News

May COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic update

Published 31 May 2021

 


COVID-19 vaccines and eligibility and vaccine options

  • People aged 40 to 49: The Queensland Government is allowing people in this age bracket to register their interest to get a COVID-19 vaccine at this link.
  • Phase 1a or Phase 1b people under 50:
    • will be prioritised for the Pfizer vaccine (this is across all phases);
    • can receive the Pfizer vaccine at Queensland-operated Pfizer clinics; and
    • from 17 May 2021, can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at a participating general practice.
  • People in phases 1a and 1b can still receive Pfizer vaccinations, but it is only available in a Queensland Health vaccination location, e.g. hospitals.
  • Phase 2a of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout: The only recipient group is over 50s
  • People 50 years and over:
    • are prioritised to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine;
    • AstraZeneca is accessible at participating general practices (amongst other locations); and
    • is the only recipient group in Phase 2a of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout (start date: 17 May 2021).

COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 1b: Where to direct your queries

Most relevant to those GPs in the Brisbane North Public Health Network (but has utility outside of this geography to a large extent too), has produced an excellent resource for general practice which provides a directory of sorts for a broad range of inquiries GPs might have relating to COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 1B, find it at this link. We encourage you to use this.

Expansion of COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

The Australian Government announced on 27 May 2021, it is broadening participation in the COVID-10 Vaccination Program for AstraZeneca vaccinations, through general practices to up to 900 extra sites through an Expression of Interest (EOI).  The EOI extends to all general practices not currently participating in it. 

However, practices will be prioritised for selection based on:

  • location;
  • access for vulnerable population groups; and
  • accreditation status: NIP-accredited practices are the highest priority followed by practices pending NIP accreditation, followed by practices currently administering vaccines within the NIP.

For further information, click on this link.

Practical resources for running COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

  • AstraZeneca is the only COVID-19 vaccine general practices are currently administering to patients.
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics can plan bookings in advance and make appointments available across the entire 12-week period of the program.
  • On 25 May 2021 the Australian Government updated its COVID-19 vaccination consent form.
  • On 21 May 2021 the Australian Government released new information to assist GPs with ‘Talking to patients about AstraZeneca vaccine’
  • The Australian Government has announced that participating primary care vaccination sites may choose to transfer AstraZeneca vaccines from one participating site to another, for reasons including but not limited to:
    • to support unmet demand at another site;
    • an oversupply of vaccine stock on hand; or
    • unused stock following withdrawal from the COVID-19 Vaccination Program.

​​​​​​​Read more

New Community-based Vaccination Hubs

On 24 May 2021, the Queensland Government has announced that it will open 14 community-based vaccination hubs by the end of July 2021.  Members of the general public aged 40-49, interested in COVID-19 Pfizer vaccination will be able to register for vaccination.

Four of the 14 community-based vaccination locations have been determined which are across the Wide Bay and Mackay regions at:

  • Central Queensland University City Campus (Mackay)
  • Bundaberg TAFE
  • Hervey Bay TAFE
  • Maryborough City Hall
  • the rest will be announced in the coming weeks.

Regional GP Grants

Regional practices could benefit from COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program, please check the practice’s eligibility on our website at this link and to find out more and check your practice’s eligibility for this grant, please visit the Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program.