Summary
Date: 23 November 2021
The RACGP has provided a submission to the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) audit of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program.
The RACGP submission provides feedback on the vaccine rollout, addressing:
- funding for GPs to administer COVID-19 vaccines
- viability of participating in the vaccine rollout
- vaccination challenges for certain populations
- communication strategies
- changes to eligibility criteria
- vaccine distribution.
The RACGP hopes the lessons from the COVID-19 response will highlight the longstanding need for increased funding to be provided by all levels of government to support general practice, which will enable ongoing patient access to high quality, affordable care. This pandemic has highlighted the critical role that GPs play in Australia’s healthcare system. This must not be jeopardised due to inadequate funding and a lack of coordination.