COVID-19 vaccination for DVA clients

Administering the COVID-19 vaccine 

• Arrangements for administering the COVID-19 vaccine to DVA clients are the same as the arrangements for the general public (including use of the same MBS Item numbers).  

• DVA clients can use their Veteran Card as per usual DVA arrangements. 

• As with all medical services provided to DVA white card holders, general practitioners (GPs) will only be able to bill the MBS COVID-19 vaccine item to DVA if it relates to an accepted condition. When processing claims, Services Australia will accept the clinical judgment of the GP to determine what accepted condition would require the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

• White card holders who do not have an accepted condition receiving the vaccination can be billed through Medicare arrangements. 

Immunisation record 

• COVID-19 vaccinations are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register. To access their immunisation history statement DVA clients will need either a Medicare number or an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI). 

• If the DVA client doesn’t have a Medicare Card or an IHI, this is an opportune time to encourage them to either enrol in Medicare or to apply for an IHI. DVA clients will have an IHI if they receive a DVA pension or benefit. 

More information about COVID-19 vaccination for DVA clients is available here.