A program to boost pneumococcal vaccination rates for Australians aged 70 and over has been extended until the end of the 2024-25 financial year.
The program, provided by medical communications company Healthily Pty Ltd, is open to all general practices within the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) catchment.
The SMS-based recall program is funded by Pfizer, which makes Prevenar 13 (13vPCV), one of two National Immunisation Program (NIP) funded pneumococcal vaccines, and the only one clinically recommended for this age group.
Launched last year, the scheme was tested in nine practices within the catchment. Results show a six-fold increase in vaccination rates within the target cohort (which also includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island patients from age 50).
For more information on pneumococcal vaccines please see this Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care page.
For more details on the recall program, see this fact sheet (.pdf). To register and participate, please fill out this form.
