On Wednesday 1 July 2020, significant changes were made to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule. These changes impact all vaccination providers, and the following information will assist you with implementing the new schedule.
The changes are being implemented following recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and other clinical experts to improve protection and vaccine availability to people vulnerable to pneumococcal, meningococcal and Haemophilus influenza disease.
The pneumococcal vaccination
The pneumococcal vaccination recommendations and schedule changed to reflect the current best clinical evidence in preventing pneumococcal disease in adults and in people with conditions that increase their risk of disease. The changes aim to simplify vaccination advice by making it easier to understand who should get vaccinated, and when and which vaccine they should get.
The meningococcal b vaccination
The meningococcal b vaccinations have been funded through the NIP changed to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and people under the age of two years old and people with some specified medical conditions.
Learning Resource
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) recently held a webinar where they discussed which at-risk groups are eligible for funded vaccines under the NIP and the evidence for the changes. Watch the recording on the RACGP website for more information.
Tips and tricks for GPs
Immunisation providers are also reminded that the data recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register needs to be accurate as this information is used for a range of purposes. The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance have put together tips and tricks to help providers minimise and identify errors in vaccination.
Western Sydney HealthPathways
A suite of Immunisation Pathways are also available on our HealthPathways website. To access HealthPathways, you will need the general login details. For more information, please contact our HealthPathways team at healthpathways@wentwest.com.au
For WSLHD and SCHN Staff, please access HealthPathways via the WSLHD/SCHN Intranet Applications page.
Please contact Helpdesk on 8811 7100 or email support@wentwest.com.au if you have any questions about the new schedule.