Free flu vaccination arrangements in Victoria
Due to high cases of influenza across the state, free flu vaccinations can be administered to all Victorians from today Wednesday 1 June.
The Victorian State Government announced yesterday that free flu vaccinations will be made available to everyone in Victoria for the month of June.
Providers must have a current Victorian Department of Health issued Onelink government-funded vaccine account to participate in the program. Registration will be available for 6 June 2022 and must be completed by close of business 10 June 2022. Free flu vaccines can be administered from today (1 June), prior to registering.
Please note, it is not compulsory for GPs or pharmacies to participate.
To encourage participation in the free flu vaccination program, the State Government is offering financial support and reimbursement. The State Government has advised it will establish an online registration portal by Monday 6 June. Once more details of that portal are available, Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) will provide further updates.
Mental Health and AOD Referrals Survey for GPs
WVPHN is inviting GPs to provide feedback on how we can better support the process for referring patients to WVPHN-commissioned mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) services.
We have opened a short survey to help us identify what we can do to make the referral process to WVPHN-commissioned services better for all involved.
The survey will remain open until mid-June.
Have your say here
World Eating Disorders Action Day
Tomorrow, Thursday 2 June, is World Eating Disorders Action Day. 1 in 20 Australians are impacted by an eating disorder and health professionals play a vital role in prevention, intervention and support.
I encourage GPs working with people affected by eating disorders to visit Eating Disorders Victoria’s For GPs webpage which includes information and resources for the detection of eating disorders in patients, RACGP accredited training options and information about the treatment of eating disorders using Eating Disorder Treatment Plans through Medicare.
Please also remember to visit the HealthPathways Eating Disorder page for further information and resources on eating disorders.
World No Tobacco Day
Yesterday was World No Tobacco Day, an opportunity to raise awareness on the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use.
For health professionals assisting patients with smoking and vaping cessation, the newly-launched Quit Centre is a great place to view the latest clinical information and training. You can access tailored resources for general practice, pharmacy, and pregnancy and maternal health, and also submit a referral to Quitline for individualised patient support.
Last chance to register for the 2022 Primary Care Refresher
Lastly, a reminder to all western Victorian GPs, practice managers, practice nurses and practice staff – our 2022 Primary Care Refresher conference is on this weekend (4-5 June).
This year, the annual keynote event has the theme The Journey of Primary Care Through a Pandemic. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear a range of insightful presentations on topics relating to your work.
View the detailed event program
Rowena Clift
Chief Executive Officer