Immunisation

The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers immunisation to be the most effective medical intervention to prevent deaths and reduce disease in communities. An estimated two to three million deaths are prevented worldwide every year due to vaccinations.

The primary source of immunisation resources is the National Immunisation Program Schedule. The National Immunisation Program (NIP) is a series of immunisations given at specific intervals from birth through to adulthood.

For most people, influenza causes a mild to moderate respiratory illness. It is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. Complications can occur and are more likely to develop in those with underlying medical conditions. Others at risk include Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women and children under five years of age.
COVID-19 is a common and highly contagious respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). For most people, the illness is self-limiting, however some are at risk of severe disease and others continue to be unwell for many months with long COVID. Vaccination is the best form of protection against this disease.
- Information for aged care providers, workers and residents about COVID-19 vaccines: COVID-19 vaccine program resources for residential, in-home and community aged care.
- Resource pack for residential aged care: This collection contains resources for RACHs relating to COVID-19 vaccination, including consent process flowchart, checklist for vaccine clinic planning and consent forms
- Communication toolkit: Summary of latest recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination doses for RACH residents
- Fact sheet: Information for residents and families on COVID-19 Vaccination and antiviral treatments
- Fact sheet: use of Paxlovid in residential aged care
- Fact sheet: use of Lagevrio in residential aged care
- Fact sheet: for residents and families on COVID-19 vaccination and antivirals
- Where can I get immunised? | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- Find vaccination clinic by location | healthdirect
For further information about COVID-19, go to Murray PHN’s COVID-19 webpage.
Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious infection of the central nervous system. It is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and is spread by mosquitoes. For most people who contract JEV, infection is mild and only 1-4 per cent get any symptoms. For those who get symptoms, it can be very serious and cause severe and permanent complications, or death.
For more information about Japanese encephalitis, go to:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the airways and lungs. It is highly contagious. RSV spreads between people by coughing and sneezing. RSV can be experienced at any age but is most serious in infants aged 12 months or under and young children or older adults with chronic health conditions.
Vulnerable people, such as the frail aged and elderly, and people living with a disability or a mental health condition, may be unable to leave home for vaccinations. If you need to find a vaccination provider, visit the Australian Government’s where can I get immunised? webpage.

Murray PHN can also help to engage a primary care vaccine provider for homebound patients.

If you have a patient or know of someone in the community who cannot leave their home to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, contact our Primary Health Care Response team via email at primarycareresponse@murrayphn.org.au or refer the request to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing for support.

Healthcare professionals can prescribe (if authorised) and administer vaccines if they meet their relevant professional standards and are practising within their lawful scope of professional practice under state and territory legislation.

Registered and enrolled nurses can provide immunisations in a general practice setting, as per a doctor’s medication order and provided it is within their scope of practice.

Nurse immunisers who have completed an additional approved immuniser course can administer NIP vaccines without a doctor’s order.
- Authorised nurse immuniser courses accepted in Australian states and territories
Vaccinations are also available to be administered by pharmacists.
Older adults living in RACHs are often at higher risk of developing complications from communicable diseases. Regular audits of residents to ensure current vaccinations for influenza, COVID-19, shingles, RSV and pneumococcal diseases are recommended.

The Vaccination for healthy ageing resource by the Australian Immunisation Handbook contains a summary of common vaccinations to consider in older adults.
Health providers have an important role in making strong recommendations to vaccinate, offering relevant vaccinations to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people at any medical appointment.

However, in Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation Knowledge (SKAI) research conducted with providers who provide vaccinations in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, it was learned that many:
- mainstream providers need guidance on how to be culturally safe
- providers need guidance on how to have a supportive yarn with families who may have concerns and be hesitant about vaccination
- families would like information about vaccination that is clear, short and designed in partnership with communities.
The resources available through the SKAI website address these needs. They have been designed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and health providers, in collaboration with the NCIRS Social Science Team, and are informed by research with immunisation providers working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

These resources have been produced as part of the SKAI initiative and have been presented at provider and community workshops and trainings led and delivered by the Hunter New England Public Health Aboriginal team. The Example of a supportive flu vaccine yarn resource has been adapted by that team to support the needs of health service providers and communities and enable better conversations around vaccination.

For information about vaccinations for specific illnesses and diseases:

Resources

Support

Immunisation support is available from Murray PHN for:

Quality improvement activities – Immunisation
Registration and training in HealthPathways: Request to access Murray HealthPathways
Understanding the AIR
Immunisation resources
Immunisation errors and cold chain management
Cold Chain Breach
PENCS reports – Immunisation: CAT RECIPES – CAT Recipes – PenCS Help
PD opportunities – Immunisation: Education and events

Contact

Primary care providers: primarycareresponse@murrayphn.org.au
General practices: gpsupport@murrayphn.org.au or contact your Consultant – Quality Improvement

Victorian Department of Health

NSW Health