11 October 2021
Expiring COVID-19 vaccines
The PHN's team of primary health care officers (PHCO) can help general practice coordinate the re-distribution of excess and expiring COVID-19 vaccines.
If you suspect your vaccines may be at risk of expiring, please contact your PHCO as soon as possible - this may allow other practices to consider holding off on future orders and instead utilise available stock. You are also welcome to contact other practices nearby to discuss transfer opportunities prior to contacting your PHCO.
If you are arranging your own re-distribution of excess doses, the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’ document provides information and advice for vaccine storage management for Australian immunisation service providers.
Tips to avoid excess doses:
- Consider contacting nearby practices (if applicable) to identify any possible local solution.
- If you experience a situation where you have multiple doses which are at risk of expiring, review the practices current ordering system and the short term future bookings/ demands and adjust.
- Consider holding off future ordering until sufficient bookings are made to cover the minimum stock booking requirement.
- Consider sharing your ordering cycle/s with other practices to help manage stock.
Queensland Adult Specialist Immunisation Service
The Queensland Adult Specialist Immunisation Service (QASIS) is a state-wide service (based at Metro North Hospital and Health Service) for those aged over 16 years requiring consideration for hospital-based COVID-19 vaccination for those with significant allergies, anaphylaxis or side effects to COVID-19 vaccination.
Referral information is available at Vaccination referrals - Metro North Health.
The service will work with local HHSs to provide support for vaccination requirements close to home so patients don’t necessarily need to travel to Brisbane.
Third dose for immunocompromised patients
On Friday, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) released a statement recommending a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine as part of the primary course in individuals who are severely immunocompromised, detailed in this Provider Bulletin.
First findings from ATHENA COVID-19 study published
Part 1 of the ATHENA COVID-19 study into people diagnosed with the virus in Queensland has now been published by Communicable Disease Intelligence:
THE ATHENA COVID-19 Study: Cohort profile and first findings for people diagnosed with COVID-19 in Queensland, 1 January to 31 Dec 2020
FAQs for vaccinating children 12 and over
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has developed a new resource answering some of the most frequently asked questions about COVID-19 in children, vaccines available in Australia, vaccine safety and schooling.
Updated: COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy
COVID-19 vaccination at any stage of pregnancy is currently recommended by ATAGI, RANZCOG and Queensland Health. Current advice for health professionals is now available at:
CQ: Next phase of COVID-19 and the role of GPs
During the next fortnight, the PHN is presenting in-person information sessions in Central Queensland exploring:
- The latest modelling data for Central Queensland’s controlled COVID-19 Delta epidemic;
- Managing mild COVID-19 positive cases in the community;
- The use of virtual care and remote patient monitoring to manage COVID-19 positive cases in the community;
- GP delivered COVID-19 vaccination coverage across CQ by age, gender and postcode.
There will also be a panel discussion and a Q&A session. Dinner provided. Registrations essential.
Gladstone: Wednesday 13 October 2021, 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Rockhampton: Wednesday 20 October 2021, 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Updated: vaccine coverage map
The Health Geographics website has been updated, providing the latest vaccination coverage by Statistical Area Level 3 (SA3) using data published by the Australian Department of Health. The maps show the percentage of doses given in each SA3 and can be refined to first and second doses.
Home quarantine pilot starts
Up to 1,000 returning Queenslanders will be invited to participate in a home quarantine trial commencing today, 11 October. Participants must have received their second dose at least two weeks ago, return a negative test within 72 hours prior to departure, and live within two hours’ drive of Brisbane Airport.
Participants will be bound by the same testing requirements as those in hotel quarantine. Breaches of quarantine may be met with fines.
