5-Minute Catchup

To start things off, as part of a Winter Preparedness pack the Department of Health have developed “COVID vaccination – get ready for winter” in language resources with information about staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, influenza vaccine and eligibility for the COVID-19 winter dose. The National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters' Council have also developed in language explainers on ‘Staying well in winter – Flu and COVID-19 vaccines’ Links to these resources are available below.

In Monkeypox news, the World Health Organization is working with experts to rename the Monkeypox virus, amid concerns over stigma and racism around the ‘discriminatory’ name. A link to this story is available below.

ATAGI has updated its recommendation on first booster dose in adolescents. A booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine may be given to the following adolescents aged 12-15 years who have completed a primary course of vaccination 3 or more months ago: those who are severely immunocompromised; those who have a disability with significant or complex health needs; those who have complex and/or multiple health conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19. A link to the ATAGI recommendations is available below.

As of 22 June, a new edition of the national driver medical standards has come into effect. All medical assessments conducted for the purpose of determining fitness to drive must now be conducted according to the new edition, ‘Assessing Fitness to Drive’ 2022. The revisions highlight the important role of health professionals in conversations and advice, covering older drivers, multiple medical conditions, drivers with disabilities and medicinal marijuana. Criteria changes have been made to a range of conditions. A link to the Austroads summary document is available below.

Now it’s time for the titbits…

Canberra Health Services have recently started a head and neck cancer support group for patients, family and friends affected by these cancers. Further information including dates and contact details are available in the link below.
The new version of the National Immunisation Catch-up Calculator released this month now includes support for all children under the age of 10. This includes medically at-risk groups, and improved support for children who may have been vaccinated overseas. A link to the handbook is available below.
At this stage PPE bundles will no longer be available after the 30th of June. There is a link below to the order forms if you would like to order before the 30th of June.
An email discussing Carers ACT’s services was sent out to all GPs, Practice Nurses and Practice Managers on Friday 17 June, if you did not receive this, please reach out to us via primarycare@chnact.org.au
A reminder that the Canberra Head to Health Centre is a new, free mental health centre to help all Canberrans find the mental health support they need. You don’t need an appointment or a referral. More information is available through the link below.

Finally, Capital Health Network, with sponsor’s Pfizer & MSD, invite GPs to the upcoming Oral Anti-Viral education dinner on Wednesday 29 June which will cover GPs prescribing for COVID 19 in the community.

Capital Health Network, through the ACT PHN Program, also invites vaccination providers to attend the upcoming ACT Health travel vaccination education & JEV clinical update webinar on Thursday, 7 July. There will be an update and refresher about vaccine preventable travel illnesses and COVID protocols for overseas travel. The epidemiology and emergence of Japanese Encephalitis in South Eastern Australia and preventative strategies will also be discussed. Links to register for both these events are available below.

Capital Health Network’s nurse immuniser scholarship program closing date has been extended. This is a wonderful opportunity for registered nurses working in ACT general practices to gain skills to administer some immunisations without a standing order. Application details are in the link below.

And that wraps up your weekly check-up. Did you know that Capital Health Network is always available to answer your queries? If you have any questions about any of the information in this podcast, get in contact with us via email at primarycare@chnact.org.au

Our Quality Improvement Team here at Capital Health Network can assist you and your practice in developing QuIK Cycle Activities – a Plan-Do-Study-Act Quality Improvement Activity which could award participating General Practitioners with RACGP CPD Points by undertaking Self-Directed Quality Improvement. Get in contact with our team to discuss your opportunities for Continuous Quality Improvement.

On behalf of everyone here at Capital Health Network through the ACT’s PHN Program we thank you for tuning in and we’ll see you next Thursday for your next Check-up.

LINKS

COVID-19 vaccination – Get ready for winter (other languages)

COVID-19 vaccination – Winter COVID-19 vaccine booster doses (other languages)

Staying well in winter – Flu and COVID-19 vaccines explainers (other languages)

abc.net.au WHO: Moneypox changes name.

ATAGI - COVID adolescent booster.

Summary of changes | Austroads

ACT and Southern NSW Head and Neck Cancer Support Group

The Australian Immunisation Handbook

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Request Form

Mental Health Programs - Head to Health

GPs Prescribing For COVID-19 In The Community  

Update On International Travel Requirements And JEV Clinical Update

Capital Health Network Nurse Immuniser Scholarship Program