Kerry Finlay
Immunisation
Ph: 02 6049 1904
Fax: 02 6049 1999
Email: kfinlay@bordergp.org.au
NEW - The Commonwealth Government has announced significant changes to the National Immunisation Schedule and related payments to parents. See RESOURCES for comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions information.
What is the Immunisation Program?
The AWRGPN Immunisation Program assists GPs and Practice Staff to achieve and maintain ‘best practice’ in all areas of Immunisation and Cold Chain Management.
What does the Immunisation Program do?
The AWRGPN Immunisation Program provides clinical education and training, timely resources and advice. This support includes guidance on implementing the National Immunisation Program (NIP), participating in the General Practice Immunisation Incentives Scheme (GPII) and following the guidelines of the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
How can the Immunisation Program help you?
Assistance is available in all areas including:
- ACIR/GPII reports to follow up overdue children
- Cold Chain Management and fridge data logging at clinics
- Data cleaning
- education events
- email/fax alerts
- newsletters
- resources
- training new staff
- updates on schedule changes and new vaccines
What has the Immunisation Program achieved?
Newsflash: The AWRGPN has again achieved NUMBER ONE NATIONALLY for the Immunisation Rate Recalculation for November 2011 - 94.2%.
Other Achievements:
- the majority of practices within the AWRGP Network now have purpose built vaccine fridges
- development of resources - some of which are used nationwide
NEW - Celebrate the first ever Immunisation Week to be held in Australia from 23 – 29 April 2012.
The Victorian Government is taking the opportunity presented by Immunisation Week to raise awareness of the adolescent vaccination program.
Victoria currently achieves 92 per cent coverage for NIP vaccines given to babies and children compared to an estimated 75 per cent for the adolescent program.
During Immunisation Week and beyond, they will be urging parents to ‘stay keen on teen vaccines’.
You may wish to join us in celebrating Immunisation week by:
- Spreading the message about the importance of adolescent immunisation through:
- displaying or distributing our poster (NSW and VIC versions available)
- Holding additional vaccination clinics – have an immunisation party!
- Sending reminder letters to patients due for vaccines
- Prominently displaying materials related to immunisation.
With the exception of good sanitation and a safe water supply, immunisation has probably saved more lives than any other public health intervention. Victoria’s success in maintaining high coverage rates of immunisation is worth celebrating.
Congratulations on your part in this success and we hope you can join us in celebrating Immunisation Week. |