COVID-19 Vaccination information and resources
Advice on this page will be updated as the situation evolves and new or changed information comes to hand. You should continue to return to this website for the latest information rather than printing/ storing local copies of fact or information sheets. Note: The information on this page is intended for clinicians only.
COVID-19 Vaccination Suitability Assessment MBS Guides
- COVID-19 Vaccination Suitability Assessment
- COVID-19 Vaccination Suitability Assessment Non-VR GP (MDRAP and PEP or 19AB Exemption)
Vaccination Operations Centre (VOC): 1800 318 208
Forms:
- COVID-19 vaccination eligibility declaration form
- A COVID-19 vaccination patient consent form is now available on the PHN website in Best Practice, Medical Director and plain RTF formats. View the referral templates page here.
Reporting adverse events
The Queensland Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jeanette Young, has published this letter reminding clinicians and vaccination providers of their obligation to report serious, unexpected or uncommon adverse events following immunisation (AEFI).
Adverse event (AEFI) lodgement and Vaccination Record Cards
In order to complete an AEFI (adverse event following immunisation) report, the reporter requires details of the vaccine and the date it was given. While these details can be found in the patient’s medical record or on the Australian Immunisation Register, providing these details to the person vaccinated at the time of vaccination would be ideal.
In order to assist timely and accurate AEFI reporting, vaccination providers are encouraged to provide patients with the following information:
- Vaccine brand
- Dose (e.g. 1 or 2)
- Batch number
- Date given
- Time given
- Site
We acknowledge the ongoing supply and logistics issues with the delivery of Vaccination Record Cards, and until these issues are resolved, practices should provide this information to patients in an alternative manner.
Reporting
As the Queensland COVID-19 vaccine program is extended, patients may present in primary care because of (potential) adverse events following immunisation (AEFI).
Identifying an adverse event following immunisation (AEFI), or potential AEFI, is at the discretion of each individual clinician exercising clinical judgement.
The latest advice from SHECC is that there is no definition that can provide perfect clarity but every AEFI should be reported, irrespective of its severity.
Two new forms have been added to the Queensland Health Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) page:
- Queensland Health Vaccine Control Centre post COVID-19 vaccination suspected anaphylaxis follow-up form, developed to capture details that are aligned to the Brighton Collaboration’s Anaphylaxis case definition. It should be used in addition to a Queensland Health COVID-19 vaccine Adverse Event Following Immunisation form.
- Therapeutic Goods Administration Adverse Events of Special Interest. TheTGA closely monitors for specific adverse events known as ‘adverse events of special interest’ listed in this document.
Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS)
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Joint statement from ATAGI and THANZ
ATAGI and THANZ have published a joint statement on Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) and the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The statement provides greater clarity on the nature of TTS and narrows the conditions determined to be contraindications for use of the vaccine
Anaphylaxis
Queensland Health has confirmed vaccination processes will continue in line with guidance provided in the product information (PI) and issued by ATAGI.
This means people with a history of severe allergies or anaphylaxis should be observed for 30 minutes following vaccination, and other people should continue to be monitored for 15 minutes following vaccination.
The TGA published this alert/advisory yesterday.
There has been no change to ATAGI guidance, to Queensland Health processes, and no change (at this time) to how COVID-19 vaccination services are implemented in general practice from next week.
Say up to date with the latest clinical advice on HealthPathways.
Cold chain breach reporting
Cold chain breaches of COVID-19 vaccines should be reported immediately to the Vaccination Operations Centre (VOC) on 1800 318 208.
COVID-19 vaccinations and allergies
The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) has released a set of FAQs to answer questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccination in relation to allergy, immunodeficiency and autoimmunity
General questions
The Department of Health recently published this useful document answering general questions for vaccine providers.
Script for general practice
The Australian Government has put together this script for general practice to help answer questions from your patients about the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
How to answer questions from your patients
We've received requests from some GPs for answers to Frequently Asked Questions that they receive from patients coming in for their COVID-19 vaccination.
This Queensland Health resource offers a list of common questions about COVID-19 vaccination such as:
- How do I know the vaccine is safe?
- What if I suffer from allergies or anaphylaxis – can I still get vaccinated?
- What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Bookmark this page , go to the 'Frequently Asked Questions' dropdown near the bottom of the page and use it as a quick reference for when you are seeing patients for their COVID-19 vaccine.
Addressing vaccine hesitancy
The Australian Government has put together a list of talking points to help GPs address vaccine hesitancy around the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Aged care staff eligibility fact sheet
The Department has provided a factsheet outlining the aged care staff who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in phase 1a of the roll-out.
These include all people working at a residential aged care facility who are responsible for resident care, support and services for residents, maintenance and administration, and includes:
- nursing and personal care staff,
- allied health professionals,
- kitchen, cleaning, laundry, garden and office staff.
COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in RACFS
The Department of Health has provided information to assist residential aged care providers plan for the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in this COVID-19 Vaccine aged care readiness toolkit.
This flow chart details the aged care roll-out process.
GPs with patients in RACFs
General practitioners and residential aged care facilities are encouraged to start a conversation around patient needs as the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out begins. Some residents will require assistance in obtaining guardian's consent, some patients may need a medical review prior to vaccination, and you may be called upon in case of adverse effects.
Read the Clinical governance requirements for COVID-19 vaccination in residential aged care here.
Update for FPs visiting RACFs
The Department of Health has published this fact sheet to update residential aged care staff, including GPs who visit RACFs, on how to access a COVID-19 vaccination.
Vaccine dose policy guidance
The Department of Health has published Vaccine Dose Policy Guidance, containing advice on the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in RACFs and management of excess doses, make up doses and alternative access to vaccination.
Record of vaccination
People can access evidence of their COVID-19 vaccines in their immunisation history record through Medicare Online, myGov or the Express Plus Medicare app. Vaccination providers can also print an Immunisation History Statement (IHS) on behalf of their patient.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Information about COVID-19 vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
This resource, jointly developed by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and NCIRS, provides information about COVID-19 vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. View the resource here.
Cancer Australia
Cancer Australia has released information on the COVID-19 vaccines for people affected by cancer.
This includes a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the COVID-19 vaccines and cancer, and links to health professional guidance and research articles.
Clinical Excellence Queensland
Clinical Excellence Queensland has released a new range of COVID-19 vaccine digital resources and explanatory notes containing valuable clinical information, which are also suitable for sharing with your patients. Access and download them here.
Department of Health documents
- After your AstraZeneca vaccination
- Patient information on thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome
- ATAGI provider guide to COVID-19 vaccination of people with immunocompromise
- Clinical guidance on use of COVID-19 vaccine in Australia in 2021
- Consent form (including print friendly version)
- Preparing for COVID-19 vaccination
- Information for immunisation providers on thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) following COVID-19 vaccination
- Consent – information for providers: COVID-19 vaccination consent and FAQs
- Information on COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine
Flowchart: where to go for help
Our friends at Brisbane North PHN developed this flowchart to help guide general practice to the service, resource or site best fitting to your queries regarding Phase 1b of the the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, which we have adapted to include our contact information, and local HealthPathways.
Pfizer Label
- Pfizer - COVID-19 Vaccine expiry label Last updated 20/09/2021
Queensland Government COVID-19 vaccine resources
With the administration of COVID-19 vaccines now imminent, the following Queensland Government resources and information have been updated:
- The COVID-19 vaccine web page has been significantly updated with content and FAQs.
- The asset library has also been updated with resources for healthcare providers, including patient fact sheets, clinical questionnaire, a roadmap, signage and social media tiles.
Queensland Health COVID-19 information for Queensland clinicians
Dr Jillann Farmer, Deputy Director-General, Clinical Excellence Queensland, published a letter inviting clinicians to stay connected with Queensland Health's response to COVID-19 on their dedicated webpage COVID-19 information for Queensland clinicians.
This page hosts the latest available information to assist Queensland clinicians to respond to the evolving COVID-19 situation in Queensland and is updated as new or changed information comes to hand.
RACGP vaccination resources
The RACGP has created a COVID-19 vaccine information page for GPs that will be regularly updated.
Social media posts
The Department of Health has released new social media posts (copy and artwork) as part of their communication materials for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The COVID-19 vaccination training modules, mandatory for all authorised COVID-19 vaccination providers, are online at covid19vaccinationtraining.org.au.
The training is also available to non-clinical and administration staff who can access the non-clinical modules of the training such as handling, storage and administration.
The PHN has developed a Vaccination Preparation Pack to assist general practitioners, practice nurses and practice managers in delivering a successful mass vaccination program. It also contains checklists which can be used as evidence for accreditation and quality improvement activities.
- Part One: Preparing your practice policies and protocols [Word] [PDF]
- Part Two: Internal preparation for your team [Word] [PDF]
- Part Three: Identifying eligible patients and planning the patient vaccination journey [Word] [PDF]
- Part Four: Preparing and implementing a vaccination clinic [Word] [PDF]
- Checklist to support non-vaccinating practices: Preparing your patients for COVID-19 vaccination at an alternative location [Word] [PDF]
Weather events and holidays
Planning for closures, staff leave and Australia’s weather events is currently underway within the Vaccine Operation Centre. For advice on ordering and deliveries over the Christmas period please refer to the December 7th bulletin.
However, planning conducted by each site will also assist in identifying potential gaps in cold chain management and procedures.
Test your plans, test your equipment and manage your vaccine stock levels to reduce the risk of losing vaccines to preventable Cold Chain incidents or the risk of providing compromised vaccines to your patients.
Refer to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’ for further advice if required.
Managing Excess Stock (copied from bulletin December 7th)
“The Taskforce is continuing to actively work with vaccination providers to manage excess vaccine stock on hand, and we encourage you to continue reaching out to your local networks to assist with identifying and transferring excess vaccines to sites that are able to use them.
If you are unable to relocate excess doses locally, please contact the Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC) from 7am to 10pm (AEDT) or email covid19vaccineoperationscentre@health.gov.au for assistance.
Expired Stock Management (copied from bulletin October 27th)
In the event that your doses have expired, please:
- refer to the COVID-19 Vaccination Training which gives details on how to dispose of vaccines, and
- remember to report wastage through the COVID-19 Vaccine Administrative System (CVAS)
- wastage less than 5 vials should be reported in your Vaccine Stock Management Report; and
- wastage of 5 vias and over should also be reported within the Wastage Report
- speaking with the VOC when you cannot relocate excess doses locally
- the VOC is open from 7am to 10pm (AEDT) via phone 1800 318 208 or by email covid19vaccineoperationscentre@health.gov.au for assistance.
Reminder of the process for managing extra Astra Zeneca vaccines
In response to ongoing enquiries about excess AstraZeneca doses, the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce have developed a process to collect some excess doses. The Department may be able to organise collection of the excess vaccines in your region, with the support of the PHN. If you have excess Astra Zeneca Stock with an expiry of 56 days or more please complete the Microsoft form to assist us in managing. Please also complete if you have vaccines with an expiry of less than 56 days although it is unlikely that these will be redistributed. If the doses are able to be collected, the Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC) will work with practices to organise pick-up.
Please be advised that while every effort will be made to collect or redistribute these excess vaccines, this may not be possible in all circumstances, and we appreciate your patience and understanding in this respect.
Please contact your Primary Health Care Officer or pracsupport@ourphn.org.au should you have any enquiries.
Further information regarding transferring stock to other sites can be found on the Department’s website (which has been recently updated).
