Immunisation
Program Co-ordinator: Wendy Wilcox
Description
The Immunisation Program aims to decrease the prevalence of vaccine preventable diseases through improved immunisation coverage rates in the community.
This is to be achieved through the following strategies:
- Providing assistance for GPs and practice staff to effectively and efficiently manage, deliver and monitor immunisation in their Practice;
- Increasing the number of GPs/Practices that are up-to-date and comply with the National Guidelines on the safe transport and storage of vaccines (cold chain);
- Increasing the number of GP members participating in the General Practice Immunisation Incentive and PIP programmes and encourage improved participation of those currently involved;
- Improving community awareness and understanding of the importance of Immunisation.
Immunisation Support for GP's – How we can help you ?
Education and Updates
- Facilitation of formal education opportunities for GP's and Practice Nurses
- Informal education for GP's and Practice staff who are new General Practice or to the Shoalhaven Division of General Practice.
- Providing further education and Information through the Division monthly Newsletters and Fax News.
Practice Support and Visits
The Immunisation Program Coordinator visits practices both routinely and following requests from practices to assist in 2 key areas:
- Assistance to practices with the use and accuracy of lodging immunisation information electronically into the ACIR database to maximise incentive payments and increase accuracy of data on immunisation rates in the Shoalhaven.
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Provision of Temperature Dataloggers for the Practice Vaccine Storage Fridge and follow-up reporting and support for optimising the safe storage of vaccines. These visits often assist in preparing practices for Accreditation.
Resource Development and Distribution
The program sources, distributes and develops resources to assist General Practices in their delivery of a vaccination service. These resources are distributed by hard copy as well as through the Division website.
H1N1 Pandemic training/information package for GP's and Practice Nurses is available under Resources.
MASTA - Travel Health Advice
The Shoalhaven Division of General Practice Immunisation Programme subscribes to an on-line Professional Travel Health Advice service on behalf of its members. This enables GP's in the Shoalhaven to access this service free of charge.