http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4290 87-170 (April, 2020) 2026-04-08T21:37:11Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4306 Title: Syphilis testing performance: continuous quality improvement (CQI) works for some but not for all Authors: Adily, Armita; Matthews, Veronica; Ward, Jeanette E. 2020-04-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4305 Title: Factors influencing the uptake of influenza vaccine vary among different groups in the hard-to-reach population Authors: Kong, Khai Lin; Chu, Sandy; Giles, Michelle L. Abstract: Objective: This report describes a mobile outreach influenza immunisation program for vulnerable populations in a resource-rich setting. It explores vaccine recipients’ demographics, comorbidities and vaccination histories, and the factors influencing their decision to receive vaccine during outreach. Methods: Teams of nurse immunisers visited and provided influenza vaccines to clients from 21 sites (18 community centres for migrants, refugees and the homeless; and three outpatient clinics). Risk factors for severe influenza, vaccination histories and perceived barriers and facilitators to vaccines were collected from vaccine recipients. Results: A total of 1,032 vaccine recipients participated in the survey with responses collected from April to October 2018. Of these, 54% reported at least one risk factor for severe influenza. Sixty per cent of recipients had not received an influenza vaccine in 2017, with most of them reporting ‘not worried about influenza’ as a reason. Pregnant participants most frequently reported a healthcare provider’s recommendation as the reason to receive the vaccine. Conclusion: An outreach program comprising of a means of taking vaccines to the population was a successful strategy to deliver influenza vaccines to high-risk populations. It needs to be considered in the full range of delivery models to improve influenza vaccine coverage, even in resource-rich settings. Implication for public health: Strategies reaching out to vulnerable populations are crucial to maximise vaccine uptake. 2020-04-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4304 Title: Is it or is it not? Lessons learned from a case of suspected vaccine strain measles Authors: Lord, Heidi; Kok, Jen; Fletcher, Stephanie; Alexander, Kate Abstract: Objective: Measles continues to be a threat to Australia. While post-eradication risks are low, imported measles cases from overseas travellers who are non-immune can cause small outbreaks. This case report discusses the challenge of identifying wild-type measles in an individual who was recently vaccinated with measles-containing vaccine (MCV). Methods: A positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result for measles for an adult who had recently received a measles-containing vaccine was notified. Investigation revealed no known epidemiological link, recent overseas travel or contact with recent measles cases during the incubation period. Results: The results of the initial sequencing to distinguish between wild-type and vaccinestrain measles were inconclusive. A decision was made to re-run the genotyping, collect additional specimens and quarantine the case until a definitive result was obtained. Sequencing and genotyping revealed that this indeed was a wild-type measles strain. Conclusions: Changing epidemiology of measles means distinguishing between wild-type and vaccine–strain measles has become a new challenge. Implications for public health: The reflection of the public health management of this case has provided a valuable teaching tool for public health professionals globally, particularly in low incidence measles countries. 2020-04-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4303 Title: Regional primary health care organisations and migrant and refugee health: the importance of prioritisation, funding, collaboration and engagement Authors: Ziersch, Anna; Freeman, Toby; Javanparast, Sara; Mackean, Tamara; Baum, Fran Abstract: Objective: This paper examines whether Australian regional primary health care organisations – in this case, Medicare Locals (MLs) and Primary Health Networks (PHNs) – have engaged with migrant and refugee health, and what factors encourage work in this area. Methods: The study used mixed methods with surveys of ML (N=210) and PHN staff (N=66), interviews with ML (N=50) and PHN (N=55) staff, national consultations with migrant and refugee organisations (N=8 groups with 62 participants), and analysis of ML and PHN documents. Results: Needs assessment documents identified migrant and refugee health issues in 46% of MLs and 74% of PHNs. However, 48% of MLs and 55% of PHNs did not report any activities on migrant health, and 78% and 62% did not report any activities for refugees, respectively. Key factors identified by participants as associated with whether ML and PHN focus on migrant and refugee health were the determination of local priority areas, policy context and funding, collaboration with migrant and refugee organisations and communities, and mechanisms for engagement. Conclusions: Despite the importance of primary health care for migrants and refugees, there was relatively little attention paid to these population groups in MLs and PHNs, with a small number of notable exceptions. Implications for public health: The paper concludes with a range of recommendations for improving regional primary health care organisation engagement with migrant and refugee health. 2020-04-01T00:00:00Z