GPs can register to administer Pfizer vaccine

For many months, we have advocated for GPs to be able to administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Today, the Federal Government has opened expressions of interest (EOIs) to general practices currently approved to deliver AstraZeneca to also administer the Pfizer vaccine.

It is anticipated that all participating general practices will be given the opportunity to administer Pfizer by October 2021. A limited number of practices may be invited to commence from July in areas of need, and for priority populations, based on vaccine supply.

On 24 May 2021, the Therapeutic Goods Administration approved an application from Pfizer Australia to change the current storage conditions for its COVID-19 vaccine. This change extends the approved storage period of unopened thawed vials at 2 - 8˚C at the point of use for up to 31 days and enables greater flexibility in storage, transport and deployment of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine through increased points of presence across Australia.

Minimum doses will be 150 per week total (for first and second doses) with an expected average allocation to general practices of 300 Pfizer total doses (for first and second doses) per week in addition to their existing AstraZeneca allocation.

Expression of Interest

Primary Health Networks (PHNs) will coordinate this process within their regions, with general practices asked to confirm that they: 

• are interested in administering both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines;
• have capacity to administer both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines; and
• meet the Pfizer site requirements.

Practices will also be asked to indicate whether they could commence administering Pfizer by July 2021, if invited to do so. There is no closing date to the EOI, however, to be considered as part of the small number of practices for a potential start in July, practices must indicate their interest to their PHN by midnight Thursday 10 June 2021. Contact your local PHN for more details.