This post is not the latest immunisation update and therefore may contain information or advice that is out of date. Please see our most recent update here.
Practices NOT currently participating in Phase 1b rollout
Practices who are not currently participating in Phase 1b COVID-19 vaccine rollout may be asked by their patients to provide proof so they can access the vaccine from another practice. The following records may be relied upon as evidence:
My Health Record – Shared Health Summary
a written referral from GP
a printout of an individual’s medical history, or chronic disease care plan
The easiest way for the practice to do this (and to meet one of the requirements for ePIP at the same time) is to upload a Shared Health Summary to the patients My Health Record. This can then be accessed by the vaccine clinic, as well as be seen by the patient (via MyGov) if they need to provide any details of their illness or eligibility.
How do I upload a Shared Health Summary? Click below for a simple demonstration:
Practices should confirm that proof of eligibility meets one of the accepted types for the first dose and make a simple record of proof. This is not required for the second dose as long as the first dose is registered in Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
If you are providing a COVID-19 vaccine to a patient who does not regularly attend your practice, you can access the information within the My Health Record to check for any medical history, allergies or medication history.
You should also check a patient’s vaccination history on AIR to confirm appropriate interval between a doses of COVID-19 vaccine and/or of seasonal influenza vaccine are observed.
How can I look at a patients My Health Record? Watch these simple MHR: video guides
Further support
Need help? Contact the digital health team digitalheath@cesphn.com.au If your practice would like to register for My Health Record or receive support in utilising the My Health Record system
COVID-19 vaccine training – update
Significant updates have occurred in to the COVID-19 vaccination training program on Friday 9 April. Module progress and completion have not been affected.
Immunisation providers are expected to login and view the new information. A summary of the updates can be found in the announcement forum. All changes within the modules are identified by ‘NEW’ in red.”
“IMPORTANT – ATAGI have released new recommendations for AstraZeneca:
The COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer (COMIRNATY) is preferred over the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in adults aged under 50 years, who have not already had a first dose of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca can be used in adults aged under 50 years where the benefits are likely to outweigh the risks for that individual and the person has made an informed decision based on an understanding of the risks and benefits (ATAGI, 2021d).”
Upcoming webinars
COVID-19 vaccine uptake and acceptance
2021 NCIRS COVID-19 vaccine webinar series focusing on practical advice for improving COVID-19 vaccine uptake and acceptance.
• hear an update on COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Australia • hear the latest research on Australian attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines • learn evidence-based strategies for increasing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among your patients, colleagues, family and friends.
COVID-19 vaccine updates 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.
Target audience: GPs and all health professionals
Details: Thursday 22 April, 11:30am-12:30pm (AEDT)
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