In today’s Pānui |
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Recommended COVID-19 Testing Advice
| This Health New Zealand communication advises Primary Care (General Practice and Urgent Care) and Aged Residential Care providers of the recommended COVID-19 testing advice to follow from October 2024. A rapid antigen test (RAT) is the preferred method of testing for COVID-19, however, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens may be considered as part of outbreak investigation and management in aged residential care facilities. This must be approved by the local Public Health Service.
Please see below for a summary of recommended COVID-19 testing advice:
Symptomology Target Group Recommended Testing Advice Symptomatic people (includes symptomatic household contacts AND recovered cases if it is more than 29 days since the previous infection) People that meet the Pharmac anti-viral access criteria Test using a RAT. If RAT is negative, and COVID-19 symptoms persist, repeat RAT in 24 and 48 hours. Consider alternate diagnosis High risk facilities – Aged Residential Care
Test using a RAT. If RAT is negative, and COVID-19 symptoms persist, repeat RAT in 24 and 48 hours. Consider alternate diagnosis. PCR testing for COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens may be considered as part of outbreak investigation and management. This must be approved by Public Health Service.
The testing section of the COVID-19 chapter of the Communicable Disease Control Manual has been updated to reflect this amended advice.
RAT testing continues to be an important method to enable people who meet Pharmac’s eligibility criteria (or view on the Health New Zealand website here) to access COVID-19 antiviral treatment medicine, to reduce the impact of the virus on those at higher risk of severe illness.
Public health advice for the management of COVID-19 remains unchanged. Testing for COVID-19 using a RAT is still recommended and those with a positive test result should isolate for at least 5 days, even if they only have mild symptoms, and follow the guidance for people with COVID-19.
Public health advice is available for those who test negative for COVID-19 or have not tested, to guide people on what to do if they have symptoms of a respiratory illness and how to reduce the risk of spreading it on to others.
For further information, please see the COVID-19 Community HealthPathway.
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Ferinject - Change in Distribution Rights
| CSL Seqirus are now managing the distribution of Ferinject in New Zealand (previously distributed by Aspen NZ).
Please note in a recent PHARMAC update: From 1 November 2024, access to ferric carboxymaltose (brand name Ferinject) injections for infusion will be widened to include people with iron deficiency anaemia in chronic inflammatory disease. Decision to widen access to aripiprazole long-acting injection, ferric carboxymaltose, methylnaltrexone bromide, adalimumab, etanercept, secukinumab and infliximab - Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | NZ Government In-House Training on Iron Deficiency and Ferinject:The change in distribution comes with CSL Seqirus’ assurance that they will continue to support you and your team to the same standard of excellence set by Aspen and aim to ensure that all relevant members of the practice team are trained and confident in managing iron deficiency and Ferinject iron infusions with in-house training.
Training Information: Where: In your clinic (virtual option available) When: At a time that suits your clinic members Duration: Approximately 40 minutes but can be tailored to suit the needs of your clinic.
The Ferinjet team will support you and your practice in any way possible. If you would like more information or patient resources, please contact: Paul Kelly – 021 383 723 – paul.kelly@seqirus.com
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Barbara Stevens | Tumu Whakarae/CEO
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