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Over the last four weeks there were 145 039 cases of COVID in the region. Please note that the actual number of cases is likely to be much more. For further information please go to Latest NSW COVID statistics.
People with a positive rapid antigen test are no longer required to obtain a PCR test to confirm this result. The NSW Premier announced last week that people aged 16 years or over must report their positive rapid antigen test result via the Service NSW app or their MyService NSW Account within 24 hours.
With the rapid increase in COVID cases it is critical that booster doses be provided especially to those who are vulnerable and have reduced immunity to COVID. A COVID-19 booster vaccination is now recommended for anyone aged 18 and older who completed their primary course 4 or more months ago. Spikevax (Moderna) can be used as a booster vaccine.
The rate of vaccination in young people aged 12-17 years is below that of the rest of the population. Here is a link to a factsheet with information on the COVID vaccine for teens and parents/guardians. The raising children website also has a useful section on COVID-19 vaccination and teenagers.
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has a helpful FAQ on COVID-19 and children. The Commonwealth Department of Health has also produced this resource for parents: How to speak to kids about COVID vaccination.
General practices and pharmacists are encouraged to review their patients and identify those who are unvaccinated or need a booster dose and arrange COVID-19 vaccination for them.
People are now able to access their COVID-19 booster three months after their second dose. It has been an option for primary care to implement this earlier if practical, in line with the ATAGI advice.
All primary care vaccination sites and state run clinics may provide boosters at 3 months if there are appointments available.
Please continue to prioritise high risk populations, older people, aged care residents, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, aged care, disability & health care workers, people with disability and those with underlying medical conditions.
Please continue with Pfizer 5-11 vaccinations as per normal, the changes to booster intervals do not change this cohort of the Program Roll-out.
The following resources are designed for people managing COVID at home:
NSW Health also has a COVID-19 care at home support line – phone 1800 960 933, 8.30 am to 8.30 pm, 7 days per week.
The MBS item number allowing patients a rebate for a phone attendance by a GP lasting at least 20 minutes has been temporarily restored until 30 June 2022.
With the increasing numbers of COVID cases, low risk immunised patients (the majority of people) are being asked to self-manage at home. People who test positive to COVID (via PCR test or who report their positive RAT test) are receiving an SMS from NSW Health and asked to complete a brief survey that identifies those patients considered high risk.
High risk patients will be managed by the local health district virtual care units.
See the flow chart (released 12 January 2022) from NSW Health on Caring for adults and children in the community with COVID-19 for a high level summary of the process.
Please refer to HealthPathways for the current definitions of low, medium and high risk. These definitions will be frequently updated and will differ between the two LHDs: see links below.
Check the pathways regularly as they will inevitably change.
The NSW Health COVID-19 Care at Home Support Line (1800 960 933) now includes a menu option (press 4), that allows calls from GPs for advice and support to be prioritised.
Distribution of pulse oximeters to patients identified as high risk is occurring via local health districts. CESPHN have access to a small supply. GPs with patients they believe require a pulse oximeter urgently are asked to email pulseoximeter@cesphn.com.au with their name and address and we will arrange delivery of an oximeter.Practices actively seeing moderate risk COVID positive patients can also be sent up to five pulse oximeters –due to shortages of these oximeters we will put your practice on a list and will send when available.
Some people in our community may not be able to access a GP or vaccination hub to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
The CESPHN Vax at Home Service is ONLY for those people who are housebound and not able to leave their house to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or booster (their carers will also be able to be vaccinated).
Patient self-referrals will NOT be accepted. Patients should speak with their GP for referral to this program if appropriate. Referrals will be accepted from general practitioners and from Local Health Districts.
Referrals for people who live in the Sydney Local Health District and South Eastern Sydney Local Health District can be emailed to vaxathomeservice@cesphn.com.au
Referrals should include:
This service is now operational and accepting referrals (please note there might be some delays as we respond to demand.
Vaccinating pharmacists
Pharmacists who are undertaking vaccinations may also receive a bundle of Personal Protective Equipment from our PHN that will support them for the next 4 weeks. Within this bundle each pharmacist is able to receive 90 N95 respirators and one set of goggles or a face shield. Following this initial bundle each pharmacist will be able to order N95 respirators until 31 March 2022. To order this PPE for your pharmacist click here.
General practice and community pharmacies
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) packages including surgical and N95/P2 masks, are available for community pharmacies and those GPs who continue to see their patients within their practices. PPE guidelines can be found here. CESPHN will continue to distribute these supplies. To order PPE for your practice or pharmacy click here.
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