Author: Ashleigh Brissett

As the winter season ends, it is time to reflect on the remarkable efforts of our member services in providing immunisations to build the community’s immunity for winter in 2024. We hope that each of you successfully implemented initiatives that worked well in your communities. 

This year, we were able to assist 18 member services providing grant funding to enhance their immunisation programs. We aim to continually seek ongoing opportunities to support your organisations and to explore how we can further assist your efforts.  

According to NCIRS reports, there have been noticeable and consistent improvements in vaccination uptake among Aboriginal communities across all age groups. However, the reported data often fails to capture the tremendous contributions that ACCHS continues to make for our communities. 

Whether or not you received a specific grant, we would love to hear about the immunisation activities and the innovative strategies that worked best in your area. We are also keen to hear about the barriers you encountered, and suggestions on how AH&MRC can provide support.  

If you like to share your story, please email us at publichealth@ahmrc.org.au. Alternatively, you can complete the short survey through the link below:  

Immunisation Activities – 2024 Winter Season  

The survey was created for grant recipients however we are happy for ACCHS to complete the survey to share your experience and feedback any suggestions as to how we may be able to help your ongoing immunisation efforts.

In a significant stride towards combating lung cancer, the upcoming National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) is set to launch in July 2025.

This initiative was the main topic at the recent monthly AH&MRC Updates meeting, where NSW ACCHOs had the opportunity to hear from guest presenters from Heart of Australia and NACCHO about the program’s rollout. 

Mobile CT Scanners on the Move 

Heart of Australia shared updates on the proposed sites for mobile CT scanners, which will play a crucial role in the NLCSP. They detailed the screening route planning and engagement activities, describing the equity lens they are trying to apply to determine these sites. This approach is aimed at ensuring the screening services reach communities most in need. 

Valuable Insights from ACCHO Leaders 

A big thank you goes out to the ACCHO CEOs who attended the consultation meeting. Your feedback given to the presenters and the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care who were also in attendance, is instrumental in shaping the decisions regarding the mobile screening sites in NSW.  

Eligibility for the NLCSP 

The rollout of the NLCSP will involve engaging with NSW ACCHOs to discuss smoking and vaping behaviours being seen in your communities. These are key factors in determining eligibility for lung cancer screening. To better understand these behaviours, the AH&MRC’s Public Health Team is developing a survey to assess the impact of recent vaping legislation changes on community smoking and vaping habits. Stay tuned for more updates!   

Addressing Training and Resource Gaps 

The AH&MRC Member Engagement team is also conducting a gap analysis to identify training and resource needs related to smoking and vaping cessation among healthcare workers in ACCHOs. AH&MRC aims to ensure that our member services workforce have access to the training they need to support the community through the rollout of the NLCSP. For further information, please see “What do ACCHOs need to support community members on their QUIT journey?” 

Further Opportunity for Input from NSW ACCHOs 

NACCHO is seeking input from ACCHOs on resources being developed for the NLCSP and broader cancer screening discussions. If you have insights or wish to discuss further, please reach out to Sarah.McDermott@naccho.org.au. 

Back in April, we shared an alert from NSW Health about rising cases of pertussis (whooping cough). Unfortunately, the trend continues, with NSW experiencing its highest pertussis rates in 15 years. Infants are at risk of severe illness and even death from pertussis.  

 Here’s how we can stay ahead and protect our at-risk bubs:  

• Timely vaccinations—ensure our infants receive their vaccines on schedule 

• Vaccinate during pregnancy—pregnant women should receive the pertussis vaccine between 20-32 weeks  

• Keep family members protected—parents, grandparents, family and caregivers in regular contact with infants should be up to date with vaccinations  

• Early testing and treatment—continue considering pertussis as a diagnosis for anyone presenting with a persistent cough  

 For more information and the latest GP alert on pertussis, visit the NSW Health Infectious disease alerts page.  

There is currently a shortage of the HIV PrEP combination tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine until November 2024. 

The TGA has approved a limited supply of an S19A combination product.  

NSW Health has been able to secure a sufficient quantity of this product for the current shortage duration. 

If your patients are having difficulty accessing a supply of HIV PrEP, contact the Sexual Health Info Link (SHIL) on 1800 451 624 for advice. Encourage alternative prevention methods such as condoms and lube in the meantime. 

For further information and advice regarding the shortage situation you can also visit the ASHM website.