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MOST RECENT

From 1 March 2024, it will be mandatory for all vaccination providers to report to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR):

  • the route of administration for Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccines; and
  • information about the vaccine type for all vaccines prescribed by the AIR Rule (COVID-19, Influenza, National Immunisation Program (NIP) and JEV vaccines).

Please find additional information provided by the Department of Health here <insert link>

For further information on reporting information to the AIR, please visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/hpair

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PAST UPDATES

ACNP joins the Immunisation Coalition to Promote the Benefits and importance of Flu Vaccination

"It’s vital that we encourage more conversation about flu, and vaccination. We must not lose interest or momentum after all we have been through with COVID. Flu is not just a cold, it can be devastating, even life threatening, especially for some people, and there is the potential for serious complications. vaccines are recommended for all Australians over the age of 6 months, and they are safe and effective. My profession, Nurse Practitioners, play a big role in immunisation in our community. So speak to your Nurse Practitioner, GP or Pharmacist about having a flu vaccine now, and be ready for this flu season." Leanne Bose ACNP President

Leanne and Andrea

Leanne Boase, ACNP President, and Andrea Towny, ACNP Member at Melbourne Town Hall for the Immunisation Coalition 2023 Melbourne Free Flu Vaccination Day, as part of 2023 Immunisation Action Week

Leanne and Elizabeth

Leanne Boase, ACNP President with Elizabeth Miller from the Immunisation Coalition, at Melbourne Town Hall for the Immunisation Coalition 2023 Melbourne Free Flu Vaccination Day, as part of 2023 Immunisation Action Week

 

The Immunisation Action Week Presented by The Immunisation Coalition

(IAW) is a national awareness program focused on highlighting the importance of vaccination, especially in a pandemic world. All information provided is based on current scientific evidence. The week occurs in April of each year to coincide with World Immunisation Week, with a variety of activities for the general public, as well as healthcare professionals. This annual event reaches a pinnacle with a national, free Influenza Vaccination Day on Friday (28th). Information about planned activities, as well as tools and materials for you to join the awareness campaign, are available below and will be updated regularly. Know the facts #bevaxwise World Immunisation Week 2023 April 24 to 30, 2023 Long Life for All – In pursuit of a long life well lived World Immunisation Week, celebrated in the last week of April, aims to highlight the collective action needed and to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. For more information see here.

CLICK HERE For more information on Immunisation Action Week

 Good morning,

 Please find below information relating to new and amended Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings implemented on 1st April 2023. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) relating to access and use of the Online PBS Authorities system are also attached. This information may be of interest to your members.

 This information relates to the administration of these listings by Services Australia. For further information on broader PBS changes, please visit the PBS website. Relevant information and authority application forms have been updated and can be accessed through the Services Australia website.  

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Mepolizumab (Nucala®) (Injection 100 mg in 1 mL single dose pre-filled pen) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Authority applications for initial and grandfather treatment can be made in writing. Authority applications for continuing treatment can be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.

Hyperphenylalaninaemia (HPA) due to phenylketonuria (PKU)

Sapropterin (Kuvan®) (tablet (soluble) containing sapropterin dihydrochloride 100 mg, powder for oral solution 500 mg (as dihydrochloride)) has had an amendment to extend the current listing to allow adults to be eligible for sapropterin responsiveness testing and to also allow access to continuing treatment for those who are sapropterin responsive. Authority applications for initial and continuing treatments can be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.

Stage II or III oesophageal cancer or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer

Nivolumab (Opdivo®) (Injection concentrate for I.V. infusion 40 mg in 4 mL, injection concentrate for I.V. infusion 100 mg in 10 mL) is now listed on the PBS for the adjuvant treatment of patients with stage II or III oesophageal cancer or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer who have previously received platinum-based chemoradiotherapy and surgery. Authority applications can be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

Abacavir (Ziagen®) (20 mg/mL oral liquid 240 mL) has been amended to an Authority Required restriction for patients aged less than 13 years of age and for patients that are unable to take tablets. Authority applications can be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.

Hypercalcaemia and symptomatic Paget disease of bone

Calcitonin salmon (salcatonin) (Miacalcic 100®) (100 units/mL, 1 mL ampoules) has been amended to an Authority Required restriction for patients who cannot tolerate bisphosphonates due to kidney disease. Authority applications can be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.

Hypertension

Methyldopa (Aldomet®) (250 mg, 100 tablets) has been amended to an Authority Required restriction for the treatment of hypertension during pregnancy. Authority applications can be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.

Asthma

Fluticasone propionate (Flixotide Junior®, Axotide Junior®) (50 mcg/actuation, 120 actuations) has been amended to an Authority Required restriction for patients aged less than six years of age with initiation required by a respiratory physician or paediatrician. Authority applications can be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.

Moderate to severe chronic graft versus host disease

Ruxolitinib (Jakavi®) (Tablet 5 mg, Tablet 10 mg) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic graft versus host disease. Authority applications for initial, grandfather and continuing treatments are streamlined.

Grade II to IV acute graft versus host disease

Ruxolitinib (Jakavi®) (Tablet 5 mg, Tablet 10 mg) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of grade II to IV acute graft versus host disease. Authority applications for initial, grandfather and continuing treatments are streamlined.

SARS-CoV-2 infection

Nirmatrelvir + ritonavir (Paxlovid®) has had an amendment to include patients aged 60-69 years old who are at high risk of requiring hospitalisation for COVID-19 infection. Authority applications are streamlined.

Phenylketonuria

Amino acid formula with vitamins and minerals without phenylalanine (PKU Squeezie®) (Oral gel 85 g, 30) is now listed on the PBS as a restricted benefit.

1 April 2023 delisted PBS listings

Diabetes

Insulin aspart 100 units/mL fast acting injection (Fiasp®, Fiasp FlexTouch®) (10 mL vial and 3 mL pen)  has been delisted from the PBS with “Supply Only” arrangements for six months.

Intra-ocular pressure

Apraclonidine (Iopidine 0.5%®) has been delisted from the PBS with no “Supply Only” arrangements.

Severe disabling pain

Hydromorphone (Jurnista®) (4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, 32 mg, 64 mg modified release tablets) has been delisted from the PBS with “Supply Only” arrangements for one month.

Multiple sclerosis

Interferon beta-1a (Avonex®) has been delisted from the PBS with no “Supply Only” arrangements.

Androgen deficiency

Testosterone 5 mg/24 hours patch (Androderm®) has been delisted from the PBS with no “Supply Only” arrangements.

Selecting the correct restriction in the Online PBS Authorities system

Balance of Supply (BoS) restrictions are available through the Online PBS Authorities system. Questions and answers (Q&As) have been applied against BoS restrictions for multiple medicines listed on the PBS to ensure prescribers are selecting the correct restriction and treatment phase to determine their patient’s eligibility. These Q&As will also ensure prescribers are using the correct authority submission channel for the required treatment phase to avoid post compliance activities.

Kind regards,

PBS Authorities

Pharmaceutical Benefits Branch
Services Australia