Phase 1b General Practice Vaccine Rollout Update

People with disability and disability care workers eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Phase 1a are also able to attend a Phase 1b vaccination location if they choose to do so, including their local general practice.

According to the Department of Health, there have been occasions where people from the disability sector have been turned away from practices due to misunderstanding of their eligibility status.

Both Phase 1a and 1b eligible people can receive the vaccine through a Phase 1b primary care clinic where there are available appointments even if they are not known to the clinic. Proof of Phase 1a eligibility can be provided by completing the Eligibility Declaration Form.

Further detail on who is eligible to attend the vaccination sites under Phase 1b is provided below:

• Those living with significant disability requiring frequent assistance with activities of daily living – including Down Syndrome, muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, severe intellectual disability.
• People with disability attending centre-based services such as:
  • day programs
  • respite care
  • supported employment.
• All workers providing in-home and community disability and aged care, including centre-based care.
• Workers who regularly have face to face contact with those receiving aged care or those with a disability in phase 1a or 1b, including aged or disability care assessment workforce, those conducting regulatory activities and advocacy services.
• Carers (paid and unpaid) of:
  • a resident of an aged care facility or residential disability accommodation who is eligible under phase 1a
  • a person 70 years and over who is eligible under Phase 1b
  • a person with a specified underlying medical condition who is eligible under phase 1b
  • a child with a specified underlying medical condition who would be eligible in Phase 1b but cannot be vaccinated due to age restrictions.
• Disability and aged care support volunteers who provide support to people in their homes, respite care, educational, employment, leisure and/or residential settings, including those providing transport and advocacy services. 

Resources available on the website

The Department of Health has published several collections of resources about COVID-19 vaccination, vaccine rollout, and clinical guidance from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). These resources are updated when new information is available, so GPs should ensure they have access to the latest versions.

• Update to COVID-19 vaccination – After your AstraZeneca vaccine: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-after-your-astrazeneca-vaccine (including Easy Print)
• Update to COVID-19 vaccination – after your Pfizer (CORMIRNATY) vaccine: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-after-your-pfizer-cormirnaty-vaccine (including Easy Print)
• Update to ATAGI – COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for people with immunocompromise: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/atagi-covid-19-vaccination-decision-guide-for-people-with-immunocompromise
• New ATAGI – COVID-19 provider guide for patients with immunocompromise: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/atagi-provider-guide-to-covid-19-vaccination-of-people-with-immunocompromise 
• Update to COVID-19 vaccination decision aid for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-covid-19-vaccination-decision-guide-for-women-who-are-pregnant-breastfeeding-or-planning-pregnancy

Members are also reminded that if you are part of the vaccine roll out and have any problems, the key point of contact in the Commonwealth to raise these is the Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC) that can be contacted on:

Phone: 1800 318 308

Email: COVID19VaccineOperationsCentre@health.gov.au

Note: The VOC hours of operation are between 7am to 10pm (AEST)