COVID-19 update – 9 February 2022

COVID-19 cases in the region

Over the last four weeks there were 77,157 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.

Boosters for 16-17 year olds

From 3 February 2022, Australians aged 16 and 17 years old are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine, following recommendations from ATAGI. The booster dose for 16-17 year olds will be one dose of the adult Pfizer vaccine three months after their primary course. Adolescents who were 15 years old when they had their second COVID-19 vaccine, and are now 16 years old, will also be eligible for a booster dose.

Novavax vaccines can now be recorded on AIR

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has announced that Novavax is now approved for use in Australia and can have it recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). The Services Australia website lists the COVID-19 vaccines approved or recognised by the TGA that can be recorded on AIR as well as the AIR vaccine code formats.

Upcoming webinars:

COVID-19 live stream 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 10 February 2022, 11.30 am

Where: Online

Target audience: GPs

Register: Click link to join

Healthed webcast

Featured topics and experts in this free webcast:

• COVID Update: Prof Nancy Baxter
• Covid, Cancer Patients and Vaccination: Prof John Boyages AM
• Triple Therapy – When is it Appropriate, When is it Not?: Prof Hubertus Jersmann
• The Art and Science of Antipsychotic Prescribing: Dr Prachi Brahmbhatt

When: Tuesday, 15 February 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Where: Online

Target audience: GPs and Practice Nurses

Register: Click here to register.

COVID infection prevention triage and risk management in general practice

Join us for a pandemic infection prevention and control update, presented by Margaret Jennings, a microbiologist, antimicrobial, infection prevention and educator.

When: Tuesday, 22 February 7.00 pm – 8.15 pm
Where: Online
Target audience: GPs, nurses, practice manager and staff working in general practice

Register: Click here to register.

Disability care guidance

New information has been released by the Clinical Excellence Commission to help determine the risk to disability workers, residents and visitors in disability group homes when there has been contact with someone with COVID-19. The Interim Guidance to support assessment of workers, residents and visitors in Residential Disability Care contains a framework to support safe decision making when determining whether to place restrictions on a worker after an exposure, and part two looks at risk determination for residents and visitors.

Head to Health

Head to Health has been developed to support the mental health of people in NSW, of all ages. People (and GPs and other mental health providers) can call 1800 595 212 to speak to a trained professional who will give them advice, and if required, connect them to the best support or service. You can call 1800 595 212 Monday to Friday, 8.30 am – 5.00 pm (except public holidays). If you have patients who are experiencing anxiety about the current Omicron outbreak, or about their children going back to school, please tell them about Head to Health or call the hotline on their behalf. Face-to-face appointments are available, if needed, at the Head to Health Pop Ups in Hurstville or Lakemba. Click here for more information.

Client testimonial

“My journey started when I was 28. I was in the darkest time of my life where no one believed me and said that it was all in my head. I wanted the support from the hospital and the professional support team, but I kept getting sent home…Once they had me in my therapy, they changed my doctor and she put everything together. The head nurse at the hospital found Head to Health.”

The client was referred to the Hurstville pop up. “I felt very welcomed and supported. Finding out I was able to talk to someone who had lived experience of what I was going through made me feel a lot more calm, relaxed and supported. The team were able to calm me down and reassure me that I was going to be ok, and guide me through how to manage the situation before my mental health gets worse. I would recommend this program because you get the support and reassurance you need to be able to manage and cope with your mental health and you don’t have to pay a cent.”

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.

• 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

Advice for confirmed cases of COVID-19

The advice for confirmed cases of COVID-19 factsheet has now been translated into 43 languages to support more members of the community by providing clear information. This factsheet, which provides advice on how to manage COVID-19 safely at home and guidance on isolation, is the main source of information for people who test positive to COVID-19.

Accessing pulse oximeters

Distribution of pulse oximeters to patients identified as high risk is occurring via local health districts. CESPHN 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.

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 (no referrals) on the program, please email vaxathomeservice@cesphn.com.au

Additional PPE available

To order PPE for your practice or pharmacy click here.  Please note ordering arrangements for PPE will soon change and we will provide further advice next week.