Test for respiratory pathogens to distinguish between flu and COVID-19

Rapid testing for respiratory pathogens is critical in identifying outbreaks in the community, particularly in vulnerable groups and settings such as aged care.

Many respiratory pathogens can cause similar symptoms early in the course of an illness but may require different public health and infection control measures once identified by laboratory testing.

Distinguishing between influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens is particularly important in vulnerable groups such as aged care residents.

Although rates of seasonal influenza are currently low, there are a range of other respiratory pathogens circulating.

Many laboratories can perform multiplex assays on symptomatic patients which will identify influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in addition to COVID-19.

Clinicians are specifically requested to add influenza testing to patients in whom COVID-19 tests are also being performed in the aged care setting.

Clinicians are encouraged to provide influenza vaccination to vulnerable patients and populations, including aged care residents and staff.

Read the full advisory.

EOI open: Join the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinical Champions program

The Victorian Department of Health has established a COVID-19 Vaccine - Vaccination Clinical Champions program, which aims to:

• increase vaccine confidence
• increase uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations
• raise awareness of Victoria's easy to access COVID-19 immunisation program that provides appropriate access for priority populations.

Providing timely, accurate, scientific-based, evidence-informed and factual information to the vaccine-hesitant population is key to achieving high vaccination rates and in turn, reducing COVID-19 related harm by preventing serious illness and death, and, as much as possible, disease transmission. 

Read more about the program here. 

To express interest, complete the Expression of Interest form (downloads as Word document) and return to: covidvaccination@health.vic.gov.au 

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This newsletter was created to help stakeholders find SEMPHN's latest tender opportunities and announcements. 

More s100 prescribers needed to in primary care, registrations open now

According to the National Viral Hepatitis Mapping Report 2018-19, over 15,000 people are living with Chronic Hepatitis B in South Eastern Melbourne, and evidence shows up to 1 in 4 people with Chronic Hepatitis B will get
cirrhosis and/or liver cancer.

The good news is that registrations are now open for the next set of Hepatitis B s100 Prescriber training.

This course, for community-based general practitioners and nurse practitioners, will educate and accredit clinicians to prescribe first-line antiviral treatment and planning long-term care for patients with Chronic Hepatitis B.

The course is free, and will run from Tuesday 29 June - Tuesday 13 July 2021, with the following webinar dates:

• Tuesday 29 June 6:45pm – 8:45pm 
• Tuesday 6 July 6:45pm – 8:45pm
• Tuesday 13 July 6:45pm – 8:45pm 

All three webinars require compulsory attendance to complete the course. 

Accreditation:

• 40 x RACGP CPD Accredited Activity points;
• 7 x ACRRM educational activity PDP units and 2 performance review PDP units available.
• Approved by ACNP for professional development.

Register here. 

Adult Immunisation Forum starts Monday, 28 June

The 5th Adult Immunisation Forum will take place over four sessions from 8:15am on Monday 28 June 2021.

The forum will be held as a virtual event due to the ongoing uncertainties around COVID restrictions.

The meeting will be of particular interest to health professionals, immunisation specialists, policy makers and anyone else working on the front line of public health.

This webinar event will include a range of topics:

• COVID-19 update
• Zoster
• Aged care update
• Pneumococcal disease
• Pertussis and other respiratory diseases
• Influenza vaccine effectiveness in the elderly
• Innovations in vaccine design.

When: Monday, 28 June, 8.15 am
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Register here. 

Looking for resources about the 2021 influenza season? 

The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has developed several resources for health professionals, including advice relating to the COVID-19 vaccines. 

Read more in the resources below:

• Australian Government Department of Health: 2021 influenza vaccines – Clinical advice for vaccination providers
• NCIRS influenza vaccination 2021 web page
• NCIRS Influenza vaccines for Australians fact sheet
• NCIRS Influenza vaccines for Australians FAQs
• NCIRS Influenza vaccination during COVID-19 - FAQs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Australian Government Department of Health: Flu vaccination in 2021
• Talking about Immunisation: Influenza vaccine resources for parents

Cancer screening rates decreased last year, let's change that

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Victoria saw a 32% decrease in mammograms ordered in 2020, compared to the year prior.

The number of cervical cancer tests fell in April 2020 when the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. In August 2020, a marked decrease in the number of cervical cancer tests was evident in Victoria, potentially an effect of the state’s second wave of COVID-19 cases.

Cancer screening is essential to increasing positive health outcomes.

Below we have collated more information on cancer screening resources.

• BreastScreen Victoria: resources for health professionals
• National Cervical Screen Program; resources for health professionals
• SEMPHN: Optimal Care Pathways for cancer
• SEMPHN: Cancer screening resources

Survey: what were your experiences providing essential services during the pandemic?

Monash University would like to hear from GPs who worked in Metropolitan Melbourne in 2020, exploring the experiences of GPs in providing essential clinical services (ECS) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey will take 10-15 minutes to complete and you will be compensated with a $30 gift card for your time. 

At the end of the survey, you will be asked if you would like to participate in a one-hour telephone interview to further evaluate the adaptability of the the UK Royal College of General Practitioners guidelines in Australia. You will receive a $150 payment upon completing the interview. The first 20 respondents will be selected for interviews.

If you would like to participate in the survey, please click here If you require further information about the study please contact Research Assistant Jennie Raymond (jennie.raymond@monash.edu)