A recent article from the RACGP shows startling statistics where the uptake of all 3 doses of the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine has fallen to just 81% in Australia between 2019 and 2021. Recently, there were two cases (to date) of diphtheria in NSW in unvaccinated children and this disease has not been seen in a century in Australia. The recent news highlights that everyone needs to be vigilant and update their knowledge in recognising these diseases as well as opportunistically discuss vaccinations with patients.
Situations where discussions can occur for children include:
Routine baby checks (6-8 weeks, 4 months etc) are an excellent time to discuss the Australian vaccination schedule.
Asking about vaccination history in any children presenting with an illness/ injury as part of their past medical history, if there is a gap, this can be a good opportunity to explain the importance of vaccinations.
Even adults may miss routine vaccinations if they are not aware of it unless you highlight it (for example the Herpes zoster vaccine is currently only funded for ages 70-79) and they may not be able to afford it after this age. I have personally seen this scenario in general practice! Helpful strategies to ensure that vaccinations are not missed in adult patients include:
Go through the preventive activities through the lifecycle chart from the Red Book by the RACGP where immunisations once a year with their routine check-up bloods.
Have the latest copy of the National Immunisation Schedule in your office to refer to (noting there are extra vaccinations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
Create a bookmark to the National Immunisation Schedule on your computer to aid with your discussions (e.g. contraindications and special circumstances).
During chronic illness reviews consider if they are due for any specific vaccinations.
Immunisation resources:
The Australian Immunisation Handbook (https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/)
World Health organisation (https://www.who.int/)
Pink Book by the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/index.html
Note: the WHO and CDC have excellent resources to learn about the basic sciences as well as global health but only the Australian Immunisation Handbook is used for clinical practice in Australia.
Read the full article from the RACGP here at: https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/global-immunisation-coverage-in-biggest-dip-for-30?utm_source=racgpnewsgpnewsletter&utm_campaign=newsgpedm&utm_medium=email
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