Department of Health – Primary Health Care COVID-19 Response Teleconference 11  August 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 the Task Force

Moderna has been approved for use by TGA, expect supplies from next month

Some adolescents aged 12-15 are now eligible for Pfizer. See link for details of eligibility: https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-statement-regarding-vaccination-of-adolescents-aged-12-15-years

No COVID vaccines approved/licensed for use in children under 12, so should not be used in children under 12. Trials are being carried out with a number of vaccines. They will have to go through the TGA and then ATAGI

Increased numbers of GP clinics are now being offered Pfizer vaccines

GP clinics can order more AZ vaccines as needed, will be considered in a case by case basis

Comments from Meeting

Lack of indemnity continues to be an issue.
Response: indemnity still being worked on. Note: this was announced in June.

Why are the requirements for vaccinations different in GP clinics from hubs? Eg noise proof requirement. What are the requirements for pharmacies? Some hubs vaccinating people with Pfizer when they are not eligible, compromising the integrity of the advice.
Response: Commonwealth not responsible for vaccination rollout in State hubs, but task force would like to be informed of hubs that are doing this. The vaccinating conditions are the same with pharmacies and GP. Conditions are no longer sound proof room, just privacy.

More clarity sought as to what level of community cases warrants bringing second AZ doses forward.
Response:  ATAGI advises bringing it forward to 4-8 weeks in areas of significant areas of community transmission.