Welcome to our Autumn Newsletter! As 2024 is now in full swing, we bid farewell to the humid summer months and embrace the crisp air of Autumn. With the change in seasons, we also see an increase in viral infections, making it essential to prepare for the upcoming winter months. The influenza vaccine is expected to arrive in early April, and we will be holding multiple flu vaccine clinics to ensure everyone is protected. Additionally, we will continue our regular COVID-19 booster clinics (Pfizer). This edition includes important updates on the 2025 influenza vaccines, COVID vaccine boosters, and RSV vaccines in pregnancy and babies. We also dive into Vitamin B6 toxicity and share the results of our YFD 2024/ 2025 Quality Improvement survey. We are excited to welcome our new GP Registrar, Dr. Cindy Chen, and extend our congratulations to Dr. Michael Little for passing his GP fellowship exams.
INFLUENZA VACCINE 2025
The government funded flu vaccines are expected to arrive at YFD early April. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for those at risk of severe illness from the flu. Those eligible for free influenza vaccines under the National Immunisation program includes:
- Children from 6 months to under 5 years
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 6 months
- Pregnant women
- People aged 65 years and over
- People with serious health conditions (including severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease)
Those not eligible for a government flu vaccine can receive a private flu vaccine at Your Family Doctors for $20.
This year we are running our flu clinics in a similar fashion to last year. To enable our doctors to be more available to our patients we will be also conducting Nurse run clinics. These clinics will have an $15 admin free, even if you are eligible for a government funded vaccine. Unlike the covid vaccination clinics, there is no Medicare rebate for nurse run flu clinics. Private flu vaccines will be an additional $20.
Flu vaccine appointments will be available for patients of our practice online via HotDoc under ‘Flu clinic’ when they arrive in stock or via this link https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/erina-NSW-2250/your-family-doctors-at-erina/doctors
We will notify patients when our flu vaccines arrive and clinics are available via facebook, Instagram and sms.
For more information about the flu vaccine ……..
https://yourfamilydoctors.com.au/influenza-vaccinations-2025/
Seasonal influenza vaccination – Frequently asked questions – Immunisation programs (nsw.gov.au)
2024 COVID BOOSTER VACCINE UPDATE
COVID-19 activity persists at high levels in our community. Regular COVID-19 Vaccinations (known as boosters) are the best way to maintain your protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and dealth from COVID-19. They are especially important for anyone over the aged of 65 or older and people at high risk of severe COVID-19.
As with all vaccinations, people are encouraged to discuss the vaccine options available to them with their health practitioner.
- 75 years and older – Recommended every 6 months.
- 65-74 years – Recommended every 12 months. Can consider every 6 months.
- 18-64 years
- With severe immunocompromise:Recommended every 12 months. Can consider every 6 months.
- Without severe immunocompromise: Eligible for a dose every 12 months.
- 5-17 years
- With severe immunocompromise:Consider every 12 months.
- Without severe immunocompromise: Not recommended.
- Under 5 years – Not recommended.
Regular COVID_19 vaccination is recommended even in individuals who have had a past infection. There are no safety concerns for individuals receiving a COVID-19 vaccine who may had had a recent COVID-19 infection.
Patients of the practice can book an appointment for the ‘Pfizer Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccine’ Covid Booster online via hotdocs with one of our nurses. https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/erina-NSW-2250/your-family-doctors-at-erina/doctors
For more information …
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination/booster-doses
RSV VACCINATION FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AND BABIES
RSV is a common respiratory infection. It mostly affects young children. Adults can also get it. RSV symptoms are usually mild. However, some children and adults can get very sick and need to go to hospital for treatment. RSV if estimated to cause one in 50 deaths in children under five. In the over 65 age group, at least 300,000 people are admitted to hospital with RSV each year.
Babies under one year of age are more likely to get breathing problems from an RSV infection. This can include bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Children who get severely unwell may need to go to hospital.
Most infections in NSW occur in the cooler months of late autumn or winter.
Pregnant women, some babies and older people can now get an immunisation or RSV vaccine.
How do I protect my baby from RSV?
Pregnant women from 28 – 36 weeks of pregnancy are now eligible for the maternal RSV vaccine (Abrsyvo®) to protect their unborn child. It helps your body make antibodies to fight infection. Studies show that babies of mothers who had Abrsyvo® during pregnancy were 70% less likely to be hospitalised with RSV in their first 6 months.
From the 3rd February 2025 it became free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) . Vaccination with Abrysvo® in pregnancy is recommended for all pregnant women. This vaccine can be given anytime between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy however, for best protection getting it as close to 28 weeks is preferred. It can be given at the same time as the whooping cough or influenza vaccine. This gives enough time for your body to produce enough antibodies to protect your baby when they are born. If you get the vaccine less than 2 weeks before giving birth, your baby may not be fully protected from RSV. See your GP or maternity care provider to receive the vaccine. For more information go to….
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/pages/abrysvo.aspx
For babies who are not protected by pregnancy vaccination, an infant RSV immunisation product (nirsevimab) is recommended at birth to protect them from RSV. Nirsevimab is also recommended for babies with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV. It is a pre-made antibody that gives babies immediate protection from RSV. Some children also need another dose of nirsevimab in their second year of life if they have a medical condition that makes them more likely to get very sick from RSV. For more information go to;
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/pages/nirsevimab-parents-and-carers.aspx
How do I protect myself if I am aged 60 years and over?
A RSV vaccine is available at cost if you are aged 60 years and over as you may be at higher risk of severe illness from RSV. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to learn the cost, and whether these vaccines are recommended for you
https://yourfamilydoctors.com.au/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-immunisation/
VITAMIN B6 TOXICITY
The Risks of Excessive Vitamin B6 in Supplements
Many people are turning to online supplements for various health reasons, including muscle cramps, menopause, and general wellbeing. However, a common ingredient in these supplements—Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)—can sometimes be found in doses much higher than what our bodies need.
While the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has introduced labelling rules for products containing more than 50mg of Vitamin B6, many people are unaware of the risks. Taking multiple supplements, including energy drinks, can lead to a dangerous buildup of Vitamin B6 in the body.
Excess Vitamin B6 can cause symptoms like tingling or burning in the hands and feet, nausea, balance issues, and, in more severe cases, leg weakness or difficulty walking. This toxicity can build up over time, and it may take months to resolve.
If you’re taking supplements, it’s important to talk to your doctor about what you’re using, especially if you experience any unusual symptoms. This will help ensure your safety and prevent potential health risks.
RESULTS VIA HOTDOC
We are already using HotDoc to send you health messages by SMS for clinical reminders.
Over the next few months we will also start sending your results as a secure SMS where appropriate.
You will receive your results via HotDoc SMS if:
- Your result is normal and requires no immediate action.
- Your doctor would like you to book an appointment to discuss your results – this will have a “Book Appointment” button at the bottom of the message for you to book the correct type of appointment online.
- Your doctor may also send you a personalised message, instruction, or recommendation regarding your results.
Why results via text?
This enables you to get your result as quickly as possible – once your doctor sees and actions your result, you will receive a txt within 24hrs. This may provide you with peace of mind and give you the earliest opportunity to discuss the result with your doctor.
Nervous about clicking links?
We know it can be difficult to know if an SMS with a link to click could be a scam so take note of the above image to see how the message will look when it comes through to your mobile. Once you follow the link you will see our practice name, logo and your doctors name then requesting you to enter your surname and date of birth – this is to keep your results secure and only available to you. If you are still unsure, simply call our practice and check if you have a health reminder or result available.
Don’t want to receive these health reminders? That’s ok, you will just need to “Opt Out” – please see information here (How can I opt out of HotDoc Communication? Go to https://help.hotdoc.com.au/hc/en-gb/articles/205295050-How-can-I-opt-out-of-HotDoc-Communication or simply tell our team and we can update your HotDoc permissions.
2024/2025 QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SURVEY RESULTS
We sincerely appreciate all our patients who provided valuable feedback by participating in our 2024/25 Quality Improvement Survey. We’re thrilled to share that we achieved a 97% patient satisfaction rate!
A special thank you to those who took the time to suggest ways we can enhance your experience at Your Family Doctors. In the coming months, our team will be working to implement some of these great ideas.
Your feedback is always welcome—we’re committed to continuous improvement!
STAFF NEWS
WELCOME DR CINDY CHEN
We are excited to welcome our GP registrar Dr Cindy Chen to Your Family Doctors at Erina. Cindy graduated from the University of New England and University of Newcastle Joint Medical Program (BMed) in 2020. She completed her general hospital training at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals and then spent time working in psychiatry and emergency. Lucky for us Cindy loved both the Central Coast and General Practice and commenced her GP specialist training locally in 2024. Cindy enjoys all aspects of General Practice, has completed her Mental Health Skills training, Focused Psychological Skills training and is currently completing a Graduate Diploma of Child Health. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, art and going on nature walks.
For a limited time, Dr Cindy Chen and Dr Michael Little will be accepting new patients. Our other doctors are presently working at capacity and have their books closed.
CONGRATULATIONS DR MICHAEL LITTLE
We are thrilled to congratulate Dr. Michael Little on successfully passing his GP Fellowship examinations! This significant achievement marks a major milestone in his career and reflects his dedication, expertise, and commitment to providing exceptional care to his patients. We are incredibly proud of his hard work and determination throughout this journey. Please join us in celebrating Dr. Little’s success as he continues to make valuable contributions to our team and the community. Congratulations, Dr. Little!
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Thanks for reading our Autum Newsletter – keep healthy and we will be back in a few months with more news. In the meantime like us on facebook or instagram to keep up to date with the important health information and to see what the YFD team has been up to. Our website is also a great source of information, so please check out our blog for health information written by our team. Stay well.
Love Team YFD xx