Department of Health – Primary Health Care COVID-19 Response Teleconference 18  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

ACT now in lockdown

More than 15 million COVID vaccine doses have been so far.

50% of people over age of 16 have had one dose

More than 5 million people have had two COVID vaccine doses

DOH is working on a simplified approach re-differences in eligibility between Federal and State Health Departments

Cardiologist to be available for GPs to phone for advise in the case of patients with certain cardiac conditions and Pfizer COVID vaccine.

Comments from the Attendees

AGPA:

Difficult to police different eligibility criteria regarding Federal  vs State vaccine eligibility. GPs shouldn’t be expected to police differences.
It is difficult to backtrack once announced in the media and our resources are best utilised vaccinating.
Response: we are being heard, getting this feedback from other sources. DOH will try to clarify and simplify.

When can we expect the indemnity scheme to be finalised?
Response: still being worked on, no details on timing

Other Attendees:

Record phone calls to lifeline, beyond blue and kids helpline. Mental health concerns and pandemic fatigue.