COVID-19 vaccine rollout

The Department of Health has released Frequently Asked Questions in response to the recent vaccine roll-out. With the  COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy rollout underway in general practice ongoing access to up-to-date useful resources can be accessed via HealthPathways.

In preparation consider reviewing the following HealthPathways which provide the latest state and Commonwealth vaccination advice, plus local information and resources. Click on the links for access to the Illawarra Shoalhaven or ACT & SNSW COVID-19 vaccination information. Pathways available include:

• COVID-19 Vaccination Information
• COVID-19 Vaccination Procedure
• Preparing for COVID-1 Vaccination

Managing eligibility

A number of guidance documents are available to assist vaccine providers to make clinical decisions on who should receive the vaccine including the Australian Immunisation Handbook and the ATAGI clinical guidance on COVID-19 Vaccine in Australia. Further resources to assist with the phased priority groups, screening, assessment, and consent are available in the above HealthPathways.

Encourage patients to use the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker to find out when they can receive a COVID-19 vaccine, book an appointment if they are eligible, or register their interest.

You can also review the Eligibility declaration form for the patients receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring and reporting

The TGA encourages all health professionals and consumers to report suspected side effects following immunisation with COVID-19 Vaccines. Further information about how to report can be found here. You can also read weekly safety reports and alerts here.

It is mandatory to report serious or unexpected adverse events to the Public Health Unit. Click here for a summary of reporting requirements and pathways for adverse events identified following COVID-19 vaccination.