News

COVID-19 Vaccination information and resources for GPs

Published 24 February 2022

A range of information resources are provided here to support GPs as they vaccinate patients and care for COVID-19 patients in the community. 

Department of Health resources: 

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.  

Important information for practices administering Moderna 

The Australian Government has accepted this advice and will immediately include the Moderna vaccine for children 6 years and over in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program. This means all primary care sites can commence administering Moderna to individuals aged 6 from 24 February 2022. 

Clinicians who are considering administering Moderna to children are recommended to review the ATAGI advice carefully together with the TGA’s product information prior to administering Moderna to this cohort and, once available, are required to complete the specific training module for Moderna for children aged 6-11. The dose for children aged 6-11 years old is 0.25mL (50 micrograms). 

Training 

A new specific Moderna training module for children aged 6 years and older is currently in development and will be available in the coming weeks. Clinicians who are considering administering Moderna to children are recommended to review the ATAGI advice carefully and the TGA’s product information prior to administering Moderna to this cohort and, once available, are required to complete the specific training module for Moderna for children aged 6-11. 

The COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program is regularly updated with information from Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and all vaccine providers are required to remain up to date on clinical best practice and emerging research. 

Consent Forms for parents and carers 

A new consent form has been published for administering the Moderna vaccine to children aged 6-11 years. 

Vaccine Clinic Finder 

The Vaccine Clinic Finder (VCF) and VCF Connect are being updated to support access to Moderna for 6-11 year old children. 

  • From mid week, the VCF will be updated to reflect the availability of Moderna vaccine for 6-11 year old children. 

  • In addition, VCF Connect will soon allow vaccination providers to add children’s Moderna as a new service type, and manage appointment availability for both Moderna 6-11 and Moderna 12+ vaccinations. 

  • Another VCF update will then surface providers’ appointment availability for different Moderna vaccination appointments – for the 6-11 year age group, and for the 12+ age group. This will help providers manage their appointment schedules, and help parents and carers of children to easily find and book suitable appointments. 

Vaccination providers can save time by using VCF Connect to self-manage details on their vaccination services in VCF, including information about extended appointment times for paediatric vaccinations. All primary care sites nationally have now been on-boarded with VCF Connect.  

Instructions on how to register and update services will be sent to providers’ registration email. The information will come from CV19.Products@health.gov.au. Vaccination providers will be able to create the new vaccine service type in the VCF Connect from Wednesday 2 March. In addition, VCF Connect can be used to update whether a clinic is wheelchair accessible and its opening hours. 

For further questions, contact  CV19.Products@health.gov.au or 1800 316 375. 

CVAS 

The existing Moderna vaccine product will be maintained in the COVID-19 Vaccine Administrative System (CVAS), with sites having a single allocation. 

Important information for practices interested in administering 

  • Sites in the program, but not approved for Moderna 

As per the standing EOI open for all general practices interested in expanding their participation in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program, sites can indicate their interest through their PNH. Sites will receive an ongoing allocation of up to 400 doses of thawed Moderna per fortnight. Practices can order in batches of 100 doses up to their maximum allocation. There is no requirement to order the full allocation. Sites should only order what they need. 

  • New sites to the program 

As per existing arrangements, sites can apply via their PHN to join the COVID-19 Vaccination Program.  All sites participating in the Program, are onboarded for Astra Zeneca and Pfizer in the first instance. It is not compulsory to order all these vaccines if sites do not wish to administer them. 

Oral treatments for COVID-19 

First oral treatment for COVID-19, Lagevrio (molnupiravir) and Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir + ritonavir), are now available for eligible patients. The two treatments were provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on 18 January 2022. 
 
Lagevrio and Paxlovid have both been found to be effective in treating mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults aged 18 years of age and older, who do not require supplemental oxygen, and who are at increased risk of progression to hospitalisation or death.  
 
These medicines are available initially from the National Medical Stockpile for:  

  • residents of residential aged care facilities 

  • rural and remote communities particularly in regions with high Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, and  

  • state and territory governments for distribution to those at highest risk in the community, including people with disability.   

Working in partnership with the aged care sector, the Australian Government has preplaced Lagevrio®, a prescription only (S4) medicine which requires a prescription from a general practitioner, in residential aged care facilities. This will support timely administration to eligible patients, once prescribed by their usual doctor, pending a decision on listing of this treatment of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). 

The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce recommends Lagevrio® be considered for use as follows:   

  • within 5 days of symptom onset in adults with COVID-19 who do not require oxygen; and   

  • who are unvaccinated and have one or more risk factors for disease progression; or   

  • who are immunosuppressed or not immunocompetent regardless of vaccination status; or  

  • who have received one or two doses of vaccine and are at high risk of severe disease on the basis of age and multiple risk factors; and   

  • where other treatments (such as sotrovimab or nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir) are not suitable or available.    

Oral Solution Preparation for Lagevrio (Molnupiravir) 


While the recommendation to administer Lagevrio is to swallow the capsules, if this is not possible, and if alternative treatments are not available or not suitable, the manufacturer has advised that the procedure set out below allows preparation of an oral solution. Please note that this advice is based on preliminary data and should be limited to those circumstances where there is no other option.  

This is regarded as an “off label” use and it is recommended that this decision be documented in the patient record and consent should be obtained from the patient or their designated decision-maker for use of the treatment in this way. The instructions from the manufacturer are as follows: 

Dose Preparation  

  1. Open four capsules and transfer contents into a cup or syringe. Discard empty capsules per local procedures. 

  1. Add approximately 40 milliliters of water to the cup or syringe 

  1. Mix/stir the capsule contents and water for three minutes.  

  1. NOTE: Insoluble capsule contents may not dissolve completely. 

  1. Reconstituted solutions prepared according to directions may have visible undissolved particulates and are acceptable for oral administration. 

  1. Administration should occur as soon as possible after the preparation and no later than two hours after the preparation. 

Administration Procedure  

  1. Oral dose should be administered by staff wearing personal protective equipment required per local standards. 

  1. Stir the solution for one minute prior to administration to re-mix the suspension. 

  1. Follow local procedures for disposal of hazardous and/or biohazardous waste. 

  1. Wash hands following dose administration. 

Specific NG/OG Guidance  

  1. Mix/shake the administration syringe for one minute prior to administration to re-mix the suspension. 

  1. Flush NG/OG tube with five milliliters of water prior to administration. 

  1. Administer entire volume from the administration syringe. 

  1. Flush tube with five milliliters of water TWICE (10 milliters in total) after administration of the solution. 

Please note:  

  • Administration of Molnupiravir via an oral solution has not been evaluated in a clinical trial. 

  • There is limited experience with administration of oral solution via nasogastric / orogastric (NG/OG) tube. 

  • Molnupiravir is soluble in water and it is recommended to mix capsule contents with water before administration. 

  • Anyone preparing the solution should consider the risks of exposure (e.g. refer to the Product Information’s Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation). 

Primary care sites split into two tranches due to strong interest to Novavax  

Due to the level of interest across Australia from primary care sites wishing to administer Novavax, the interested primary care sites have been split into two tranches, for the first deliveries. Tranche 1 sites commenced receiving Novavax from the 21 February 2022, and Tranche 2 sites are expected to receive it from the 28 February 2022.  

Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has been included in the standing Expression of Interest open for all general practices interested in expanding their participation in the Program. 


ATAGI advice on vaccination after testing positive for COVID-19 

ATAGI statement on the use of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid)  

Resources on caring for COVID-19 patients in the community  

Medicare Support in Response to Omicron - GP and Other Medical Officer (OMP) Longer Telephone Consultation Factsheet– Information for the use of item numbers 92746 (for GPs) and 92747 (for OMPs). 

MBS COVID-19 Management Support Service Factsheet 

Managing COVID-19 at Home - Resources for patients and healthcare professionals 

With a highly vaccinated population, most COVID-positive people are unlikely to get severely unwell or require hospitalisation and will be able to manage their symptoms at home – where clinically safe and appropriate to do so. These tools can help people living with COVID to know what actions they may need to take and when they may need to seek further medical help.  

The Department of Health has also provided links to a range of clinical guidelines published by the RACGP and the National COVID-19 Evidence Taskforce to support GPs to manage and monitor their COVID-positive patients in the community. 

For everyone: 

National Coronavirus Hotline 

1800 020 080 

For information about COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccines – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Vaccine Clinic Finder  

Book a COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic near you that suits your needs. 

COVID Symptom Checker 

Find out if you need to get tested or seek medical help. 

Restriction Checker 

Find out what you can and can’t do in your state or territory. 

Managing Mild COVID-19 at Home with Assistance from your GP 

For patients who have tested positive to COVID-19 and are being cared for at home with assistance from their GP. 

Healthdirect Australia 

Guidance for people that have tested positive to COVID-19, including links to specific information for states and territories. 

Vaccine Side Effect Checker 

Check any side effects after your vaccination. 

For healthcare professionals: 

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) 

Information for GPs and their patients to manage their ongoing health and social issues amid the pandemic, including home-based care guidelines. These guidelines include: 

Guidelines for assessment and risk stratification of  COVID-positive people - National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce 

Evidence-based clinical guidelines for Australia’s healthcare professionals, including clinical flowcharts. 

Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) 

National advice and guidance for public health units responding to a notifiable disease event, including links to specific information for states and territories. 

Guidance on Ordering and PPE Distribution via PHNs 

For information on what PPE is available and how to order please contact your local PHN. 

Guidance on the use of PPE for Health Care Workers 

Guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers in the context of COVID-19. 

Videos on PPE Usage: 

Guidance on Community Care Pathways and Patient Escalation 

For information on how to escalate COVID-positive patients in your care, please contact your PHN for details of their community care pathway. 

Find your local Primary Health Network 

Consent forms  

  1. Consent form: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-consent-form-for-covid-19-vaccination  

  1. Information and consent form for parents and guardians of children aged 5 to 11 years: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-information-and-consent-form-for-parents-and-guardians-of-children-aged-5-to-11-years  

Patient information sheets 

  1. Information on AstraZeneca: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-information-on-covid-19-astrazeneca-vaccine  

  1. Information on Pfizer: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-information-on-comirnaty-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine  

  1. Information on Spikevax (Moderna): https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-information-on-spikevax-moderna-covid-19-vaccine  

  1. Information on Novavax: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-information-on-covid-19-nuvaxovid-novavax-vaccine  

  1. After your AstraZeneca: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-after-your-astrazeneca-vaccine  

  1. After your Pfizer: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-after-your-pfizer-comirnaty-vaccine  

  1. After your Spikevax (Moderna): https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-after-your-spikevax-moderna-vaccine  

  1. After your Novavax vaccine: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-after-your-nuvaxovid-novavax-covid-19-vaccination 

  1. Provider information on consent: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-consent-information-for-providers-covid-19-vaccination-consent-and-faqs  

  1. Frequently asked questions on the Taskforce Ivermectin recommendation: https://covid19evidence.net.au/wp-content/uploads/NC19CET-Ivermectin-FAQs-20210826.pdf  

Clinical guidance and decision guides  

  1. ATAGI Clinical guidance: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/advice-for-providers/clinical-guidance  

  1. Clinical recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/advice-for-providers/clinical-guidance/clinical-recommendations  

  1. COVID-19 vaccine doses and administration: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/advice-for-providers/clinical-guidance/doses-and-administration  

  1. Shared decision making guide – pregnancy: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-shared-decision-making-guide-for-women-who-are-pregnant-breastfeeding-or-planning-pregnancy  

  1. Shared decision making guide – frail older people: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-shared-decision-making-guide-for-frail-older-people-including-those-in-residential-aged-care-facilities   

  1. Shared decision making guide – palliative care: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-shared-decision-making-guide-for-people-receiving-palliative-care-or-end-of-life-care   

  1. Shared decision making guide – immunocompromise: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/atagi-covid-19-vaccination-shared-decision-making-guide-for-people-with-immunocompromise  

  1. Primary care guide on TTS: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-primary-care-approach-to-thrombosis-with-thrombocytopenia-syndrome-after-covid-19-astrazeneca-vaccine  

  1. Provider information – TTS: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-information-for-immunisation-providers-on-thrombosis-with-thrombocytopenia-syndrome-tts-following-covid-19-vaccination   

  1. Patient information – TTS: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/patient-information-sheet-on-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-and-thrombosis-with-thrombocytopenia-syndrome-tts  

  1. COVID-19 vaccination – Guide to engage and support aged care workers to get a COVID-19 vaccine: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-guide-to-engage-and-support-aged-care-workers-to-get-a-covid-19-vaccine  

Resources for doctors working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients 

  • Updated guidance on TGA advertising restrictions, explaining how you can inform your patients about different vaccine brands availability in your clinic. This includes social, posters and web content. 

  • A video animation in plain English that could be sent to your patients’ emails or used in your clinic waiting room explaining what to expect on your vaccination day, side effects and the need for two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.  

Resources for doctors about pregnancy  

Resources for doctors about immunocompromise 

Existing resources 

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 (AEDT). 

Related topics

General Practice General Practitioner
More across the AMA
AMA Queensland CEO and President
News
Latest wins: President and CEO update - December 2024
Dr Danielle McMullen at APH
News
Australia’s mental healthcare system failing those who need it most
Payroll tax exemption for GPs in motion
Correspondence
Payroll tax exemption for GPs in motion
Image of happy young girl with teddy bear in medical practice
Media release
Payroll tax exemption for GPs welcome