Remember when you’d have done ANYTHING not to be at school on vaccination day? How things have changed. Now we’re scrambling to get in line for the hallowed shot.
The questions on everyone’s mind are, ‘How do we get everyone vaccinated by October?’ and ‘What exactly will the general practice army be doing in the battle against COVID-19?’
After indefatigable advocacy from the RACGP and our President, Dr Karen Price, the AstraZeneca vaccine will be available in any approved general practice, and we expect unaccredited practices to get the green light, too (they were vaccinating perfectly before this pandemic). GPs in emergency departments, respiratory clinics, residential aged care facilities and testing sites are eligible for phase 1a – firmly insist if you receive a dubious look from a vaccinator.
Currently, only (relatively) a small amount of the vaccine is available, but that will change, hopefully quickly. Many Victorian general practices are finalising their vaccination action plans. However, we face several challenges:
- Vaccinating vulnerable populations
- Managing vaccine hesitancy
- Building our vaccinating capacity
RACGP Victoria has spent hours on these and other vaccine conundrums with the Victorian Department of Health, which has actively sought our advice and ideas.
By next month, I hope to have updates on GP capacity building, mobilisation and support for tackling vaccine hesitancy. I want to ask you all to consider this call to arms:
the Victorian Department of Health is asking for GP champions to help manage vaccine hesitancy and limited access to vaccine information in vulnerable populations. A big thank you to those who have already kindly offered to assist.
If you belong to one of the following communities or speak one of the languages of or have trusting relationship with vulnerable populations, contact Kon Kakris to become a champion.
Communities
- Assyrian
- Burmese
- Pasifika
- Somali
- Sudanese
Anita Muñoz
RACGP Victoria Chair