(MENAFN – The Conversation) Phase 1B of Australia ‘s COVID-19 vaccine rollout has begun today, after some setbacks.
Last week the federal government unveiled the premature national online registration system, which went live before GPs expected it. Practices have been overshadowed by phone calls since then, despite the fact that many have yet to receive a supply of COVID vaccines.
In addition, severe weather and flooding are expected to disrupt outbreaks in New South Wales.
But as of today, around 1,000 doctor clinics have received supplies and can begin to receive appropriate Australian vaccinations.
Just over six million Australians are eligible for the vaccine at this stage. This includes Aboriginal people over 55, non-Aboriginal people over 70, key workers such as the police and firefighters, and unvaccinated health care workers at level 1A. You can take the federal government’s online test to find out if you qualify, and if not, when you will.
Check the ‘reservation system’ for relevant GPs
Common use of only the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is part of this phase. Pfizer vaccines will continue to be provided through workplaces and age care facilities, for those in category 1A. There is no plan to dispense these through GPs at this stage.
To administer the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, GPs go through a rigorous application process, and not all centers have chosen to do so. Of the approximately 6,600 certified practices in Australia, only about two-thirds provide COVID vaccines. The federal government hopes that up to 4,000 clinics will deliver the vaccine by the end of April.
You can find out which GP is closest to you who provides them through the national online registration system. However, despite being called a ‘retention system’, it simply provides you with contact information for approved GPs in your area. It is then planned to contact you. You will receive the ‘book a place’ button after completing the eligibility quiz.
But before you pick up the phone, please understand…
All participating GP clinics currently receive a limited supply of AstraZeneca vaccines, approximately 50-400 per week. It is likely to take months at this stage to vaccinate communities. Unfortunately, there is currently not enough supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the country to do this more quickly.
We currently only have what we have ingested, which is around 700,000 doses, despite hopes for 3.8 million by this time.
However, local manufacturing will soon rise. On Sunday the Therapeutic Commodity Administration (TGA) approved the domestic version of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is manufactured by Melbourne-based biotechnology company CSL.
It is just the same vaccine, but TGA approval was required to ensure that the local version is made according to the European one. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said he expected CSL to begin delivering the vaccine in the coming days. The goal is for CSL to eventually deliver a million doses a week.
One positive aspect of this slow startup is that it allows doctors to incorporate vaccine administration into their normal workflow. Most of the common practices of small, private businesses who want to continue are to provide existing services in addition to the vaccine. So there is time to put systems and processes in place.
The key message is to see this as a marathon and not a sprint. Be patient, and your time will come!
The Conversation, CC BY You will not need any extra doctor’s appointments before you are vaccinated
The good news is that you can get your COVID vaccine from any GP clinic that has agreed to give it to them, as long as you are eligible for the plan to distribute it. Even if the GP giving the COVID vaccine is not your regular doctor, you do not need to see them for a separate consultation beforehand.
Before you can be given the COVID vaccine you must also give it consent, either orally or in writing. A standard consent form lists medical conditions and risks you should consider, and is available in a number of languages. Many users will email this in advance, post it on their website, and / or have hard copies on the site.
Read more: Can I choose the vaccine I receive? What if I have allergies or side effects? Key questions on COVID vaccine distribution answered
If you are aware that you have any questions or concerns while reading the consent form, instead of keeping the vaccine you should be ordered to speak to them with a GP, second some yours or the one who gives you the vaccine. Please note that many vaccines are given by vaccine nurses, always with on-site GPs. A useful blog can be found here to help you get ready for the vaccination, written by GPs.
When you qualify, you can book a place with a GP who has supplies. It would be best to check out their website before contacting them to see their preferred registration methods. Help them follow their suggestions. And be patient with the receptionists who are trying to balance this greater workload!
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