Seasonal influenza vaccines for children - withdrawal of Panvax Junior

On 26 August 2010, the Department of Health and Ageing and the Therapeutic Goods Administration advised that CSL has withdrawn Panvax Junior 0.25mL pre-filled syringes because of a reduction in vaccine antigen potency over time.

The registered 12-month shelf life of Panvax Junior 0.25mL pre-filled syringes is no longer accurate and has been reduced to 6 months. As a result, existing stocks of Panvax Junior should now be considered expired. The safety of the vaccine is not affected.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has developed detailed advice on the implications of the withdrawal of Panvax Junior for children 6 months to less than 10 years of age and alternative vaccine options.

Further information is available on the AMA website.

Medical internship shortage at crisis point - AMA

The AMA shares the concerns of Australia’s biggest medical schools that the national shortage of medical internships has severe implications for the future medical workforce and its ability to meet the health care needs of a growing and ageing population, with more people suffering chronic and complex conditions.

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said this week that the internship shortage has reached crisis point and all Australian governments, including the next Commonwealth Government, must work together to find solutions.  Read more

AMA position statement on primary health care

The AMA has updated its position statement on primary health care. It presents a vision for general practice and primary care into the future.  Find out more

PIP Indigenous health incentive and PBS co-payment measure fact sheet

In response to member queries about the PIP Indigenous health incentive and PBS co-payment measure, the AMA has prepared a fact sheet. It addresses specific queries and contains links to relevant guidelines and forms.

Click here to view the fact sheet.  (Members Only)

Support Family Doctors petition

A big thanks to those GPs who have already participated in the AMA's Support Family Doctors campaign by downloading the petition and getting patient signatures. We have already received many completed petitions and more are coming in daily. It’s been a good response in a short time frame but we would like to get the number of signatures even higher before we present the petition to government.

For those who haven’t done so yet, please visit our Support Family Doctors website and download the materials including the petition. Patients will sign it if given the opportunity.

Regardless of the outcome of the federal election, the AMA will continue to campaign for your right to deliver quality care to your patients.  Asking patients to complete the petition will enable GP issues to be the first issue presented to the new government.

We are asking you to collect as many signatures as you can before 30 September 2010.