Fluad trivalent influenza vaccine alert for latex allergy
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has advised that natural rubber latex is present in the sheath covering the needle of trivalent influenza vaccine Fluad, which is available through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for people aged 65 years and over.
While reactions to latex are rare, anyone who has a severe allergy to latex should not receive Fluad.
Patients aged 65 and over with a latex allergy can still be safely vaccinated with an alternative trivalent influenza vaccine, Fluzone High-Dose, through the NIP.
Visit the TGA website for further information on the Fluad trivalent influenza vaccine.
Australian General Practice Training – applications closing soon
Applications for the 2019 Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program will close 10.00 am (AEST) Monday 30 April 2018.
The AGPT Program is the leading program for doctors who wish to pursue the specialty of general practice. Doctors interested in the program can apply via the RACGP website. Doctors who have previously registered with AGPT can log in to their online account to apply.
The RACGP hosted a series of webinars for doctors seeking more information about the program. Visit the AGPT with the RACGP website to view the webinars recording and to download the comprehensive selection guide.
Prescribing montelukast – potential side effects
The RACGP would like to remind its members that while asthma medication Montelukast (Singulair) is generally well tolerated, it is important to advise patients and parents of potential neuropsychiatric adverse effects, particularly in children and adolescents.
Side effects can include:
- agitation
- aggressive behaviour or hostility
- anxiousness
- depression
- dream abnormalities
- hallucinations
- insomnia
- irritability
- restlessness
- somnambulism
- suicidal thoughts and behaviour (including suicidality)
- tremor.
Patients and parents should be instructed to be alert for any neuropsychiatric events, and notify their GP of any behavioural changes.
Visit the RACGP-endorsed Australian Asthma Handbook and Therapeutic Goods Administration website for further information.
Clinical Pearl: Flu vaccines in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience a greater disease burden from influenza than non-Indigenous Australians. Advanced age, infancy, and chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and renal failure increase the risk of complications, as do obesity, pregnancy and smoking.
Annual influenza vaccine should be offered to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged >six months.
Target influenza vaccination particularly toward the following Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups:
- Children aged six months to five years
- Pregnant women
- People with a chronic disease
In addition to the above groups, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 15 years are eligible for a free influenza vaccine under the NIP.
Further information is available in the National guide to a preventive health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (third edition).