The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is calling on the federal Government to urgently clarify details concerning changes to AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and provide greater support for the nation’s GPs.
It comes following last night’s announcement that patients aged under 60 can receive the vaccine as the Government looks to speed up the vaccine rollout amid a potential national outbreak.
Based on the comments of the Prime Minister on Monday evening – anyone aged between 18 and 39, who is not currently eligible for a Pfizer vaccine, can now seek an AstraZeneca vaccination from their GP. To receive the vaccine, patients must weigh up the risks and benefits and provide informed consent.
The Government also announced that a no-fault professional indemnity scheme will be introduced for the nation’s GPs and other vaccine providers. The scheme covers COVID-19 vaccines approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and approved for use in the vaccine program, including the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is provisionally approved for anyone 18 and over.
Whilst the news is welcome, RACGP President Dr Karen Price said that general practice needs notice when changes are made that impact on the ability of GPs to provide patients with up-to-date information.
“The nation’s general practices had no warning of the announcements made last night and are now scrambling to figure out what this means for our patients,” she said.
“Phones are ringing off the hook at general practices across the country with people trying to book in, but general practices are not yet armed with the advice needed to implement this change in eligibility.
“Unfortunately, this is not the first time this has happened to general practice.
“It occurred with the launch of the vaccine booking site and the multiple changes made to age eligibility for the AstraZeneca vaccine. It makes the job of GPs that much harder when we are trying to get as many of our patients vaccinated as quickly as we can.
“We are then left with the task of trying to explain to our patients what changes have taken place as well as managing those who are taking their frustrations out on receptionists who are doing their best in very challenging circumstances.
“This is a significant alteration to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, and it is vital that general practice is given significant time and support from the federal Government to implement these changes. That includes sufficient stock of the vaccine and guidance for GPs and general practice staff.
“Clear and early communication with general practice is a requirement so that GPs and staff can navigate how these changes affect them and their patients. We have a mammoth task ahead of us and many GPs and staff are already feeling fatigued from facing the many difficulties encountered during this vaccine rollout.”
The RACGP President said that the Government also needed to clarify how the changes to AstraZeneca eligibility would work in practice.
“This morning, patients are ringing up general practices and being told different information because no one knows exactly how this will work,” she said.
“Some general practices are understandably not taking any bookings until they receive official government advice. Other general practices are still basing their advice on the recommendation that people under 60 should wait to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
“It is also unclear whether patients 40 and under, can receive this vaccine via state-based vaccination hubs. We have been told this will be a decision for each state and territory.
“The federal Government needs to clearly communicate with general practice so that we can effectively manage our patients and get jabs in arms as quickly as possible. This information needs to be made available to the general public right away.”
Dr Price urged everyone to be patient and understanding.
“We are pleased that the new Medicare Benefits Schedule items for vaccine counselling announced recently, which previously only applied to patients aged over 50, will be expanded to all patients, irrespective of age. This will go some way in supporting GPs in having these discussions with patients,” she said.
“Receptionists will once again be on the receiving end of patients taking out their anxiety and frustrations about yet another change to AstraZeneca eligibility. My message to them is to please keep doing your best because general practice is the backbone of the vaccine rollout and we need you on the frontline.
“Keep up the great work and let’s work together to get as many jabs in arms as quickly as possible.”