Archive for category: NEWS & ARTICLES

DoH advise there has been a change in the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advice, stating that the preferred minimum interval between receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine and any other vaccine, including the influenza vaccine, is 7 days.

A shorter interval (i.e. less than 7 days, including co-administration) is acceptable in the following settings:
• increased risk of COVID-19 or another vaccine-preventable disease (e.g. COVID-19 outbreak, influenza outbreak, tetanus-prone wound); or
• logistical issues e.g. difficulty scheduling visits to maintain the 7 day interval.
This advice has been updated on the DoH Clinical considerations page, and all other relevant webpages.

Department of Health – Primary Health Care COVID-19 Response Teleconference 02/06/2021 – Meeting notes from Dr Trish Baker

The Primary Care Implementation Group (PCIG) is an online meeting that includes most primary healthcare peak bodies. It is convened weekly by the Department of Health as part of the COVID-19 response.
Dr Trish Baker attended the 9 June meeting on behalf of the AGPA.

General Notes from the Meeting

EOIs for Pfizer – GP must submit by Thursday (10 June) midnight. Many practices are unaware of this deadline so there is a need to extend the cut-off date. This was acknowledged as a problem and will be looked into.

Capacity issues around practices giving second AZ vaccine while simultaneously commencing Pfizer  roll out for under 50s. The issue was acknowledged and we need to see how this one plays out.

MBS Item Review – Review around the MBS item for suitability of COVID vaccination in light of the additional complexity of the consultation was raised. No plans known for change at this time.

Supply of Pfizer Vaccine – Information sought around peak supply of Pfizer vaccine. Additional supplies of Pfizer are expected imminently. There will be a big increase in Q3 and maximum supply in Q4.

Relaxation of 19AB provisions sought to allow non VR “after hours” doctors to work “in hours” giving COVID vaccinations. This is being examined currently.

Vaccine hesitancy is a live issue. There is a need for an information campaign that resonates with the community.

Bulk billing figures are at an all time high. What is the BB rate of consultations taking out the COVID Telehealth items? This information is becoming available. 

Mixed Vaccines Hospitals here and several overseas countries have combined giving an AZ with a  Pfizer vaccine.
Many of our 1A and 1B patients, including many staff in GP clinics, are under 50 and have had one AZ.  
Is there support for giving them a Pfizer jab as the second dose  within GP?  
Response was that this is being examined by ATAGI. At this stage the advice is that the second AZ dose is safe if the first was OK – so no change yet.

Moderna booster for VOC are expected early next year – possibly even late this year.

Department of Health – Primary Health Care COVID-19 Response Teleconference 02/06/2021 – Meeting notes from Dr Maria Boulton

The Primary Care Implementation Group (PCIG) is an online meeting that includes most primary healthcare peak bodies. It is convened weekly by the Department of Health as part of the COVID-19 response.
Dr Maria Boulton attends on behalf of the AGPA.

Comments from AGPA

Practices are seeing a seeing a spike in demand for COVID vaccines. 
There are concerns about significantly increased demand when we start doing second COVID vaccine doses in two  weeks.
It is important we take full advantage of the increase in demand.
It is important we get the vaccines to the GPs who have the capacity and the ability to get them in people’s arms as soon as possible.

Suggested making the RACGP webinar on TTS more widely available

General Notes from the Meeting

Since the last meeting an EOI has been sent out seeking GP clinics to join the program.

Flu vaccines-tracking behind from last year at the same time. Please encourage members to encourage community to have flu vaccines.

Melbourne lockdown will continue as was announced.

A record number of vaccinations have been given in Primary Care in the past 24 hours – 84,000.

Victoria– there will be a special blitz over the next week for anyone working in aged or disability care to be prioritised/fast tracked at vaccination hubs.

Some GP led respiratory  clinics are now administering Pfizer as well as Astra Zeneca. Still waiting on details on when other GP clinics will be given doses of Pfizer.

CSL now producing one million AZ doses per week, some going overseas

Will additional vaccine be available ? We are starting the second AZ doses soon so there will be an increase in demand.

PPE availability for GPs, P2/N95 masks are available, especially in Melbourne. Requests should go to PHN.

Discussed issues around making COVID vaccination mandatory for aged care and disability care workers. DOH seeking feedback on this.

Please note: These are Maria’s notes from the meeting and may be incomplete.

The DoH have released further updates and resources.

They advise that the attached documents , and attachments provide updated information about vaccine storage period, dose allocations, transfer of vaccine stock, social media posts and tiles, checking patient medical history and updated resources.

Phase 1B Peak Comms– 25 May2021

ATAGI THANZ Statement – 21 May 2021

Transfer of AZ between sites – 21 May 2021

GP Talking Points – 21 May 2021

Social Media Tiles – Eligibility Checker

Social Media Tile – Booking your Vaccination appointment