Vaccine recalls and reminders

Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to stop the spread of viruses (WHO, 2025). Recent data suggests vaccination for influenza has decreased in every Australian state and territory in 2023 and 2024 (NCIRS, 2025). Encouraging immunisation uptake through reminder and recall campaigns can help prevent potentially preventable hospitalisations. 

While the situation with COVID-19 has improved, new variants can still occur, and booster shots are often needed to keep us well protected like the annual influenza vaccine. Regular reminders can assist individuals with their immunisations by reaching out to those who may have missed their appointments or not been vaccinated.   

Vaccines help shield us from diseases by boosting our body's natural defences. There are now vaccines for over 20 serious illnesses, helping people of all ages live longer and healthier lives. Vaccines currently stop between 3.5 million and 5 million deaths each year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, Influenza, and measles. 

An incentivised approach

Brisbane North PHN is pleased to announce a grant opportunity designed to assist a limited number of General Practices to help them improve their systems for sending out recalls and reminders for COVID-19, influenza and pneumonia vaccinations, as well as making vaccines more available, with the goal of increasing community immunisation rates. A PHN Immunisation Recall and Reminder Grant of $2,000.00 (excluding GST) is available to eligible general practice vaccine providers within the Brisbane North PHN region. 

The grant payment is for sending out recalls and reminders for COVID-19, Influenza and Pneumonia vaccination, as well as to make sure vaccines are more available, with the goal of increasing community immunisation rates.  

Brisbane North PHN will also provide participating practices with a complementary Influenza SMS campaign valued at $500. Practices will receive a training session with a GoShare representative, receive 1000 SMS credits, resources and support. The SMS’ sent to patients will include a link to educational resources about the vaccination being offered and a reminder to book an appointment. For further information about GoShare, visit: GoShare Healthcare - Healthily 

In addition, GoShare also has Pfizer funded SMS Recall Campaigns available as an optional activity: 

• COVID-19 SMS Recall Campaign 
• Pneumonia SMS Recall Campaign 

Practices who indicate on the EOI that they would like to participate in the optional Pfizer funded SMS Recall Campaigns, will be sent further correspondence on how to register and the supporting services being offered by GoShare. 

Step 1. Submit an expression of interest

Review the vaccine recalls and reminders payment guide.

Please complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form.

Step 2. Written agreement between Brisbane North PHN and the practice

Brisbane North PHN will review your EOI and inform you if you have been successful via email. The email will include your agreement for completion, immunisation continuous quality improvement plan and the request for a complying tax invoice for the grant payment.  

Please return the signed agreement, a complying tax invoice for the grant payment of $2200.00 incl GST, and part 1 of the immunisation CQI Plan. Payment will then be processed for your practice, this may take up to 14 business days.  

Upon receipt of the invoice and Part 1 of the CQI plan, you will then receive an email with your practice participation package including the registration details required for GoShare Flu Vaccine SMS Recall Campaign. If your practice has chosen to complete additional activities, you will receive the registration details for those activities as well. 

Step 3. Complete the agreed activities

Work on your Immunisation Recall and Reminder activities CQI Plan with the support of GoShare and your QI&D Engagement Officer between the period of May to 30 September 2025. 

Upon completion of GoShare Influenza SMS recall Campaign, it will be necessary to finalise the CQI plan and fulfill all data reporting requirements prior to September 30, 2025. Final reporting requirements for practices will include the submission of data from their CIS reports or the Primary Sense "Winter Wellness" report, both prior to and following the activity, this data is recorded in the Immunisation Recall and Reminder Grant CQI Plan "Part 2.”  

Get Support

For support and guidance completing this activity, contact our quality improvement and development engagement officers via the Practice Support email and phone line. 

Templates to assist your practice completing CQI activities can be downloaded from our website.

GoShare will work with you on your optional additional activities if chosen, between the period of June to mid-August 2025, assist with reporting on completion and submit your final data reporting requirements to the PHN by 30 September 2025.