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Sexual Health Template
A Health Promotion Resources for Men and Boys is avaliable here Mens Health resources.doc
A Medical Director Hepatitis C Referral Checklist Template is available for referrals to the Hepatitis C Clinic in Orange
DoHA amends policy on funded HPV Age Cut-Off
DoHA has made changes to the policy regarding the funding for HPV vaccine for women aged 27years. The policy regarding completion of vaccination courses after a woman has turned 27 years old has recently been reviewed and clarified. A woman who commences vaccination with HPV vaccine before she turns 27 years is eligible to receive free HPV vaccine to complete the course.
Background: The licensing conditions for Gardasil (HPV vaccine) make the vaccine available to females aged between nine and 26 years. The vaccine does not have approval for use in women aged 27 or over, so women should not be offered the vaccine if they are already 27 before the course is started. However, the large clinical trials enrolled women who turned 27 before the vaccination course was completed, so there is some data on safety and efficacy in women who are 27 years of age. To maximise protection against the strains of HPV targeted by Gardasil, three doses of vaccine are recommended at the intervals of 0, 2 and 6 months (with an accelerated schedule possible of 0, 1 and 4 months). Administration of any Gardasil dose outside of the licensed age range would be considered an 'off label' dose and is contrary to the product's license.
In keeping with the findings from the large clinical trial, women who turn 27 years old before completing the vaccination course are eligible to receive free HPV vaccine to complete their course.
For new enquiries:
The Australian Government has recently reviewed and clarified the eligibility criteria for free HPV vaccine. Women who receive the first dose of HPV vaccine before they turn 27 years of age are eligible to receive free vaccine for all three doses. However, all three doses must be given before completion of the program in June 2009.
If you need to send new information to patients that have already been sent out:
Further to my [letter / email] of [date], the Australian Government has reviewed and clarified the eligibility criteria for free HPV vaccine. Women who receive the first dose of HPV vaccine before they turn 27 years of age are now eligible to receive free vaccine for all three doses. However, all three doses must be given before completion of the program in June 2009. I apologise for the confusion.
The HPV campaign website will be updated as quickly as possible to include the following:
Question: Can I get free vaccine if I turn 27 partway through a vaccination course?
Answer: Yes. As long as the first dose is given before you turn 27 years of age, you are eligible for free vaccine for all three doses of HPV vaccine.
The immunisation provider guidelines will also be updated with the following words:
To be inserted in the fast facts for general practitioners section, under eligibility, change the last dot point to: “females aged 18 to 26 years, however, the full course of 3 doses must be completed before the end of June 2009, with the first dose given before the woman reaches age 27 years.
Medicare Mental Health Items
The new Medicare mental health items have been released and are due to commence on 1 November 2006. Further information can be accessed from the publications section of this site. If you have specific questions, you can contact Medicare on 132 150, or Bryan at the Division on 6332 6646.
Available publications are:
A GP referral form to Headspace is also available in the publications section.
These templates are rtf file ready for import into Medical Director version 2 or 3. Please see the Guide to Importing MD templates.
Practice Staff Newsletter
The June 2008 Practice Staff Newsletter has been released, view it here.
RACGP Procedural Skills for General Practitioners
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, with support from AstraZeneca and Laerdal, is pleased to announce the launch of an exciting new learning program incorporating new approaches to education and learning.
The Emergency Life Support Skills program for Australian General Practitioners is an new online simulation, coupled with one-on-one face-to-face workshops will help to build competence in emergency medicine.
General Practitioners in the Emergency Life Support Program will build real competencies in managing emergencies through ‘real time’ simulated online learning modules – MicroSim. GPs will also have the opportunity to gain 30 Category 1 RACGP QA&CPD points by attending a one day workshop.
For further information about Emergency Life Support Skills Program for Australian GPs or to register for the next workshop in your area, FreeCall the RACGP on 1800 284 732 or visit www.gplearning.com.au
First aid information on Gudair® vaccine
Gudair® vaccination is being used in the sheep and goat industry to protect animals against Johnes Disease. It is a killed vaccine of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in a mineral oil multiple emulsion. If it is self-injected, it may cause serious complications. Full details
GP Wellbeing
Free GP Health Assessments are being offered to Division primary members. The Health Assessments are conducted at St Vincent's Clinic Sydney and include physical examination and testing, which takes approximately two and a half hours.The Health assessments are funded on an annual basis. Contact Sandra Christensen at the Division on 6332 6646 to take advantage of this very worthwhile service.
Practice Vacancies
We currently have vacancies for GPs in the following areas:
Bathurst, Parkes, Oberon, Condobolin, Cowra, Forbes and Orange. Please contact 6332 6646 for further vacancy information.
Join the Division
As a member of the Division you will receive the benefits associated with belonging to an active and highly motivated GP organisation. Membership is free. Click in the forms section to download a membership form.
Feedback
We are always keen to receive feedback on our services from our members. If you have any suggestions for improvements to our services or are not happy with a service provided to you by the Division please let us know by either emailing admin@cwdgp.org.au or calling us on 6332 6646.
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