Discontinuation of diltiazem 360 mg controlled-release capsules: substitutions available
Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument allows pharmacists to dispense 180 mg capsules without a new prescription.
Do differently
NIL
Nothing in this week's brief changes what you do in clinic in Victoria.
Do differently
There is a measles alert for the Campbelltown area. Please be alert for patients presenting with symptoms consistent with measles.
Do differently
There is a flu warning due to an unseasonal increase in cases. Please be alert for patients presenting with influenza symptoms.
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Andrographis recalls: Concerns over allergy risk
Consumers are advised that the medicines listed below containing Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis) are being recalled due to the risk of severe allergic reactions.
Measles alert for Campbelltown area
National Medicines Symposium 2026
Register for the National Medicines Symposium 2026.
Hearing Services Program provider notice 2026-10 – Advertising Requirements
All advertising in relation to the program must meet the requirements set out in 32(3) of the Hearing Services Program (Voucher) Instrument 2019.
$6 million for climate change and mental health research
The Australian Government is investing $6 million in research that will improve mental health support for Australians affected by climate change. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRF…
COVID-19 vaccines now available through the National Immunisation Program
From 1 October 2026, COVID-19 vaccines are available free through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible people.
Hearing Services Program provider notice 2026-9 – Self-assessment tool (SAT) 2026
You must complete the SAT as a requirement under your contract. Completed SATs are due by 31 October 2026.
Drug checking services get underway at music festivals
Victoria delivers a record number of planned surgeries
Victoria has delivered a record number of planned surgeries for the third year in a row, helping more Victorians get the care they need sooner.
Medical workforce survey to guide future frontline supports
Flu warning amid unseasonal increase in cases
Heading outdoors this festive season? Don’t forget the insect repellent
Queenslanders urged to stay away from bats
Recall of children’s coloured sand products with detection of asbestos
Confirmed measles cases
National recall of alfalfa sprouts linked to Salmonella infections
Schoolies heading overseas urged to make sure vaccinations are up to date
Brodifacoum poisoning investigation update
Brodifacoum poisoning investigation update
GPs and AI: Hope, hype and the patients in between
I remain appropriately critical, but I am also intrigued by our potential futures, and to me, that is where a GP thrives. The post GPs and AI: Hope, hype and the patients in between appeared first on…
RACGP outlines vision for integrated urgent care
Its new position statement sets out how UCCs can better connect with general practice, including through profession-led standards.
Navigating tough conversations about fitness to drive
A new study identifies four phases where GPs can have meaningful and structured discussions with dementia patients.
Is it better to split up vaccinations or give them all in one go?
Giving MenB vaccines alongside routine childhood immunisations may lower the likelihood of side effects, according to new research.
Thriving Kids rollout begins: What GPs need to know
The first stage of the reform is now live, and with GPs set to play a central role in early intervention and family support, what is changing?
Modulite® inhaler technology: Device features for asthma and COPD management
Consultant Pharmacist A/Prof Debbie Rigby discusses the role of Modulite® technology in asthma and COPD inhalers, highlighting device characteristics, inhaler selection considerations. The post Modul…
In Practice: Hypertension drug discontinued
The TGA has alerted doctors that two brands of diltiazem 360 mg controlled-release capsules are being discontinued in Australia.
Dementia: Top cause of death, half undiagnosed
SPONSORED: General practice is uniquely placed to identify cognitive decline, enabling earlier access to support and treatment.
Sarcoidosis masquerades as lichen sclerosus
A rare case of vulvar sarcoidosis highlights the value of biopsy when presumed lichen sclerosus is persistent, atypical, or fails to respond as expected. The post Sarcoidosis masquerades as lichen sc…
Researchers pursue lasting cure for recurrent BV
An RACGP expert hopes a new study's findings lead to a cure for the 'very distressing' condition of persistent bacterial vaginosis.
More vaccines at one visit doesn’t mean more side effects, Australian study finds
More vaccines at one visit doesn’t mean more side effects, Australian study finds Jackson.young Thu, 01/10/2026 New AusVaxSafety-led research using data from more than 10,000 infants has found that g…
UTI pharmacy pilot recommended for expansion despite GP concern
An evaluation says the Tasmanian trial improved access to care, but the RACGP argues patient outcomes were not adequately measured.
PIP QI data points to improvements in chronic disease care
New AIHW figures reveal increases in HbA1c monitoring, CVD assessment and cervical screening, based on data from almost 5900 practices.
DoHDA explores reducing admin burden from assignment of benefit changes
Three months into a 12-month transition, the RACGP welcomed the assurance that arrangements are still being explored as practices adapt to new Medicare processes.
Psychology workforce reform
‘Inspirational’ NT GPs honoured
The Territory's RACGP Awards celebrated the achievements of GPs and clinics, and their role in building the future of general practice.
OpenAI apologises for Medicare breach
As the company reveals more detail of its unauthorised access to Services Australia, a GP expert warns the incident is unlikely to be the last, and practices must act.
Concern over removal of another opioid use disorder treatment
US-based pharmaceutical company Indivior has made a commercial decision to stop the supply of Subutex by the end of 2027.
Uncontrolled hypertension: The everyday diagnosis we still get wrong
SPONSORED: As misclassification and therapeutic inertia undermine care, a stepwise approach can help GPs intervene earlier.
Bringing community voices to menstrual health
Aboriginal women's cultural and community perspectives have informed a new suite of culturally safe resources.
‘Exemplary’ GPs inducted into Victorian Honour Roll of Women
Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis and Dr Naba Masad Alfayadh were recognised for their strength, leadership, and inspiring careers.
GP poll a warning on ‘squeezed’ preventive care
Of more than 2000 GPs surveyed in the UK, 75% found they did not have enough time to offer more holistic health guidance.
The disability royal commission laid bare violence, abuse and neglect. Three years on, what’s changed?
People with disability shared their harrowing experiences with the royal commission. But not everyone’s happy with the pace of change since.
Christa Pike’s botched execution exposes the deep contradictions of a ‘painless’ state-imposed death
Lethal injections are not typically administered by doctors, given executions are incompatible with their oath to protect lives.
Are right-brained people really more creative? Here’s what the science really tells us
Here’s what more than 150 years of science really tells us about being left-brained vs right-brained.
GPs can now prescribe ADHD medication – but big barriers to treatment remain
In February, NZ rolled out new rules promising easier access to ADHD treatment. Today, gaps in training, cost and access show why the reform was only a first step.
Thriving Kids launches today. Here’s what will and won’t change
NDIS eligibility criteria isn’t tightening until January 2028, and no one is being moved off the scheme yet. So what’s actually changing?
Can I still get a COVID vaccine? What you need to know about the latest updates
People at the highest risk of severe COVID will still be eligible for free vaccines. Others may have to pay.
One in eight cancers are likely caused by an infection worldwide – new study
Four viruses and one bacteria were responsible for 12% of the world’s cancer cases in 2024. Does this mean they’re preventable?
Exercise before surgery improves outcomes and shortens recovery time – new research
Pre-surgery exercise has benefits, whether it is supervised or home-based. But professional supervision can help patients achieve higher exercise intensities.
Do calorie-restricted diets work? Or will I just re-gain the weight?
Diets like the Fast 800 or intermittent fasting have become popular ways to lose weight. But they’re not long-term solutions.
La Trobe, St Vincent’s develop explainable AI for ED
Researchers from La Trobe University and St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne are developing explainable AI models to support clinical decision-making in hospital emergency departments. The models use inf…
Eastern Health connects pathology systems with Magentus
Victoria’s Eastern Health has selected Magentus’s Conductor interoperability platform to connect systems across its pathology service and give its pathology team greater control over integrations. Co…
HealthLink and NZTA launch online driver medical certs
HealthLink and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) are introducing a digital version of the DL9 medical certificate used by health professionals to assess patients’ medical fitness to drive. More…
Health NZ launches AI Foundations platform
Health NZ has launched a national AI capability designed to provide a controlled environment for testing and evaluating AI tools for potential use across the health system. Health NZ HealthX director…
Chief Health Officer alerts and advisories that are still current. These are not this week's news — some have been open for months — so they sit apart from the brief and stay here until the CHO withdraws them.
| Alert | What the alert asks of clinicians |
|---|---|
|
VicCHO
Mpox continues to spread in the community Mpox cases are rising in Victoria, and the virus continues to circulate in many parts of the world. |
Test for mpox in sexually active patients who have symptoms consistent with mpox, regardless of their sexual orientation, vaccination status or travel history. · Be aware that vaccinated people can still develop mpox and may have milder or atypical symptoms.… From the alert |
|
VicCHO
Increasing respiratory infections in Victoria In Victoria, cases of influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are increasing while cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain raised after peaking in July. |
Ensure those most at risk of severe illness are up to date with vaccinations for respiratory infections such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV: Offer annual influenza vaccination to everyone aged 6 months and older. Under the National Immunisation Program, children ag… From the alert |
|
VicCHO
Avian influenza found in birds in Victoria H5N1 strain of avian influenza (also called H5 bird flu) has been detected in a wild bird in Victoria. |
Healthcare professionals should consider avian influenza H5N1 in patients who present with influenza-like illness AND who have had contact with sick or dead birds or animals (either in Australia or overseas) in the 10 days before onset of symptoms. · Animal-t… From the alert |
|
VicCHO
Carbon monoxide poisoning |
Exercise a high level of suspicion of carbon monoxide poisoning if: · Symptoms are temporarily related to the use of a gas/wood heater, or other gas/petroleum fuelled appliance/item, used in an enclosed space. · Symptoms also occur in other occupants of the h… From the alert |
|
VicCHO
Toxicity linked to unapproved peptide product labelled Retatrutide The department has been notified of six cases of acute liver toxicity associated with an unapproved peptide product in Australia, labelled Retatrutide. |
Be alert for patients with abnormal liver function tests or any signs or symptoms of an acute liver injury who have used the unapproved peptide product, Retatrutide. · Ask patients who present with compatible signs and symptoms about peptide use. Consider ask… From the alert |
|
VicCHO
Notification of hantavirus infection Notification of hantavirus infection |
The alert states no advice we can quote. Open it to read the CHO's guidance. Nothing stated |
|
VicCHO
Diphtheria booster vaccination campaign Australia is currently experiencing the largest diphtheria outbreak on record, especially in regional and remote areas of the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia. |
Check the diphtheria vaccination status of patients, especially for those travelling to higher-risk areas. Offer people travelling to higher-risk areas a diphtheria-containing vaccination if they have not had a diphtheria vaccine in the past 5 years. · Offer… From the alert |
|
VicCHO
Outbreak of Ebola Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda A major outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus has been detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. |
As of 29 May 2026, the Current Outbreak Areas are the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. · Consider Ebola Disease in: patients with fever (>38C) AND · history of travel to an endemic area or an outbreak area OR contact with someone with Ebola disease or… From the alert |
|
VicCHO
There is a current outbreak of diphtheria in northern and central Australia, predominantly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. |
For suspected respiratory diphtheria: collect a throat swab for culture for diphtheria. · For suspected cutaneous disease: collect a swab of the lesion and the throat. · A bacterial swab should be used (not with viral transport medium). Swab beneath part of t… From the alert |
|
VicCHO
Poisonous Mushrooms growing in Victoria Poisonous mushrooms including the death cap and yellow-staining mushrooms, appear in Victoria during autumn, as the weather becomes wetter and cooler. |
The alert states no advice we can quote. Open it to read the CHO's guidance. Nothing stated |
|
VicCHO
Increased risk of measles in Victoria There is an increased risk of measles in Victoria linked to exposure in metropolitan Melbourne, as well as travel overseas and interstate. |
For persons born during or after 1966 who have attended an exposure site and are not fully vaccinated, offer MMR vaccine within 72 hours of measles exposure to prevent illness. Normal human immunoglobulin (NHIG) within 6 days may be suitable for young infants… From the alert |
|
VicCHO
Counterfeit batches of rabies vaccine (Abhayrab®) reported in India Counterfeit batches of rabies vaccine Abhayrab® have been circulating in India since November 2023. People who have received the counterfeit vaccine may not be fully protected against rabies. |
For people who have received one or more doses of Abhayrab ® , or an unknown rabies vaccine brand, in India from 1 November 2023 onwards: replace any dose(s) of Abhayrab®, or unknown rabies vaccine brand, with dose(s) of a valid rabies vaccine registered in A… From the alert |
|
VicCHO
Health advice on immunisations for travel Check your vaccinations: Victorians planning overseas travel should ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date |
GPs and other health professionals should discuss vaccinations with patients planning to travel overseas at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to departure. Provide advice tailored to destination, activities, length of stay and individual health needs. · Refer to the A… From the alert |
|
VicCHO
Changes to syphilis testing during pregnancy The recommendations for syphilis testing during pregnancy have been updated to align with new national guidance. |
The recommendations for universal syphilis testing during pregnancy have changed in Victoria. It is recommended that clinicians test all pregnant people a minimum of 3 times: at the first antenatal visit · at 26 to 28 weeks and · at 36 weeks or birth (whichev… From the alert |
|
VicCHO
Ayurvedic medicines containing lead, other heavy metals and scheduled poisons The Victorian Department of Health continues to receive notifications of cases of lead poisoning caused by the ingestion of imported Ayurvedic medicines that are contaminated with lead. |
Clinicians should consider testing for elevated blood lead for anyone taking unapproved Ayurvedic medicines. · Updated 17 January 2025 From the alert |
NSW Health's current clinician alert register. These are not this week's news — NSW keeps them listed while they stay relevant — so they sit apart from the brief.
| Alert | What the alert asks of clinicians |
|---|---|
|
NSWalert
|
The alert states no advice we can quote. Open it to read the CHO's guidance. Nothing stated |
|
NSWalert
|
The alert states no advice we can quote. Open it to read the CHO's guidance. Nothing stated |
|
NSWalert
Expansion to NSW Japanese Encephailitis Vaccine Eligibility for travellers |
The alert states no advice we can quote. Open it to read the CHO's guidance. Nothing stated |
|
NSWalert
Clinician alert: Bloodborne virus testing recommended for patients of former dentist Dr William Tam |
The alert states no advice we can quote. Open it to read the CHO's guidance. Nothing stated |
|
NSWalert
|
The alert states no advice we can quote. Open it to read the CHO's guidance. Nothing stated |
|
NSWalert
|
The alert states no advice we can quote. Open it to read the CHO's guidance. Nothing stated |
|
NSWalert
|
The alert states no advice we can quote. Open it to read the CHO's guidance. Nothing stated |
|
NSWalert
|
The alert states no advice we can quote. Open it to read the CHO's guidance. Nothing stated |
|
NSWalert
Clinician alert: recall of Nestlé ALFAMINO infant formula for babies with milk allergies |
The alert states no advice we can quote. Open it to read the CHO's guidance. Nothing stated |
|
NSWalert
Clinician alert: counterfeit rabies vaccine (Abhayrab®) in India |
The alert states no advice we can quote. Open it to read the CHO's guidance. Nothing stated |
|
NSWalert
|
The alert states no advice we can quote. Open it to read the CHO's guidance. Nothing stated |
Queensland Health's current health alerts and warnings. These are not this week's news — Queensland keeps them listed while they are active — so they sit apart from the brief.
| Alert | What the alert asks of clinicians |
|---|---|
|
QldAlert
|
The alert states no advice we can quote. Open it to read the CHO's guidance. Nothing stated |