The COVID-19 vaccination program continues on the North Coast, with a small number of sites offering vaccinations to residents this week.
Healthy North Coast is working closely with the Commonwealth Department of Health (DoH) to support Healthcare Australia (HCA) in this extensive logistical exercise. Of the sites that have been vaccinated, there have been excess doses and, as a result, we have seen 12 staff receive the Comirnaty vaccine. General practitioners working in RACFs are also eligible to receive an excess dose if available on the day.
- DoH has been responsive with additional supports for the vaccination program implementation, including:
- Sonic Healthcare is now working with HCA in getting the vaccination program rolled out.
- All the Primary Health Networks are now officially working with HCA and supporting communications with RACFs.
- DoH has set up a Vaccination Operations Centre (VOC) that will be a point of contact for vaccine management, i.e. deliveries and expected time of arrivals.
- Adverse event reporting remains routine through the Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 or by email to [email protected] using the TGA AEFI case notification form.
- Additional services and resources to support the vaccination program include:
- Immunisation Specialist Services have been set up to provide support with any presenting complaints in relation to the vaccine. The service provides guidance on investigation, management and reporting requirements.
- The RACF Vaccination Preparation Kit resources continue to be updated. A new fact sheet is available: COVID-19 decision guide for frail older people in RACFs.
- RACF staff vaccinations: staff (and GPs) are not being vaccinated routinely during this round of visits that are focused on residents. To our knowledge, staff will still be done later in phase 1a.
Speak with your Primary Health Coordinator if you have any questions or require further information.