GPs to lead Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign
Over 4600 General Practices will have received their COVID-19 vaccine on-boarding packs this week. Consistent AMA advocacy has seen the Government’s initial commitment to using 1000 general practices in Phase 1b increased to all eligible general practices. As a result, general practices will be able to continue to function with minimal interruption to usual practice and vaccinate primarily their own patients.
Over four weeks beginning the week of 22 March, all general practices who were deemed initially eligible to participate will be progressively included in the roll out and by the end of April all practices will have received their initial doses. The inclusion of such a large number of practices in the roll out means that practices will receive between 50 and 400 doses per week, depending on criteria set by the Department of Health. As vaccine supply increases over coming months, practices may be able to change their dose allocation. General practices will be supported by almost 140 GP respiratory clinics and around 300 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services who will also be providing vaccines in Phase 1b.
The on-boarding pack includes all important information such as registering your practice, managing doses, online booking, and patient eligibility criteria.
If your practice has not received the information, please contact your PHN. Any practices who no longer want to be involved should immediately contact their PHN.
The AMA will continue to advocate for unaccredited practices to be involved in the vaccination campaign, with the Government and Department of Health now flagging this is likely to happen when vaccine supply is sufficient.
