At Hunters Hill Medical Practice (HHMP), we are proud to share some exciting news that highlights our commitment to excellence in healthcare. Yesterday, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) announced the winners of the NSW awards, and we are thrilled to announce that HHMP has been awarded the prestigious title of Practice of the Year!

What is the RACGP?

The RACGP is Australia’s leading professional body for general practitioners, with over 40,000 members across urban and rural Australia. Founded in 1958, the RACGP plays a critical role in supporting GPs through professional development, advocacy, and providing a robust framework for high-quality healthcare. Its influence extends across various facets of general practice, including education, policy development and practice standards. Through this work, the RACGP, strives to enhance the quality of care provided to patients while also supporting GPs. The broad nature of the RACGP’s role makes it the peak body in the general practice and primary healthcare space.

The RACGP Awards

The RACGP Awards are an annual celebration of excellence in general practice, recognising GPs, registrars, supervisors, medical educators, and practices that go above and beyond for their communities. Among the awards, the Practice of the Year award stands out, honouring a practice that exemplifies exceptional service, innovation, and community engagement.

The selection criteria for this award are stringent, focusing on several key areas:

• Current accreditation status
• Structure and facilities available for both patients and staff
• Services provided to patients, including preventive care and health promotion
• The delivery of care by practice staff
• Unique differentiators that set the practice apart
• Involvement in general practice teaching

Practices must demonstrate excellence across these criteria to be considered for the award.

Celebrating Our Win!

We are overjoyed to have been announced as the Practice of the Year for NSW! This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team at HHMP. Today, we have come together to celebrate this remarkable achievement, sharing our joy with our patients and staff.

Our celebration includes a display of the award in our waiting area, where patients can see it and share in our pride. We also prepared some delicious cupcakes and special lollies for our patients, offering a sweet treat as a small token of our gratitude for their support. Additionally, our staff received gifts as a way to acknowledge their hard work and commitment to providing high-quality care.

A Heartfelt Response from Our Community

The overwhelming support we have received from our patients has truly touched our hearts. Many patients took the time to congratulate our team on our award, expressing their appreciation for the care we provide. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our efforts have a positive impact on our community.

As we reflect on this achievement, we are reminded that our work is not just about providing medical care; it’s about fostering relationships and building a supportive healthcare environment. We are grateful for the trust our patients place in us and are motivated to continue improving our services.

About Hunters Hill Medical Practice

Established in 1860, HHMP is proud to be Australia’s oldest general practice. Our long history in the community has allowed us to develop a deep understanding of the healthcare needs of our patients. We pride ourselves on our multidisciplinary model, which enables us to offer comprehensive care under one roof.

At HHMP, we focus on holistic treatment, emphasizing both physical and mental health. Our practice is equipped with a variety of co-located services, including specialists and allied health providers, allowing us to provide coordinated care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. This integrated approach not only enhances the quality of care we deliver but also simplifies the healthcare journey for our patients.

Onwards and upwards

The RACGP Practice of the Year Award is not just a title; it is a recognition of our unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare. We are excited to continue our journey, inspired by the support of our community and the incredible team at Hunters Hill Medical Practice. Thank you for being a part of this celebration with us!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

NAIDOC Week is time for all Australians to come together and celebrate the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This annual event, offers an opportunity to recognise and honour the contributions of Australia’s First Peoples, who have cared for this land for over 65,000 years. At HHMP, we are committed to supporting and celebrating our Indigenous patients whenever we can.

A Commitment to Health and Well-being

HHMP is dedicated to being part of the solution when it comes to improving healthcare outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We understand that these communities often face unique health challenges and barriers to accessing care. To address this, we offer extra services designed to support our Indigenous patients in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner.

We provide bulk billed health assessments for Indigenous patients. These assessments are comprehensive and tailored to address the specific health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals. These assessments remove the financial barriers that may exist and can for eligible patients allow us to refer them to subsidised services such as dietitian and psychology. We can also help Indigenous patients to register for government programs to help them access medication and other benefits.

Supporting Indigenous Students

HHMP doctors are proud to care for many Indigenous students who are boarding at St Joseph’s College (Joeys) as part of the school’s scholarship program. Being away from their families and communities can be challenging for these young people. The school team and the doctors strive to provide them with a supportive and caring environment. The doctors and nurses are committed to ensuring that these students receive the best possible healthcare while they are away from home. The doctors work closely with the school to monitor their health and well-being, providing regular check-ups and addressing any medical concerns promptly.

Encouraging Open Communication

Open communication is essential in providing the best possible care for patients and the community. HHMP encourages all our patients who identify as Indigenous to let our administration team know so this is marked in the file. By understanding your background and any specific health concerns, we can tailor our services to better support you and your family. This information helps us create a more inclusive and welcoming environment, allows access to government programs and ensures that your healthcare experience is respectful and personalised.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week Together

NAIDOC Week is a time to reflect on the resilience and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is also an opportunity for all Australians to learn more about the rich cultural heritage and history of our First Peoples. Multiple doctors and staff at HHMP are currently undergoing extra cultural safety training to be better able to support out Indigenous patients.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

It’s that time of year again – the 2024 flu season is upon us and we are seeing lots of influenza cases.

The influenza virus continues to cause significant illness and it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and those around you. One of the most effective ways to do this is by getting vaccinated against the flu.

The 2024 influenza vaccine is now available for patients from 6 months of age and up. The vaccine for patients aged over 65 years was just delivered today and we have plenty of stock to vaccinate all our patients.

The vaccine is designed to protect against four strains of the virus that are expected to be most common during the season. While the vaccine is not 100% effective, it can help to reduce the severity of your symptoms and lower your risk of complications.

It’s important to understand that Influenza can be a serious illness, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions. In some cases, the flu can even be life-threatening. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also those around you who may be more vulnerable to the virus.

The influenza vaccine is safe and has been proven to be effective. Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, and muscle aches. These symptoms typically go away within a few days.

Co-administration

The COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine. The Pneumonia vaccine is also possible to be given at the same time as flu if you are eligible. While this is seen as safe, it comes with a slightly higher risk of side effects such as fever.

Making a vaccine booking

Appointments for Influenza/Flu vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination can be made with the doctors and nurse online by clicking the BOOK NOW button at the top of this page or by calling 02 9817 2080. We now have new doctors and extra nurses with availability to be seen and vaccinated on the day, call our reception 02 9817 2080 for more information.

We encourage all eligible patients to get vaccinated against both Influenza / Flu and COVID-19.

More Information

Flu vaccination consumer fact sheet 

ATAGI updated Influenza information

It’s that time of year again – the 2024 flu season is upon us.

The influenza virus continues to cause significant illness and it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and those around you. One of the most effective ways to do this is by getting vaccinated against the flu.

The 2024 influenza vaccine is now available for patients aged 5-65 years. The vaccine for patients aged over 65 years will be available in the first 1-2 weeks in April.

The vaccine is designed to protect against four strains of the virus that are expected to be most common during the season. While the vaccine is not 100% effective, it can help to reduce the severity of your symptoms and lower your risk of complications.

It’s important to understand that Influenza can be a serious illness, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions. In some cases, the flu can even be life-threatening. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also those around you who may be more vulnerable to the virus.

The influenza vaccine is safe and has been proven to be effective. Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, and muscle aches. These symptoms typically go away within a few days.

If you’re considering getting vaccinated, talk to your doctor or nurse to determine which type of vaccine is best for you. For example, there are high-dose vaccines for people over 65.

Co-administration

The COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine. The Pneumonia vaccine is also possible to be given at the same time as flu if you are eligible. While this is seen as safe, it comes with a slightly higher risk of side effects such as fever.

Making a vaccine booking

Appointments for Influenza/Flu vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination can be made with the doctors and nurse online by clicking the BOOK NOW button at the top of this page or by calling 02 9817 2080. We now have new doctors and extra nurses with availability to be seen and vaccinated on the day, call our reception 02 9817 2080 for more information.

We encourage all eligible patients to get vaccinated against both Influenza / Flu and COVID-19.

More Information

Flu vaccination consumer fact sheet 

ATAGI updated Influenza information

The federal health minister recently announced that from the 1st of November 2023, the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, sold as Shingrix) will be made available under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for free to patients over 65 years old, First Nations People over 50 and immunocompromised people 18 years and over at high risk of herpes zoster infection. Shingrix will replace the previously funded vaccine Zostavax (which was available for patients over 70 years old). Not being a live vaccine, the new vaccine is safer and longer lasting than the previous one.

1 in 5 people with shingles will develop severe nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia that can last months or even years. In some cases, it may be permanent. The risk of developing shingles increases with age and people aged 65 years and over are at highest risk of complications like post-herpetic neuralgia.

What is shingles?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection characterized by a painful skin rash that typically appears as a band or strip on one side of the body. It is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the nerve cells for years and then reactivate, leading to the development of shingles. The reactivation is most common during times when the patient’s immune system is less effective for example with age, immune suppression, chronic disease or other infections.

The main symptoms include a burning or tingling sensation followed by the eruption of a painful rash with fluid-filled blisters. While the rash usually clears up within a few weeks, the pain can persist for many months in some cases.

What if I think I have shingles?

Vaccinated or not, if you think you have it, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. Antiviral medications are available and if started early can decrease the severity and duration of the episode. If you think  you may have shingles call the HHMP reception team on 9817 2080 and request an urgent appointment by advising them that you may have shingles and need to see the doctor ASAP. Other medications are also available to help with the pain and symptoms of shingles.

What if I do not qualify for the free vaccine?

If you do not qualify for the free vaccine, you can choose to have the vaccine privately. This is especially beneficial for patients from 50 years and over. HHMP carries private stock of the vaccine, the cost is about $300 per injection and 2 injections are needed between 2-6 months apart. A receipt will be given and depending on your level of cover, your private health insurer may refund you part of the cost.

Another option is for you doctor to give you a prescription for the vaccine and you can pick it up from the pharmacy and bring it with you (you will need to be mindful of cold-chain so that the vaccine remains affective). If you have any questions, please call and speak to a HHMP nurse for more information about your specific situation.

How do I book?

Vaccinations are very  common at HHMP and occur everyday. At HHMP multiple private, travel and government vaccines are available and our nurses can provide you more specific information if needed.

Making a booking is simple and can be done by clicking the BOOK NOW button at the top of this page or by calling 02 9817 2080.

It’s that time of year again – the 2023 flu season is upon us. With the influenza virus posing a serious threat to public health, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and those around you. One of the most effective ways to do this is by getting vaccinated against the flu.

The 2023 influenza vaccine is now available for patients of all ages. The vaccine is designed to protect against four strains of the virus that are expected to be most common during the season. While the vaccine is not 100% effective, it can help to reduce the severity of your symptoms and lower your risk of complications.

It’s important to understand that Influenza can be a serious illness, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions. In some cases, the flu can even be life-threatening. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also those around you who may be more vulnerable to the virus.

The influenza vaccine is safe and has been proven to be effective. Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, and muscle aches. These symptoms typically go away within a few days.

If you’re considering getting vaccinated, talk to your doctor or nurse to determine which type of vaccine is best for you. For example, there are high-dose vaccines for people over 65.

Free influenza vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP)

The following groups  are eligible for a free influenza vaccine:

• All children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
• All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
• All individuals aged 65 years and over
• Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
• Individuals aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions that increase the risk of severe influenza, such as chronic respiratory or cardiac disease, immunosuppression, and diabetes.

Medical conditions with increased influenza disease complications and eligibility for a free vaccine.

For patients not eligible for the free vaccine, the private cost of the vaccine will be $30.

COVID-19 vaccine booster doses are also available. Eligible patients need to not have had COVID-19 infection or COVID-19 vaccination in the last 6 months.

Co-administration

The COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine. While this is seen as safe, it comes with a slightly higher risk of side effects such as fever.

Making a vaccine booking

Appointments for Influenza/Flu vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination can be made with the doctors and nurse online by clicking the BOOK NOW button at the top of this page or by calling 02 9817 2080.

We encourage all eligible patients to get vaccinated against both Influenza / Flu and COVID-19.

In conclusion, getting vaccinated against the flu is an important step you can take to protect yourself and those around you. With the 2023 influenza vaccine now available for patients of all ages, there’s no reason to delay getting vaccinated.

More Information

NSW Health Influenza and vaccination 2023

ATAGI updated Influenza information

Short answer = 3 months.

Long answer as per the ATAGI Advice on COVID-19 vaccination post infection is below

ATAGI have updated their advice on when people who have had SARS-CoV-2 infection should receive a subsequent COVID-19 vaccine dose. It is now recommended that all people should wait for 3 months after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection before they receive their next COVID-19 vaccine dose. The next scheduled dose should then be given as soon as possible after this period.

This updated advice reflects the lower risk of reinfection with the Omicron variant within the first 3 months following a confirmed infection, particularly if prior COVID-19 vaccine doses have been received. It also recognises the Delta variant is no longer circulating in Australia and in the past 3 months Omicron has been the dominant variant. This advice may change if future variants of SARS-CoV-2 emerge.

How about the flu vaccine?

We are now seeing Influenza A starting to circulate in the community especially through local schools. Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent and mitigate against getting influenza/flu.

Can I get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines together?

“COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (that is, given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine. Studies demonstrate the safety and immunogenicity of co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.”; However, there might be an increased chance of side effects.

How do I book?

Influenza / Flu vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination occur at HHMP most days with clinics upstairs on 3 days per week.

Making a booking is simple and can be done by clicking the BOOK NOW button at the top of this page or by calling 02 9817 2080.

Many appointments are available and there is no waiting list.

We encourage all eligible patients to get vaccinated against both Influenza / Flu and COVID-19.

More Information

NSW Health Influenza and vaccination 2022

ATAGI updated Influenza information

Latest ATAGI COVID-19 vaccination advice 

The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time but some considerations need to be taken into account. Below are quotes from the government document:

“COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (that is, given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine. Studies demonstrate the safety and immunogenicity of co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.”

The following needs to be considered…

“There is limited evidence on the safety and effectiveness of co-administering COVID-19 vaccines at the same time as other vaccines. Providers need to balance the opportunistic need for co-administration with the benefits of giving the vaccines on separate visits.”

“There is the potential for an increase in mild to moderate adverse events when more than one vaccine is given at the same time.”

“Co-administration or near administration (e.g. within days) with another vaccine may also make it challenging to attribute potential adverse events.”

”Providers should ensure that parents/guardians of young children receiving COVID-19 vaccines are aware of the increased potential for local reactions.”

So, what should I do?

If you need to have both vaccines on the same day, such as you are travelling, you can. However, if you do not need to get the two vaccines on the same day, it would make sense to separate them by 1 week or more. This reduces the risk of complications.

More information is available on our vaccine clinic page. If you have any questions please check with your doctor.

Making a flu vaccine booking

Influenza / Flu vaccination will occur at HHMP 3 days per week, upstairs in our vaccine clinic.

Making a booking is simple and can be done by clicking the BOOK AN APPOINTMENT button below or by calling 02 9817 2080. The whole family eg: grandparents, parents and children can be vaccinated concurrently as vaccines for adults and kids will be available at the same session.

Many appointments are available and there is no waiting list.

We continue to vaccinate children for their primary COVID-19 course as well as adults both for the primary course (Pfizer or Novovax) or for the booster dose.

We encourage all eligible patients to get vaccinated against both Influenza / Flu and COVID-19.

More Information

NSW Health Influenza and vaccination 2022

ATAGI updated Influenza information

With all the focus on COVID-19 vaccination recently, the Influenza/flu vaccine has generally been ignored. One of the aims of flu vaccination this year would be to avoid co-infection with both flu and COVID-a9/

The Influenza / Flu vaccine

The period of peak influenza circulation in Australia is typically June to September. Annual Flu vaccination should ideally occur before then.

The low levels of flu infections in recent years are attributed to a closed border which is now no longer closed and thus a resurgence of flu is expected in 2022. How bad? no one is really sure.

People who are planning international travel should ensure they have had a 2022 influenza vaccination before departure. This should be on top of the 2 doses of the COVID 19 vaccine and appropriate boosters (1 booster 3 months after the initial 2 doses; a 4th shot for those who qualify).

Patients over the age of 65 are eligible for the free flu vaccine which has a higher level of immunogenicity. This vaccine is preferable in this age group as compared to the other flu vaccines which are more suitable for those below 65 years of age.

Co-administration

The COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine. While this is seen as safe, it comes with an increased risk of side effects such as fever.

Patients who do not need to have both vaccines together (eg: if not travelling etc) are encouraged to have the influenza/flu vaccine and the COVID 19 vaccine (or booster) separated by at least 2 weeks.

By separating the vaccines by 2 weeks or more, the risk of reactions is reduced.

Influenza vaccines are free and recommended for the following groups

• All children aged 6 months to <5 years
• All adults aged ≥65 years.
• People aged over 5 to under 65 years of age, may be eligible for a free vaccine if they are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions as per the table below.

Medical conditions with increased influenza disease complications and eligibility for a free vaccine.

Making a vaccine booking

Influenza/Flu vaccination will occur at HHMP 3 days per week, upstairs in our vaccine clinic. Other appointments may be available in the treatment room or when seeing your doctor for an unrelated matter.

Making a booking is simple and can be done by clicking the BOOK NOW button at the top of this page or by calling 02 9817 2080.

The whole family eg: grandparents, parents and children can be vaccinated concurrently as vaccines for adults and kids will be available at the same session.

Many appointments are available and there is no waiting list.

We continue to vaccinate children for their primary COVID-19 course as well as adults both for the primary course (Pfizer or Novovax) or for the booster dose.

We encourage all eligible patients to get vaccinated against both Influenza / Flu and COVID-19.

More Information

NSW Health Influenza and vaccination 2022

ATAGI updated Influenza information

With all the focus on COVID-19 vaccination recently, the flu vaccine has generally been ignored. What is clear though, is that you do not want to get COVID-19 and Influenza simultaneously!

The Influenza / Flu vaccine

The period of peak influenza circulation in Australia is typically June to September. Annual Flu vaccination should ideally occur before the onset of each influenza season.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the closing of Australia’s borders, there has been very little circulation of the influenza virus. This resulted in lower levels of influenza vaccination especially in 2021 coverage compared with previous years. Experts have been discussing a resurgence of influenza in 2022 as borders reopen.

People who are planning international travel should ensure they have had a 2022 influenza vaccination before departure. This should be on top of the 2 doses of the COVID 19 vaccine and a booster.

Patients over the age of 65 are eligible for the free flu vaccine which has a higher level of immunogenicity. This vaccine is preferable in this age group as compared to the other flu vaccines which are more suitable for those below 65 years of age.

Co-administration

The COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine. While this is seen as safe, it comes with an increased risk of side effects such as fever. It also can make it difficult if a reaction results to decide if the reaction is due to the flu vaccine, the COVID vaccine or the interaction of both. At HHMP patients are encouraged to have the flu vaccine and the COVID 19 vaccine (or booster) separated by at least 2 weeks.

By separating the vaccines by 2 weeks or more, the risk of reactions is reduced. However on some occassions, patients may be travelling overseas or have another reason (such as upcoming hospitalisation) where co-administration may be beneficial, in such circumstances, the risk of vaccination are outweighed by the protection provided from being vaccinated.

Influenza vaccines are free and recommended for the following groups

• All children aged 6 months to <5 years
• All adults aged ≥65 years.
• People aged over 5 to under 65 years of age, may be eligible for a free vaccine if they are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions as per the table below.

Medical conditions with increased influenza disease complications and eligibility for a free vaccine.

Making a flu vaccine booking

Influenza / Flu vaccination will occur at HHMP 3 days per week, upstairs in our vaccine clinic.

Making a booking is simple and can be done by clicking the BOOK NOW button at the top of this page or by calling 02 9817 2080. The whole family eg: grandparents, parents and children can be vaccinated concurrently as vaccines for adults and kids will be available at the same session.

Many appointments are available and there is no waiting list.

We continue to vaccinate children for their primary COVID-19 course as well as adults both for the primary course (Pfizer or Novovax) or for the booster dose.

We encourage all eligible patients to get vaccinated against both Influenza / Flu and COVID-19.

More Information

NSW Health Influenza and vaccination 2022

ATAGI updated Influenza information