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.