PRIMARY CARE CLINICAL DIGEST FEBRUARY 16 2024 What’s in this issue?
Update on Proposal to Enable Childhood Immunisations at Pharmacies
Update on Proposal to Enable Childhood Immunisations at Pharmacies Immunisation Pānui February 16 2024 National Data Platform Monthly Update January 2024 Consultation: Decision to Fund Treatments for People with Breast Cancer and Leukaemia Proposal to Fund Treatments for Gynaecological Cancers, Respiratory Disorders, Infectious Diseases and Vasculitis Supply Updates Olsalazine and Mesalazine 800mg Tab (Asacol) Upcoming Event: Melanoma Mini-Summit May 11 2024, Christchurch Decision to Fund Testosterone Gel New Zealand Women in Medicine Conference 2024 Family Planning to become Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa Hospital and Healthcare Latest News Rare Disorders NZ Newsletter February 2024 World AMR Awareness Week November 18-24 2024 Updates for Primary Care Prescribers and Pharmacists February 16 2024 Profile Update for Updates for Pharmacists Top Weekend Viewing Last month, Te Whatu Ora and Pharmac released a joint consultation regarding the removal of pharmacy ordering restrictions for some childhood immunisations. The consultation closed on January 29 2024. A lot of responses were received, and more time is needed to consider this feedback. The earliest date that this change will be enabled, if the proposal is successful, is now April 1 2024. A training package is currently being developed so that pharmacist vaccinators can upskill to become fully authorised vaccinators. This should be available in late March, if the decision from Pharmac is to proceed. This training package will lead to authorisation for whole-of-life immunisations and will allow pharmacists to immunise pēpi from 6 weeks of age. Pharmac has also decided to consult on a proposal to amend the listing for paracetamol oral liquid to enable Direct Provision by pharmacists. This change will be considered alongside the proposal to remove the pharmacy ordering restriction from certain childhood vaccines, including meningococcal B vaccine. The consultation closes at 9.00am on Monday February 19 2024. More information about both consultations can be found on the Pharmac website.