Dear colleagues,

 

The Victorian Department of Health is implementing a targeted vaccination campaign in response to the current diphtheria outbreak in northern and central Australia. For details refer to the Chief Health Officer Advisory, 4 June - Diphtheria booster vaccination campaign | health.vic.gov.au.

Ensure all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients are up to date with diphtheria vaccination. Offer vaccination to those eligible under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) or the Victorian-funded outbreak program.

Victorian-funded Diphtheria booster vaccination campaign 

•       Primary course diphtheria toxoid containing vaccine

1. 1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 20 years who have not previously received 3 doses 

•       Booster doses diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine (Boostrix)

2. 1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 20 years, who have previously received at least 3 doses with the most recent dose > 10 years ago 
   2. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people travelling to a higher risk area* for any reason who have not had a booster dose in the last 5 years
   3. Anyone travelling to live or work in a higher risk area* who has not had a booster dose in the last 5 years

•       *For the latest list of higher-risk areas, visit CDC Diphtheria Outbreak Update.

More information

•       CHO Advisory: Diphtheria booster vaccination campaign | health.vic.gov.au

•       Diphtheria Booster Vaccination Campaign - Information for Aboriginal Health Services and General Practices

•       Diphtheria Booster Vaccination Campaign - Information for the public

•       About Diphtheria: Diphtheria | health.vic.gov.au

•       Vaccination and recommendations: Australian Immunisation Handbook, Diphtheria 

 

Ordering state-funded diphtheria toxoid containing vaccine

State-funded diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine, Boostrix, is now available to order via Onelink for Victorians who are eligible under the Victorian-funded Diphtheria booster vaccination campaign.

• Supply is available until exhausted. Order limits apply. Refer to your Onelink ordering template for more information.
  • Providers requiring additional stock to meet demand are advised to contact the Immunisation Program at immunisation@health.vic.gov.au before submitting an order.
• Always include your government-funded (Onelink) account number when contacting the Immunisation Program or Onelink Customer Service.

 

Kind regards,

 

Immunisation Program

Community & Public Health Division

Department of Health

immunisation@health.vic.gov.au
www.health.vic.gov.au | www.vic.gov.au