Smoothing out vaccine supply bumps to ensure access for all
Healthy North Coast has been working closely with general practices to ensure North Coast communities have timely access to COVID-19 vaccines. Transfers of vaccines between general practices has been a key strategy to ensure areas on the North Coast with high demand are able to meet this need by sharing vaccine from areas with lower demand. To date we have
Vaccination rates climbing steadily
COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to rise steadily across the North Coast. As at 26 September, 79% of people aged 16 years and over had received their first vaccine dose and 49% were fully vaccinated. Wondering how your local government area is tracking for first and second dose COVID-19 vaccinations? Take a look at our North Coast snapshot. Click to enlarge Overall rates in the region
Advice for COVID-19 contacts
The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve across the region, with confirmed COVID-19 cases in both Northern NSW and the Mid North Coast. A number of venues of concern have been listed. It is important to check if you, your family or your staff have: visited a venue of concern been in contact with someone who
Increase general practice preparedness for potential COVID-19 closure and emergency
As our region faces increased community transmission and the state prepares to open up, it is vital that general practices have clear COVID-19 outbreak and emergency plans and protocols in place. To help you and your staff prepare, Primary Care Impact has launched two new pages: Increase preparedness to manage the impact of a potential
RACF outbreak preparedness
Activities are continuing in order to ensure coordinated responses to a COVID-19 outbreak in a residential aged care facility (RACF). The federal/state-level meeting this week with the NSW primary health sector focused on continuity of care for both GPs and allied health, with these discussions still in early stages. Meetings took place this week with
Vaccine Clinic Finder revamp as Moderna comes online
COVID-19 vaccine supplies have doubled across the North Coast this month, with a boost to Pfizer supplies and Moderna vaccine now available at many pharmacies. It’s also now easier for people to make a vaccination appointment by visiting the newly updated online Vaccine Clinic Finder (previously called the Vaccine Eligibility Checker). Participating general practices, Commonwealth
New resources available on how to prove COVID-19 vaccination status
With the easing of restrictions, all members of the community will need help in proving their COVID-19 vaccination status. Services Australia (the umbrella department for Medicare, Centrelink and other Australian Government services) has developed resources you can share with your patients. There are flyers, posters, social media, CALD, Aboriginal and video resources available on the
Recording batch numbers for COVID-19 vaccines
Under the Australian Immunisation Register Act 2015 (AIR Act), it is mandatory for all vaccination providers to report any COVID-19 vaccinations administrated on or after 20 February 2021 to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), including: personal information: Medicare number (if applicable), name, contact details, date of birth, gender vaccine information: brand name, dose number and
RACF COVID-19 outbreaks in a vaccinated world
How will a residential aged care facility outbreak look when the majority of staff and residents are vaccinated? During the Victorian residential aged care facility (RACF) outbreaks in 2020, the transmission statistics revealed that 13% of cases were residents and 15% were staff. The mortality rate was in the hundreds. Currently in NSW, there are
North Coast continues trajectory to 70% jab target
The North Coast is continuing its trajectory towards having 70% of the eligible population vaccinated against COVID-19. The latest figures, as of 12 September, show 69% of the target population have had their first vaccine dose, while 40% have had their second. First dose vaccination is just over the national average of 68% but lower than the State
Managing the risk of COVID-19 exposure in general practice
As community transmission of COVID-19 becomes more common, it is time for practices to consider their COVID plans and protocols for managing the risk of exposure. Our Healthy North Coast COVID-19 information page for health professionals has added: renewed advice on PPE from the Australian Government comprehensive manual on infection control from NSW Health. It’s
Applications open for additional COVID-19 vaccination providers
As part of Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout program, businesses are now able to team up with vaccination providers to administer jabs to staff at their workplace. The Australian Government is requesting tenders for the Vaccine Administration Partners Program. The program will establish a panel of accredited COVID-19 vaccination providers that can be accessed by government
