Rabies vaccine and human rabies immunoglobulin post-exposure treatment for Australian bat lyssavirus and rabies exposures are NSW-funded additional free vaccines. PHU staff will arrange rabies vaccine and human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) to be provided at no cost to the patient from the NSW Vaccine Centre and give advice on administration schedule.
Legislative changes require vaccination providers to report additional details to the AIR.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has updated their recommendation to allow for the inclusion of the XBB 1.5 COVID-19 vaccines in the National COVID-19 Vaccine Program, this aligns with the current vaccination eligibility criteria.
NSW has expanded its Japanese Encephalitis (JEV) vaccination coverage to now include 14 additional Local Government Areas (LGAs), offering free vaccines to individuals at the highest risk.
With increasing local cases of COVID-191 it is crucial Aged Care Service Providers stay informed on updates that will impact vulnerable populations, in particular those aged 75 years or older.
Before heading overseas these holidays, we are asking Australians to add vaccinations to their travel checklist.
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.
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).
While the temperatures are cold and mosquito numbers are low, now is the best time to start preparing yourself against mosquito-borne disease this coming summer. Getting vaccinated against JEV is a great first step you can take before the mosquito season begins, to ensure you’re giving yourself the highest level of protection from the disease.