COVID-19 update – 23 February 2022

COVID-19 cases in the region

Over the last four weeks there were 40,676 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.

Upcoming webinars

COVID Oral Antivirals: Is your patient suitable?

This webinar will provide practical advice for GPs who may need to prescribe the new COVID Oral Antivirals.
When: February 28, 2022 06:30 (AEDT)
Where: Online
Target Audience: GPs, Practice Nurses and Pharmacists
Register: Click link to join.

COVID-19 live stream update for GPs

Join the latest COVID-19 vaccine live stream update for GPs. The panel will provide latest key updates and answer participants’ questions live about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

When: Thursday 24 February 2022, 11.30 am (AEDT)
Where: Online
Target audience: GPs
Register: Click link to join.

Heathed webcast: COVID-ATAGI latest

Join Healthed for this webcast where Associate Professor Nigel Crawford will explain recent ATAGI decisions and advice on developments crucial to your practice. They will have a close look at the NOVAVAX and answer your frequently asked questions about it.

When: Tuesday, 1 March 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm (AEDT)
Where: Online
Target audience: Healthcare professionals
Register: Click here to register. 

Novavax update

Tranche 1 primary care sites commenced Novavax administration from 21 February 2022. Practices have received an allocation of 200 doses of Novavax per fortnight and will be able to request an increase in allocation after the first administration week. Tranche 2 sites will commence from the 28 February 2022.

Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has been included in the standing Expression of Interest open for all general practices interested in expanding their participation in the Program. 

Moderna for those aged 6+ 

ATAGI has considered the TGA’s  advice and released a statement recommending that Moderna COVID-19 vaccine can be used as a primary course of COVID-19 vaccination in people aged 6 years and older.

This means all primary care sites can commence administering Moderna to individuals aged 6 from 24 February 2022. General practices who are not yet administering Moderna vaccine, can email immunisation@cesphn.com.au to indicate your interest.

Compulsory Moderna Training Module

A new specific Moderna training module for children aged 6 years and older is currently in development and will be available in the coming weeks. Clinicians will be required to complete the updated training module prior to administering the Moderna vaccine to children aged 6 – 11.

Boosters for RACF workers 

On 15 February, ATAGI advised that three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are advised for residential aged care workers. The third dose is required to provide up to date protection against both infection and severe disease.

Merchandise available

New merchandise is available for primary care clinics who administer COVID-19 vaccines. To receive a package of national COVID-19 vaccine branded badges to give to patients after receiving their vaccination, email covidvaccinecomms@health.gov.au to place your order.

COVID-19 care in the community 

A reminder to check HealthPathways regularly for the latest updates on caring for COVID positive patients in the community. These have been updated to include information on the new oral antiviral treatments. 

• If your patient lives in South Eastern Sydney LHD use: South Eastern Sydney HealthPathways
  • COVID-19 case management full care 
• If your patient lives in Sydney LHD use: Sydney HealthPathways
  • COVID-19 Case Management

CESPHN Vax at Home Service 

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). 

The Vax at Home Service will accept referrals for people 16 years and over. For children 12-16 years with special circumstances and may require further support, referrals will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Patient self-referrals will NOT be accepted. Patients should speak with their GP for a referral to this program if appropriate. Referrals will be accepted from general practitioners and from Local Health Districts.

Referrals MUST be sent through this Vax at Home Service Online Form – for people who are housebound and reside in the Sydney Local Health District or South Eastern Sydney Local Health District regions.

For further information on the program, please email vaxathomeservice@cesphn.com.au.

Additional PPE available and pulse oximeters available

To order PPE for your practice or pharmacy click here. Distribution of pulse oximeters to patients identified as high risk is occurring via local health districts. We have access to a small supply of pulse oximeters.

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.

Please note: new ordering and delivery process

We have supplied PPE to general practices, community pharmacies and allied health via the Commonwealth’s National Medical Stockpile over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. However such supply was in response to normal PPE supply lines being disrupted by the pandemic.

The Commonwealth is commencing a more streamlined approach to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and pulse oximeter ordering, distribution and delivery. 

The new process will commence in the next 4 weeks: 

• PPE deliveries will be delivered directly from the National Medical Stockpile (NMS) to general practitioners and immunising pharmacists  (rather than via PHN)
• Orders will still occur via CESPHN through an updated online request form
• The Living with COVID PPE Bundle is intended to supply each practitioner with a 1 month supply of PPE (equivalent to 40 patient visits). If practitioners have a higher case load (i.e., over 40 patients), bundles can be ordered more frequently.

Eligibility criteria:

• PPE Bundle: GPs, ACCHSs and GPRCs willing to manage COVID positive patients face-to-face, until 30 June 2022
• Access to P2/N95 masks and eye protection: GPs and GPRCs willing to support COVID positive people virtually, and respiratory patients face-to-face until 31 March 2022 .

There will be a transition phase over the next 4 weeks while CESPHN manages and monitors current stock levels. The current request for PPE form on the CESPHN website will be updated to reflect the new process.

There will be some further requirements needed for ordering through this new process – please note so you can prepare:

• Provider numbers for GPs ordering will be required
• Sizes will be required for masks and gloves ordered for each practitioner
• You must agree that the details provided in the order form are true and accurate, and all eligible requirements have been met
• Ensure that consent has been obtained from each eligible practitioner for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information to the PHN, Logistics and Distribution Partners, and to Australian Department of Health for ordering, auditing and delivery purposes.  

See here further information – COVID-19 – Completing new PPE and pulse oximeter order form – GP, ACCHS and GPRCs.