What’s new in this 7th edition? Highlighting significant changes
The format of this seventh edition of the red book is similar to the sixth edition and is designed to be used together with the other preventive resources such as the RACGP publications, the ‘green book’ and SNAP guidelines. There is increased information about what should be covered in health assessments or health checks for particular groups.
Key changes
Genetics
The seventh edition has updated recommendations about the genetic risk of breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers (in the cancer section) and haemochromatosis.
Age specific sections
A new section has been included which summarises preventive activities in middle age (40–64 years).
Immunisation: new vaccine information
- Oral rotavirus vaccination at 2, 4 and 6 months (note limited flexibility for catch up doses)
- Human papillomavirus vaccine (either 2 or 4 valent) is recommended for females aged 10–26 years. Both vaccines are funded for females aged 12–13 years as part of the National Immunisation Program but are not interchangeable
- Diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (to protect the newborn from pertussis). If previous vaccination history or infection is uncertain, testing should be undertaken to determine immunity to varicella and rubella. Women receiving live viral vaccines such as measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) and varicella should be advised against falling pregnant within 28 days of vaccination
- Zoster virus live vaccine for the prevention of shingles is recommended from 50 or 60 years of age
- Vaccination recommendations for all health professionals are provided in an additional table.
Vascular disease
Hypertension and lipid guidelines have been updated to include changes to targets. It is recommended that a screening questionnaire be used to detect patients at risk of diabetes.
Psychosocial
A new recommendation has been added that clinicians ask all pregnant adult and adolescent women about interpersonal abuse and violence.
© The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Printed from www.racgp.org.au/redbook