Monday Pānui 11 March 2024

Auckland PHO Staff Update	Due to personal reasons, Tracey Gilling-Senilebakula is no longer working at Auckland PHO.  We will be able to let our network know this week how we will be providing Practice Management Support to Auckland PHO practices. If you require help and troubleshooting support, please continue to contact ashley@auckandpho.co.nz or ring the Auckland PHO office on 379 4022.
Ukraine Special Policy Visa Holders	Ukraine persons holding a 2022 Special Ukraine Visa are eligible for a one off 45-minute health assessment fully funded by Te Whatu Ora. This funding has been extended until 31 December 2025. Uptake is voluntary. Those who wish to access this service do not need to provide proof that they are 2022 Special Ukraine Visa Holders. They only need to tell the practice that they have arrived in New Zealand under the 2022 Special Ukraine Policy Visa – Please ensure the Practice’s Front Desk team know about this. The funded assessment includes the following: TB assessment and screening Assessment of eligibility for and provision of vaccination as per the National Immunisation Schedule Supporting enrolment in general practice for continuity of healthcare using the usual enrolment processes Managing Test Results No abnormal results – funded health assessment is considered complete. Abnormal results (whether TB or not TB related the patient must be offered a second funded consult where results and management options are discussed. TB is a notifiable disease and any patient suspected of or confirmed with TB must be notified to the Public Health, telephone 09 623 600 Funding  (ex GST) Initial consult for adults 15+ years $355.94  Initial consult for children < 15 years $230.82 Follow up consult for children and adults $187.50 Claiming Send invoice to suzanne@aucklandpho.co.nz with: Date seen NHI Type of consult Please see HealthPathways for more detail. For more information click here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates	A reminder that from 7 March, 2024: o    COVID-19 Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5 (30mcg) vaccine product replaces the previous COVID-19 Comirnaty mRNA-CV (30mcg) monovalent vaccine and COVID-19 Comirnaty mRNA-CV Bivalent (15mcg/15mcg) o    COVID-19 Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5 (30mcg) vaccine product is approved to be administered for primary and additional doses o    COVID-19 Comirnaty mRNA-CV Bivalent (15mcg/15mcg) has been delisted and should not be used to record additional doses. If your PMS has not yet been updated, follow your existing process to record the COVID-19 Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5 (30mcg) vaccine using the code and description used for the COVID-19 Comirnaty mRNA-CV (30mcg) monovalent vaccine. This should be used to record primary and additional doses. Please note: MedTech users should select the relevant dose with the code “CMNDT” and description “CVID Cmrnty No Dil” The COVID-19 Comirnaty mRNA-CV Bivalent (15mcg/15mcg) has been delisted, and care should be taken not to record additional doses using this code (CVX300) and description. If you use the AIR vaccinator portal, select COVID-19 Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5 (30mcg) from the drop-down list. Any clinical queries contact IMAC on 0800 466 863.
Changes to COVID-19 Testing	Also a reminder, that from March 7 2024 the: The COVID-19 testing plan and supporting guidance documents have provided a reference point for the COVID-19 testing principles, while aligning with the strategic direction and management of the disease. Regular reviews have been undertaken to ensure content has remained fit for purpose and has continued to be aligned with changes to government policy. In October 2023 Te Whatu Ora undertook a post winter review in consultation with clinical and public health experts from within Te Whatu Ora and the National Public Health Agency, to seek advice on future testing advice to support those at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The review has resulted in the following agreement: o    The COVID-19 testing plan and guidance documents in their current state are no longer fit for purpose and these documents will be removed from the Te Whatu Ora website. o    On 4 March 2024, COVID-19 testing content that remains relevant for certain sector groups was transferred to the COVID-19 chapter of the Communicable Diseases Manual and/or HealthPathways. o    Redundant information that is no longer needed for other sector groups was not transferred. If you have any questions about this update, please email COVID-19testing@health.govt.nz

Barbara Stevens |Tumu Whakarae/CEO