Victorian Primary Health Networks are working together to deliver the first online Statewide PHN Immunisation Forum to be held this month via two separate sessions. Western Victorian PHN (WVPHN) is pleased to invite healthcare practitioners from across our region to attend this keynote event.
Vaccination has become a topical issue during the COVID-19 pandemic, generating new challenges for immunisation in primary health care. Covering a broad range of immunisation-related topics, the Statewide PHN Immunisation Forum is an opportunity for healthcare providers to hear the latest updates and insights from leading policy-makers, researchers and providers in the immunisation sector.
The virtual nature of this year’s event ensures we remain COVID-safe, while also increasing accessibility to healthcare providers who were previously unable to travel to in-person forums.
Held across two days in November, the Statewide PHN Immunisation Forum will provide updates on the National and Victorian Immunisation program, vaccine catch-up doses, and the COVID-19 vaccination program in Victoria.
The collaborative approach of the Victorian Primary Health Networks in bringing this event to life has generated an impressive lineup of speakers and presentations. Participants can tailor their attendance to meet their specific needs, registering for either one session or both.
Session 1, held on Thursday 11 November, will include a presentation by Dr Simon Madin of the Victorian Department of Health and Dr Jessica Kaufman, PhD Research Fellow in the Vaccine Uptake Group at the Murdoch Children’s Institute. Dr Madin and Dr Kaufman will discuss Victoria’s COVID-19 vaccination program and how healthcare providers can understand and address vaccine hesitancy in primary care.
This session will also include a presentation by Sonja Elia, Nurse Practitioner and Manager Immunisation at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, on the updated principles of performing catch-up immunisations and managing needle distress in patients.
Held the following week on Thursday 18 November, Session 2 of the Forum will focus on updates to the National and Victorian Immunisation Program as well as medicolegal considerations and subsequent risk mitigation strategies for COVID-19 vaccinations. This second session will feature presentations by Megan Beasley, Clinical Manager, Immunisation Communicable Disease, Public Health Division Department of Health, and Sonya Black and Angela Mason of Avant Mutual.
The Statewide PHN Immunisation Forum is open to healthcare providers across Victoria including general practitioners, GP registrars, Aboriginal health workers, practice nurses, nurse practitioners, practice managers, nurse immunisers and pharmacists.
For further information about this event and to register, visit the event webpage here.