COVID Bulletin - 14 December 2021



National news


RACGP Bulletin

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These bulletins contain the latest updates on COVID-19 and the national rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in Australia.

These updates are current as at Tuesday 14 December 2021.

The RACGP’s COVID-19 vaccine information for GPs and COVID-19 information for GPs webpages are updated as new information becomes available.

National updates

RACGP advocacy: Permanent telehealth funding

Following strong advocacy from the RACGP, the Federal Government yesterday announced ongoing, permanent funding for telehealth consultations in general practice. The $308.6 million in funding that was announced includes $106 million over four years for permanent telehealth, as well as other initiatives to support primary care.

     Read the RACGP's media release     

 

COVID-19 vaccinations through general practice

As of 11 December 2021, 40,166,894 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Australia, 20,261,089 of which were administered through general practice, equating to 50% of all vaccines administered.

 

Use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 5–11 years

ATAGI recommendations

Following recent provisional approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), ATAGI has released recommendations on the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use in children aged 5–11 years.

The recommended dose for this age group is 10 µg (0.2 mL), which is a third of the recommended 30 µg dose for people aged 12 years and older. A different, orange-capped vial will be used for paediatric doses.

The recommendations include:

  • all children aged 5–11 years should be vaccinated with the paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine  children who have previously had COVID-19 can receive the paediatric dose after recovering from their illness or vaccination can be deferred for up to six months
  • the schedule for vaccination in this age group is two doses, eight weeks apart – the interval can be shortened in special circumstances to a minimum of three weeks, such as in an outbreak response, prior to the initiation of significant immunosuppression or international travel
  • children who turn 12 after their first dose may receive the adolescent/adult formation of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to complete their primary vaccine course
  • the paediatric vaccine can be co-administered with other vaccines.

Boosters are not yet recommended for this age group.

     Read the recommendations     

 

Commencement and ordering stock

General practices and other vaccine providers will be able to administer the paediatric vaccines from 10 January 2022.

You are now able to place orders for paediatric vaccine stock through the COVID-19 Vaccine Administrative System and will have an allocation of 100–200 thawed doses each fortnight.

The Department of Health (DoH) has distributed a letter to practices inviting them to participate in the paediatric vaccine rollout and providing important information about next steps.

     Read the DoH letter     

 

Funding

Funding for paediatric vaccine administration is as per adult populations. Eligible practices can claim the $10 Practice Incentive Program payment if the child receives both vaccines at the same practice. You can find more information on MBS funding on the RACGP website.

 

Training and education

The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre is hosting a webinar to provide a theoretical overview of delivering vaccines to the paediatric population and address key considerations for immunising a paediatric population, including:

  • age-appropriate positioning for safe vaccination
  • distraction tools for different age groups
  • communication and consent
  • recognition of adverse events following immunisation and how they may present in a paediatric population
  • required documentation
  • identifying anatomical landmarks and correct sites for injection in infants and children
  • strategies to manage challenging immunisation encounters.

GP members can self-report three CPD points for attending this webinar.

 

COVID-19 vaccine booster updates

Use of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine as a booster vaccine

Following the TGA’s provisional approval of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for use as a booster dose in people aged 18 years and older, ATAGI has released recommendations on its use as part of the booster program.

Recommendations include that:

  • using the Moderna vaccine (50 µg) as a booster dose in people aged 18 years and older five months after completion of a primary course of a COVID-19 vaccine registered or recognised by the TGA
  • the Modern (50 µg) and Pfizer vaccines are equally acceptable as a booster vaccine, including for pregnant women
  • severely immunocompromised people who are receiving a third primary dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine should receive a 100 µg dose, noting that a booster dose of any COVID-19 vaccine is not yet recommended for this cohort.

     Read the recommendations and background    

 

Booster doses now available five months after completion of primary course

Following the emergence of the Omicron variant, ATAGI has released updated recommendations on the timing of booster vaccinations. ATAGI now recommends people aged 18 years and older receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose five or more months after completing their primary course.

     Read the recommendations and background      

 

Handling consent refusal by people presenting for vaccination

The DoH has released new guidance for vaccine providers on handling consent refusal. Instances of consent refusal may include when a person’s employment depends on vaccination but the person does not provide informed consent when presenting for vaccination.

The guidance includes talking points for when a person is demonstrating vaccine consent refusal.

     Access the guidelines     

 

Updated patient resource: Managing COVID-19 at home with assistance from your general practice

The RACGP has published an updated resource for patients with COVID-19, Managing COVID-19 at home with assistance from your general practice.

This updated resource provides key information for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are being cared for at home with assistance from their GP, and covers:

  • how to stay safe while isolating at home with COVID-19
  • how to check their oxygen, heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature
  • what to do at the end of their isolation period
  • an action plan to be developed with their GP
  • a daily symptom diary they can complete and discuss with their GP during telehealth consults.

     Read the guide             Access all RACGP COVID-19 resources     

 

Quick clinician survey on COVID-19 for policy impact

The Australian National University (ANU) Medical School's general practice unit is leading the Australian arm of an international research for policy project. This rolling survey tracks the response and capacity of primary care to deal with COVID-19, as well as the pandemic's ongoing impact on ‘usual’ general practice.

Summary snapshots of previous rounds of the survey are available on the ANU website (refer to ‘Documents & reports’ at the bottom of the page).

The 17th survey is now open and closes on Friday 17 December 2021.

     Complete the survey     

Victoria updates

Special bulletin (7 December) for COVID-19 vaccine providers:
  • Vaccination at home, first and second doses – anyone can now get their first or second COVID-19 vaccination at home by calling the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 (for an interpreter, press 0)
  • Booking a booster dose – COVID-19 booster doses are available from local GPs and pharmacists; the Vaccine Clinic Finder can be used to locate the nearest option
The RACGP does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage that may result from reliance on, or the use of, any information contained in this newsletter.

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