Hello and thank you for listening to this month’s update.

It’s hard to believe we’ve reached August already – and unfortunately lockdown across Greater Sydney continues! Sadly, it looks like this will continue for some time, with some predicting an end in October/November. Let’s hope the formula of ‘stay at home, wear a mask, practise social distancing and get vaccinated (with whatever you can get)’ can prevent even greater numbers of infection and death.

NSW Health is particularly focused on a speedy vaccine rollout, via both targeted distribution of Pfizer supplies (the red hot zones) and increased take-up of AstraZeneca in people aged 18–39.

Although pharmacists have joined us in the AstraZeneca rollout, we as GPs are in the unique position of being best placed to discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination in the context of each person’s health situation. Most significantly, we play a key role in explaining and addressing concerns about the serious but rare adverse reaction to the AstraZeneca vaccine, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). We can help prevent catastrophic outcomes when TTS does occur by empowering patients with knowledge about symptoms to watch out for and when to seek immediate medical review, including blood investigations (platelet count and D-dimer test). Please make sure everyone gets a handout with this information after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Please also use telehealth wherever possible during any lockdown – in particular, via video, as this can really add value over and above phone calls and assists with diagnosis and management for many conditions without needing face-to-face contact.

Finally, please join us online for this year’s RACGP NSW&ACT Member Meeting on 15 September. Our keynote speaker will be Professor Kay Wilhelm, a psychiatrist passionate about doctors’ wellbeing.

Remember, look after yourselves, your colleagues and your families – essential during this pandemic.