Clinic Imms Newsletter 24th March 2022 Tēnā koutou, I just wanted to take a moment to introduce you all to Philippa Fergusson who is the new Immunisation Coordinator for the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Philippa was born and raised in Whakatane, and we are excited to have her local knowledge along with her extensive primary care nursing experience. Philippa will be looking after the Eastern Bay clinics (including Green Cross practices) and will be contacting the immunisation champions in the coming weeks. Philippa can be contacted on 0212247934 or email Philippa.Fergusson@ebpha.org.nz. For the next few months please continue to contact Kerri Lawrence (0220233244 or kerri.lawrence@ebpha.org.nz) for any enquiries while Philippa is orientated to this role.
“I am really excited to come on board as the Immunisation Coordinator for the Eastern Bay of Plenty. I have 12 years experience working in primary health care and community health care settings. I look forward to working with and supporting practices with their immunisation programme.” Philippa Fergusson
Let’s talk about Flu! • •
The funded Influenza programme is rolling out April 1st. This year the funded influenza vaccine is Afluria Quad for ages 3-100+, and Afluria Quad Junior ages 6month-35months. Please see attached summary of Influenza vaccines for 2022.
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You can order your flu vaccines now via HCL. There are nearly 2 million doses of flu vaccine available in NZ this season – enough for everyone who wants a vaccine. MOH is aiming for all vaccinators to have flu vaccines in their fridges ready to start the funded flu campaign on 1 st April. However, because there is a chance of delays within the distribution system, we recommend you start booking your vaccination clinics after your stock has arrived.
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Please see influenza.org.nz for all you need to know about the influenza immunisation programme for 2022. Flu packs will be coming out shortly but all you need to know is on this website.
Handy Cold Chain hints If you are planning flu clinics out in your car park, or in a clinic room with the vaccines out of the fridge please ensure you maintain cold chain principles. Remember: • Vaccines will need to be stored in a chilly bin. • You will need a digital thermometer to record the temperatures every 20-30mins while the vaccines are in the chilly bin. •
We have attached “how to pack a chilly bin” graphic and the chilly bin log for your use.
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Be mindful of your fridge capacity limits and order appropriately ie. Do not overfill your fridge.