With a constantly evolving vaccine rollout, it's hard to keep track of where we are up to.
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So consider this guide a cheat sheet for South Coast COVID vaccinations, where you will find the answer to your burning questions like 'when will GPs get the Pfizer vaccine' and 'how do I book a vaccine if I don't have access to the internet?'
Who is eligible?
Astra Zeneca vaccine
Australia is currently vaccinating people in phase 1a (quarantine, border, frontline heath care and aged care workers as well as aged care residents), 1b (those over 70, other health care workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 55, defence and emergency services workers and younger adults with an underlying medical condition) and most of 2a (those 50 and over).
In the South Eastern NSW region 32,300 AstraZeneca COVID vaccines are currently being supplied each week.
As part of phase 2a, people aged 50 years and over can book their Astra Zeneca Vaccine through participating GPs.
The advice from ISLHD (Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District) for people aged 16 to 39 years of age who are not yet eligible for the vaccine is to stay up to date and continue to be COVID safe.
Pfizer vaccine
ISLHD hospital vaccination clinics are currently only administering the Pfizer vaccine at Shoalhaven or Shellharbour hospitals.
Their focus has been on people in Phase 1a and 1b, however members of the general public aged 40-49 can now also register their interest in receiving the Pfizer vaccine via the NSW Government website: www.nsw.gov.au or call Service NSW on 13 77 88, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
When availability arises at NSW Health clinics, people aged 40-49 who have registered their interest will be contacted and offered appointments, ensuring as many people as possible have access to the vaccine and NSW Health makes maximum use of its available supply.
ISLHD is also now vaccinating family and household contacts of 1a and 1b candidates who are aged under 50.
Those that fall inside phase 2a who are under 50, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 18 to 49, and those in phase 2b and 3 will have to wait to receive Pfizer vaccines.
When will GPs have the Pfizer vaccine?
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recently enabled 'greater flexibility in storage, transport and deployment' of the mRNA vaccine across Australia, the regulator said.
This means GPs have approval to house Pfizer vaccines in their purpose built immunisation storage fridges for up to a month.
However, it is uncertain when and how this change will be included in the roll out, according to Heritage Medical (Moss Street Medical and Cottage Medical in Berry) GP Jenny Woods.
"I don't know if the smaller practices will get it. I don't know if the country will get it. I don't know if its going to go through any large hubs," she said.
Where can I receive my vaccine?
The federal government encourages people to use online appointments where available to reduce call volumes to clinics.
Use the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker to book an appointment and to check vaccine supply at each practice.
If you have had another vaccination recently, including for seasonal influenza, you should wait at least 14 days before having your COVID-19 vaccination.
What if I don't have access to the internet?
The advice from COORDINARE, the South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network supporting local GPs, is for people who are having trouble making a vaccine appointment online to get in touch with their usual general practice who can advise further about the best way they could make a booking.
Alternatively, the Department of Health says to call the national Coronavirus helpline on 1800 020 080 if you are having trouble making a vaccine appointment online.
While call takers cannot make a booking on the caller's behalf, the helpline can assist with locating a vaccine clinic and provide you with contact information to make a booking.
COVID-19 vaccines are voluntary and free
The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone in Australia. Vaccination providers cannot charge you for the COVID-19 vaccine or your appointments to receive the vaccine.
If your vaccination provider charges for any costs associated with the administration of the COVID-19 vaccination (including booking fees), you should:
- contact the Department of Health by emailing provider.benefits.integrity@health.gov.au,
- or call the Provider Benefits Integrity Hotline on 1800 314 808 (9am to 5pm AEST weekdays).
National coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline
If you need information about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines or help with the COVIDSafe app, call 1800 020 080. If you need assistance with booking a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, please note the call centre is unable to book appointments on your behalf.
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