to navigate life after school.

The PHN is offering Drought Suicide Prevention Grants to encourage communities to improve their resilience and wellbeing and increase preparedness.

The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has launched its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, providing a detailed overview of its strategic intent, priorities and desired outcomes for the five years ahead.