Author Archive for: cms
Entries by Richard Hart
Expanded Eligibility Criteria for COVID-19 Antiviral Treatments
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has expanded the eligibility criteria for COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments, Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) and molnupiravir (Lagevrio) effective from 11 July 2022.
It is important that primary care providers familiarise themselves with the updated criteria and pre-identify potential patients before they test positive for COVID-19 so medication options can be explored and included in their care plan to expediate treatment within that critical 5-day window from symptom onset (noting those over 70 years may commence treatment while asymptomatic following a positive test).
This decision is in response to the latest evidence on the effectiveness and safety of the medicines, […]
Influenza report – 2022 flu season – COB 24 May data
The 2022 Flu Season data to 24 May (Influenza report) indicates that since 1 March approximately 6.4 M flu doses have been administered (reported to AIR).
Approximately 4.3 M (67%) have been administered by GP
The data is available here.
Updated ATAGI Advice – Winter Booster
ATAGI have expanded recommendations on winter COVID-19 booster doses to include people aged 16-64 years who have complex, chronic or severe conditions that are considered to increase their risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Today’s announcement from the Health Minister Senator Katy Gallagher estimates that this will include an additional 1.5 M Australians
The 25 May provider bulletin is here
The additional groups are included in the attachment table here
The ATAGI Q&A regarding the revised winter dose is here
Election Outcomes for GP
As the outcomes of the federal election become clearer it is looking increasingly likely that the Australian Labor Party will have a majority in the House of Representatives, but they will need to have the support of the Greens and independents in the Senate.
While welcoming the announcement of additional funding under the Strengthening Medicare GP Grants program, and additional funding under the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce the AGPA Chair Dr John Deery commented on 14 May that “the increased funding for Medicare and direct grants to General Practices proposed by the ALP, while welcome, do not go far enough to […]
Monkey Pox Webinar
On Monday 23 May, The Department of Health held a webinar on Monkeypox
Presenters
Professor Michael Kidd AM, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health
Professor Deborah Williamson, Director, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory
Dr James McMahon, Vice President, ASHM (Australian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine)
A recording of the webinar is available at: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/webinars/monkeypox-update-for-primary-care-23-may-2022.
Free flu Vaccine for all Queenslanders Initiative
On Monday 23 May the Queensland Government announced that until 30 June 2022, it is offering free flu vaccinations for anyone not already eligible for free vaccination under the National Immunisation Program. This includes anyone aged 5 to 64 years.
This announcement initially caught GP groups by surprise and was met with concern due to the lack of prior consultation and the impact on Practices who had already purchased supplied of vaccine.
Under the Free flu vaccine for all Queenslanders initiative, the Queensland Government will reimburse practices for privately purchased influenza vaccine at a cost of $21.90 per dose. This […]
ALP Medicare funding increase not enough
MEDIA RELEASE
14 May 2022
ALP Medicare funding increase not enough
The Australian GP Alliance (AGPA) says the increased funding for Medicare and direct grants to General Practices proposed by the ALP, while welcome, do not go far enough to reverse a decade of neglect.
The ALP has proposed an extra $250 million a year to be spent in accordance with recommendations from a Strengthening Medicare Taskforce and a Strengthening Medicare GP Grants program to invest $220M in General Practices.
“It is especially pleasing to see the recognition of the importance of General Practices as a key part of the […]