Seqirus is encouraging practice nurses to apply for support to improve adult immunisation in their local community.
The company has announced applications are open for its 2020-2021 ‘Championing Change’ Innovation Practice Nurse Grants.
The COVID-19 pandemic has focussed the community's attention on vaccines and immunisation.
Seqirus said its innovation grants aim to recognise the important role of practice nurses in promoting community immunity. The grants fund innovative adult immunisation initiatives designed to boost coverage rates or improve the quality use of adult vaccines.
The company said grants are open to practice nurses working in GP or immunisation clinics. The program is also open to those who support patient awareness and the timely uptake and compliance with adult vaccines listed on the National Immunisation Program Schedule or any state-funded vaccine programs.
The company has three grants to the value of $5,000 each, commemorative certificates and sponsorship to attend the 2021 Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) National Conference, including travel, accommodation and registration.
The recipients will be selected by an independent panel. The panel includes GP Dr Sarah Chu, as well as accredited nurse immuniser Magali de Castro and immunisation consultant Angela Newbound.
According to Dr Chu, the grants are timely to support ongoing grassroots efforts to maintain vaccination rates during COVID-19.
“We know how critical practice nurses are in normal times, let alone when our communities are navigating a global health pandemic. These grants recognise that role, and aim to support the ongoing work practice nurses will continue to do in the upcoming year to boost community-immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Dr Chu.
Applicants will be required to submit a document outlining their planned innovative initiative that must be rolled out from 1 December 2020 to 30 April 2021.
They will need to outline how their initiative will improve vaccine coverage, how it can be replicated by other GP practices, how it will support the ongoing record keeping of vaccinations and support the quality use of adult vaccines.
Applications are now open and close on 30 October. The recipients will be announced on 30 November.