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COVID-19 vaccine booster program has officially started
Though many practices have already started administering COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, the booster program officially started yesterday (8 November).
ATAGI recommendations for boosters:
- Pfizer is recommended as a single booster dose, no matter which vaccine was administered as the primary course (some provisions for use of AstraZeneca are outlined).
- The booster dose can be administered from six months after completing the primary course.
- A booster dose is not currently recommended for people under 18 years of age.
- The booster dose can be co-administered with the influenza vaccine.
- Severely immunocompromised patients who receive a third dose as part of their primary course are not currently recommended to have a fourth dose.
Clinical guidance, the consent form for COVID-19 vaccination and the COVID-19 vaccination training program modules have been updated accordingly.
Updated clinical resources
The Department of Health has recently updated a number of clinical resources, including:
Expressions of interest open to administer Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in general practice
If your practice would like to administer the Moderna vaccine (in addition to AstraZeneca and Pfizer), an expression of interest process is now open via your Primary Health Network (PHN).
Initial allocation will be 200 doses per fortnight (although you may be able to receive more or receive frozen vaccine if you are in a rural or remote area) and distribution will begin mid-late November.
If your practice is interested, notify your PHN.
Find your local PHN
Updates to the Vaccine Clinic Finder
Based on user feedback, the Department of Health and Healthdirect Australia are continuing to simplify the Vaccine Clinic Finder to help consumers access COVID-19 vaccines. This includes updated advice on third doses for immunocompromised people and booster doses (based on ATAGI recommendations).
The Vaccine Clinic Finder remains the most popular online channel to find and book a COVID-19 vaccination. It is the only place that offers real-time appointment availability and connection to clinic booking platforms, helping vaccine providers maximise their vaccine appointments and streamlining the booking process for consumers.
To check that your practice’s available appointments are listed in the Vaccine Clinic Finder, contact your PHN representative.
Find a vaccine clinic
Webinar: COVID-19 vaccination rollout – Supporting diverse communities and vaccines for children
| Date: |
Thursday 25 November 2021 |
| Time: |
7:00 - 8:00 pm (AEST) |
| Venue: |
Online |
| Cost: |
Free |
Register now
Join our webinar series on the unique challenges being faced in the COVID vaccine rollout.
This first webinar will address the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and help you engage with culturally and linguistically diverse patients. It’ll also cover:
- vaccinating children
- discussing vaccine evidence
- addressing parent hesitancy
- handling challenges of vaccination in people with cognitive disabilities.
See all webinars in the series
MBS COVID-19 Management Support Service
A new MBS item was introduced on 8 November 2021 to support medical practitioners providing treatment to COVID-19-positive patients.
GPs and other medical practitioners can access MBS item 93715 when they provide a clinically relevant in-person service to a patient who has recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 following positive laboratory PCR testing. The service cannot be delegated to another health professional.
The item can only be claimed in conjunction with another eligible MBS item, including standard in-person business and after-hours general attendance items, urgent after-hours items and residential aged care facility attendance items.
Item 93715 is not location-specific and is not restricted to services provided at consulting rooms. However, it cannot be provided in conjunction with telehealth services.
The item will be available until 30 June 2022. Visit MBS Online for more information
MBS online