COVID-19 Vaccine
ATAGI - Clinical guidance on COVID-19 vaccine in Australia in 2021
Latest COVID-19 resources
COVID-19 comparison chart
ATAGI COVID-19 vaccine flowchart
COVID-19 vaccine Expiry Calculator
Winter booster dose - updated eligibility
25 May 2022: Expanded ATAGI recommendations on winter COVID-19 booster doses for people at increased risk of severe COVID-19
Booster dose
ATAGI recommendations on the use of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine FAQ
NSW Ministry of Health advice
The NSW Ministry of Health has a campaign for flu vaccine, COVID-19 boosters and general winter messaging:
- Up to date vaccination status for 16+
- Get a PCR test if higher risk
- Monitor for symptoms when managing COVID-19 at home
- Free flu vaccine for higher risk
- Testing and isolation advice for families
- Keep emergency departments for emergencies
- Why you need to register your positive RAT
- It’s okay to not feel okay
- Catching public transport?
- Do I need to self-isolate again?
- Overdue for your booster?
If it has been more than 6 months since your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, you are no longer considered to have an 'up to date' COVID-19 vaccination status.
Overseas vaccines
ATAGI advice People who have received either a first dose or a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine that is not TGA-approved or TGA-recognised should be offered two doses of an alternative TGA-approved vaccine brand available in Australia to be considered fully vaccinated. People should begin their full course of a TGA-approved or recognised COVID-19 vaccination at an interval of 4 to 12 weeks after their most recent COVID-19 vaccine dose.Booster doses
Can Novavax be used as a booster ?
Yes, on 2 March, ATAGI recommended the use of the Novavax vaccine as a booster in Australians aged 18 and over where an mRNA vaccine is not suitable.
Source: ATAGI recommendations on the use of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine
Can children receive booster doses yet?
No, not currently (as at 28 March 2022). Boosters are only recommended for people aged 16 years and above.
Source: ATAGI recommendations on the use of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine & TGA website
Can adolescents 16-17 receive booster doses yet?
Yes, from 3 Feb 2022 ATAGI recommends COVID-19 booster vaccination for anyone aged 16 and older who completed their primary course of COVID-19 vaccination 3 or more months ago.
On 28 Jan 2022, the TGA has provisionally approved the Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY, for use as a booster in individuals aged 16 and 17 years old.
Source: Minister Hunt's media
How soon can I recieve my booster dose?
People are now able to access their COVID-19 booster 3 months after their second dose. It has been an option for primary care to implement this earlier if practical, in line with the ATAGI advice. All primary care vaccination sites and state run clinics may provide boosters at 3 months if there are appointments available.
Source: ATAGI recommendations on the use of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine
Is a booster dose (4th dose) recommended for immunocopromised people?
People aged 18 years or older who received a 3-dose primary course due to severe immunocompromise are now recommended to receive a booster (4th) dose ≥ 4 months after their 3rd dose. • Recommendations for children aged 5 to 11 years will be made in due course.
Are boosters mandatory?
On 16 March, ATAGI advised that disability workers now require three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date, in order to provide protection against both infection and severe disease.
COVID-19 vaccines for Children
All immunisation providers must complete the additional age specific COVID-19 vaccine for children training modules.
Resources
Patients resources
- COVID-19 certificate: COVID-19 Vaccine Champion
Community resources
Provider resources
- Poster: Vaccinating Children - Don't Forget to Check
- Guidelines: How to speak to kids about COVID-19 vaccines
- Guidelines: COVID-19 vaccine information for children, teens and parents/guardians
Paediatric Pfizer - 5 to 11 years
Provider training
- Pfizer Paediatric - COVID-19 training module
- ATAGI: Guidance on the use of multi-dose vials for COVID-19 vaccination
Provider information
- Product information: Pfizer Comirnaty (tozinameran) 10 micrograms/0.2 mL
-
Patient information
Moderna - 6 to 11 years
Provider training
- Moderna for 6 to 11 years: COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program
Novavax
Provider information
- EOI for Novavax - Novavax application form
- ATAGI statement on the use of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid)
- COVID-19 vacination-Advice for COVID-19 vaccine providers(updated to include Nuvaxovid)
- TGA provisionally approves Novavax (Biocelect Pty Ltd's) COVID-19 vaccine NUVAXOVID
Patient information
- Consent form for COVID-19 vaccination
- Information on COVID-19 Nuvaxovid (Novavax) vaccine
- After your Nuvaxovid (Novavax) COVID-19 vaccination
Pfizer 12+ (adult)
Patient information
- Consent form for COVID-19 vaccination
- Information on Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine
- After your Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine
Pericarditis and Myocarditis
- Guidance on Myocarditis and Pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
- NSW Health safety notice: Myocarditis and pericarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccine
Moderna
Provider information (adult)
Provider resources (children)
- How to speak to kids about COVID-19 vaccines
- COVID-19 vaccine information for children, teens and parents/guardians
Patient information (children)
Patient information (adult )
- Consent form for COVID-19 vaccination
- Information on Spikevax (Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine
- After your Spikevax (Moderna) vaccine
AstraZeneca
- ATAGI Advice on the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine FAQs
- Talking to patients about AstraZeneca vaccine
- Weighing up benefits/risks of AstraZeneca vaccine
Patient information
- Consent form for COVID-19 vaccination
- Information on COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine
- After your AstraZeneca vaccine
- Weighing up the potential benefits against risk of harm from COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca
Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS)
- Primary care approach to thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome after COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine
- Information for Immunisation Providers on TTS
- Primary care approach to TTS
- Link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and TTS
- NSW Health Clinical Alert: TTS
- Patient information sheet on TTS
Websites: Clinical considerations and Advice for vaccine providers
Resource Collection: Advice for COVID-19 vaccine providers and Provider resources
COVID-19 vaccine administration errors
ATAGI guidelines on the management of a range of possible vaccine administration errors, including when a replacement (repeat) dose is recommended.
Winter Booster doses
- ATAGI Advice on recommendations for key population groups for an additional COVID-19 vaccine winter dose from April 2022 - table
- ATAGI recommended doses and vaccines - flowchart
Booster dose
ATAGI recommendations on the use of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine
Sedation for vaccination
This provides an overview of the use of sedation as one of a range of measures to assist in the safe administration of COVID-19 vaccines, in patients with anxiety disorders or needle-phobia.
AIR042 report - COVID-19 Vaccination Status
The AIR042 report identifies patients:
- aged over 5 years who have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccination, and
- people aged 16 and over due for a booster dose.
- See guidelines on how to download report.
Appointment Translation
The NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service's online Appointment Reminder Translation Tool allows you to translate appointment details into your client's language.
Practice Incentives Program COVID-19 in-reach vaccination
The Practice Incentives Program (PIP) COVID-19 in-reach vaccination payment is a time-limited payment to support general practices that undertake in-reach COVID-19 vaccination services for residential aged care and disability support workers in their workplace.
This payment is only available for Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) COVID-19 vaccine suitability assessment services (for primary vaccine course and subsequent booster vaccine doses) that are administered via an in-reach COVID-19 vaccination clinic between 29 April 2021 to 30 June 2022. See payment guidelines.
COVID-19 care in the community
Please refer to HealthPathways for the current definitions of low, medium and high risk. These definitions will be frequently updated and will differ between the two LHDs
Fit testing
- We are pleased to confirm that CESPHN will be offering free fit testing for all GPs and practice nurses in our region.
ATAGI advice on the definition of fully vaccinated
Vaccines that are not TGA approved or recognised
ATAGI advice People who have received either a first dose or a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine that is not TGA-approved or TGA-recognised should be offered two doses of an alternative TGA-approved vaccine brand available in Australia to be considered fully vaccinated. People should begin their full course of a TGA-approved or recognised COVID-19 vaccination at an interval of 4 to 12 weeks after their most recent COVID-19 vaccine dose.Transfer of vaccines
- Too much COVID-19 vaccine stock? Can't use up vaccines before defrost expiry? Call CESPHN on 1300 986 991 option 7 for COVID-19 or email coronavirus@cesphn.com.au to notify us of excess vaccines available for redistribution.
- Need more COVID-19 vaccine stock? Delivery delays? Not enough supply?Call CESPHN on 1300 986 991 option 7 for COVID-19 or email coronavirus@cesphn.com.au for assistance with accessing emergency vaccine supplies.
COVID-19 booster vaccines
Resources
- Commonly asked questions about booster doses
- Important information about COVID-19 vaccine booster doses (other languages)
- Guidance on Myocarditis and Pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
MBS Booster Incentive
Booster dose number
- When entering directly onto the AIR site, there is no requirement for entering a dose number for adults. AIR record all adult doses as V (valid). The immunisation history statement does not list doses for adults.
- If you are required to enter a dose number, it can be entered as '3' but AIR will count them according to date given so it does not need to be changed if it automatically defaults to '1' in practice software.
Further information:
Disposal of COVID-19 vaccines
Pfizer 12+ shelf-life extension - some batches of Pfizer with manufacturer expiry 28 Feb 2022 have had their shelf life extended. Check information sheet before discarding vials.
What is vaccine wastage?
Vaccine wastage refers to the loss of vaccine doses due to cold chain breaches, expired vials or other damage.
How do you dispose of COVID-19 vaccines?
The COVID-19 Vaccination Training gives details on how to dispose of vaccines:
- Prior to disposal, the outer packaging (carton) should be defaced by striking through at least one panel of the carton with a sharpie or similar marker.
- Any unused vaccine or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements in a clinical waste bin - vials must be disposed of in the provided sharps container to ensure they cannot be accessed.
Reporting requirements for vaccine wastage:
Remember to notify wastage to the Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC) through the COVID-19 Vaccine Administrative System (CVAS):
- wastage less than 5 vials should be reported in your “Vaccine Stock Management Report”
- wastage of 5 vias and over should also be reported within the “Wastage Report”
- wastage “incidents” (e.g. damaged vials or breach of cold chain requirements), of 5 vials and over must be reported immediately (within 2 hours of the incident occurring) by calling the VOC on 1800 318 208
COVID-19 exposure
NSW Health is currently responding to a number of COVID-19 outbreaks all across NSW. Healthcare workers are at high risk of exposure to COVID-19.
- Health Care Worker COVID-19 Risk Assessment Matrix
- Community and workplace settings: Contact risk assessment will enable businesses to assess workplace risk if a COVID-19 case is identified, and confirm actions to be taken
- Cleaning post COVID-19 positive case: Guidelines
COVID-19 Safety Plan
The following guides should be adapted to suit your practices procedures and workflows:
- NSW Health COVID-19 Safety Plan - for feneral practice and other primary health service providers
- RACGP COVID Safety Plan template - to help practices comply with current requirements for businesses operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines
- ATAGI Guidance on temporary medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines
- DOH Immunisation medical exemptions
- Record directly on AIR: Record an immunisation exemption on the AIR - valid immunisation medical exemptions recorded on the AIR will appear on a patient's AIR Immunisation History Statement.
- Submit a form to AIR: AIR immunisation medical exemption form (IM011) - all COVID-19 brands must be selected on the form, it may take a few weeks to appear on a patient's AIR Immunisation History Statement
- Who can provide immunisation medical exemptions? General practitioners, paediatricians, clinical immunologists, infectious disease, general or public health physicians, gynaecologists or obstetricians.
Overseas COVID-19 vaccines
Reporting overseas vaccines in AIR
COVID-19 vaccines given overseas that have been recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) can now be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
- Covishield (AstraZeneca)
- Coronavac (Sinovac)
- Covaxin (Bharat Biotech)
- BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm)
- Sputnik V (Gamaleya Research Institute)
It is important that country of immunisation and batch number are recorded. A list of all vaccines currently able to be reported to AIR is available on the AIR vaccine code page which is updated regularly.
COVID-19 vaccine brand that is not available in Australia
ATAGI advice People who have received either a first dose or a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine that is not TGA-approved or TGA-recognised should be offered two doses of an alternative TGA-approved vaccine brand available in Australia to be considered fully vaccinated. People should begin their full course of a TGA-approved or recognised COVID-19 vaccination at an interval of 4 to 12 weeks after their most recent COVID-19 vaccine dose.
Clinical support COVID-19 vaccines
- NSWISS - Immunisation Specialist Service
- NCIRS frequently asked questions
- NSW Health frequently asked questions
ATAGI
- Clinical Guidance:
ATAGI clinical guidance on COVID-19 vaccine in Australia in 2021
- Multi-dose vials:
ATAGI guidance on the use of multi-dose vials for COVID-19 vaccination - Invalid Doses:
ATAGI guidance on replacement doses for invalid primary courses of COVID-19 vaccines
- Medical Exemptions:
ATAGI guidance on temporary medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines
- Third Dose: for severely immunocompromised
ATAGI recommendations on the use of a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine
- Additional Doses:
ATAGI statement about the need for additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine
- Drive-through clinics:
ATAGI statement on drive-through COVID-19 vaccination clinic sites - ATAGI clinical advice resources
Product Information
- Pfizer Comirnaty (tozinameran) 10 micrograms/0.2 mL Product Information
- Pfizer Comirnaty (BNT162b2) 30 micrograms/0.3 mL Product information
- Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) Product information
- Spikevax (Moderna) Product information
- TGA search: product information
Mixed (heterologous) schedules
- ATAGI recommends completing the vaccination course with the same vaccine. Mixed schedules using 2 different vaccines to complete the primary vaccination course are only recommended in special circumstances See page 17 - ATAGI Clinical Guidance
- Clinical advice on the use of a different COVID-19 vaccine as the second dose
- Vaccines Approved for Use by WHO
Consent
- Patient consent form for COVID-19 vaccination
- Consent information for providers: COVID-19 vaccination consent and FAQs
- Consent for COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ – Parents and Guardians
PPE
- Fit testing - Guidance on use of PPE
- CEC - PPE in response to COVID-19 in NSW
- PPE for the health workforce during COVID-19
- PPE use for health care workers in the context of COVID-19
- Respiratory and eye protection for healthcare workers
- Health Care Worker COVID-19 Exposure Risk Assessment Matrix
- COVID-19 risk assessment guide for PPE selection for direct care of patients
MBS items
- 93624: Dose 1
- 93644: Dose 2
- 93644: Dose 3 (immunocompromised)
- 93644: Booster
- 90005: Flag fall (co-claim with 93624 or 93644)
- 10660: In-depth assessment: GP attend to patient >10 mins (co-claim with 93624 or 93644)
- 93666: Booster incentive (co-claim with 93644 - booster only)
- 93715: Providing treatment to COVID-19 positive patients
Needle Phobia
Information for adults with a needle phobia - 14 Feb 2022
COVID-19 vaccine exemptions
This fact sheet outlines when a vaccine may not be recommended, or when you should postpone your vaccination.
Concessional Access RAT
Rapid antigen testing – concessional access program
The Australian government is introducing a temporary Rapid Antigen Test Concessional Access program. This program starts on 24 January 2022 and ends on 30 April 2022.
If you have a valid, eligible Commonwealth concession card, you can access up to 10 rapid antigen tests through participating community pharmacies, at no cost to you. You can access a maximum of 10 rapid antigen tests over the three-month period, but no more than 5 tests in any month.
De-Isolation protocols
- Commonwealth: COVID-19 Test & Isolate National Protocols
- NSW Health: Release and recovery from COVID-19
Register positive RAT result
Register positive COVID test results with Service NSW
COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme
See policy on the new COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme which sets out the rules that govern the scheme.
COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme – Policy
COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme – Guidance for conditions
COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme – Guidance for injuries caused by vaccine administration
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and exemption
See accepted proof of vaccination
- Getting a COVID-19 Vaccination Record
- How to get a record of your COVID-19 vaccination also in other languages
Exemption
See accepted proof of medical exemption
Valid immunisation medical exemptions must be recorded on the AIR by a medical practitioner, and will appear on a patient's AIR Immunisation History Statement.
The Department is working with Services Australia on enhancements to the AIR that will allow individuals with a valid medical contraindication to COVID-19 vaccines to generate a COVID-19 Digital Certificate.
Missing COVID-19 vaccination records
- SLHD:Missing COVID-19 vaccination records on AIR?
- SESLHD: complete 'Contact us' form
- Commonwealth providers: Missing COVID-19 vaccination records on AIR - Commonwealth vaccine provider
- Sonic Healthcare: My COVID-19 vaccination doesn't appear on MyGov
If your COVID-19 vaccinations aren’t showing after 10 days, or can’t be updated by the provider, call the Australian Immunisation Register.
Roadmap to freedom
Roadmap for the fully vaccinated - NSW Health
Find a clinic an book
- Vaccine Clinic Finder
- Get help from a translator: 13 14 50
COVID-19 vaccine information
- Patient resources for Moderna vaccine
- Patient resources for Pfizer vaccine
- Patient resources for AstraZeneca vaccine
TTS information
TTS information sheet and Risk/Benefit informaiton sheet
Information for teens/kids
- How to speak to kids about COVID-19 vaccines
- COVID-19 vaccine information for teens and parents/guardians
- Consent for COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ – Parents and Guardians
Preparing for COVID-19 vaccine
Translated resources
- Department of Health – COVID-19 vaccination resources in other languages
- NSW Health – COVID-19 resource language list
- NSW Health - COVID-19 Glossary in language
Websites
- COVID-19 vaccines: common questions (other languages)
- Is it true? Your questions answered
- Information in your language
- Easy Read resources collection
Posters
Anaphylaxis
Reporting Adverse Events
NSW Health: What is a serious adverse event?
Health professionals are required to report suspected reactions, known as adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) particularly if they are unexpected or significant.
If a patient has an immediate serious reaction or is unwell in the days after a vaccination, you must report to:
- TGA - Therapeutic Goods Administration
- email AEFI reporting form to adr.reports@tga.gov.au
- or complete online tga.gov.au/reporting-problems
and
- Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055, or by email to:
See also:
- NSW Health: COVID-19 vaccine: Enhanced surveillance and adverse event reporting guidelines
- DoH: Reporting symptoms
- TGA: Reporting adverse events
- TGA: Reporting suspected side effects associated with a COVID-19 vaccine
- Health direct: After you get the COVID-19 vaccination
- Health direct: Side effect checker
- NSW Health: Adverse Event Following Immunisation control guideline
TGA safety reports
COVID-19 vaccine weekly safety report
COVID-19 vaccine safety surveillance
- AusVaxSafety - COVID vaccine
- AusVaxSafety vaccine safety surveillance FAQ
- AusVaxSafety is conducting active vaccine safety surveillance oc COVID-19 vaccines
COVID-19 vaccine administration errors
ATAGI guidelines on the management of a range of possible vaccine administration errors, including when a replacement (repeat) dose is recommended.
Advice on Vaccine Errors
Don’t forget to check - Poster
-
Advice retlating to patient:
- Open disclosure of the incident to the patient/parents of the patient.
- Inform patient of any expected side effects and possible remedies to help with side effects.
- Arrange follow up appointment for patient with GP - mainly as a health check, but also to maintaining the GP/patient relationship.
- Give the Patient/Parents HCCC contact details in case they want to report a complaint:
- Email: hccc@hccc.nsw.gov.au
- Telephone: 02 92197444 open 09:00am to 18:00pm Monday to Friday
-
Advice relating to practice:
- Usual incident reporting process within the practice
- Inform the practice Insurer
- Review practice policies/process to avoid error in future
-
Clinical advice:
- Send patient to ED if patient clinical unwell
- Call NSWISS (Specialist Immunisation Clinic) if clinical advice re patient symptoms is required
- Email: SCHN-NSWISS@health.nsw.gov.au
- Phone: 1800679477 or 98451414
- Report AEFI if patients has symptoms - download the AEFI TGA Reporting Form
- For accidental overdose see below.
-
For COVID-19 vaccinations, send an error report to Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC):
- Phone: 1800 318 208
- Email: COVID19VaccineOperationsCentre@Health.gov.au
Accidental overdose
- If an accidental overdose occurs, it is recommended to observe vital signs and, if symptomatic, to treat the symptoms. There are no specific overdose symptoms to be aware of.
- Follow the above Advice on Vaccine Errors - This error must be recorded through your normal jurisdictional medication error reporting systems.
- For more information, the Poisons Information Centre may be contacted on 131 126.
Revaccination following vaccine error
If an error has occurred during vaccine preparation or vaccine administration, resulting in an inadequate two-dose primary course, another dose may be recommended. The aim of replacement doses is to attain a level of immune response that is comparable to that expected following completion of a two-dose primary course of a COVID-19 vaccine according to the recommended dosage and schedule (ATAGI, 2021u).
Vaccine Administration Error |
ATAGI Recommendation |
Less than half of the vaccine dose volume (estimated) was administered |
Give a replacement dose a minimum of 1 week after the invalid dose, and a subsequent dose as indicated |
Incorrect diluent (such as sterile water for injection) used to dilute Pfizer (COMIRNATY) (For Age 5 to <12 Years) vaccine dose |
Give a replacement dose of Pfizer (COMIRNATY) (For Age 5 to <12 Years) a minimum of 1 week after the invalid dose, and a subsequent dose as indicated |
Only the diluent of Pfizer (COMIRNATY) (For Age 5 to <12 Years) was administered (i.e. no Pfizer (COMIRNATY) vaccine ingredient) |
Give a replacement dose of Pfizer (COMIRNATY) (For Age 5 to <12 Years) as soon as feasible, and a subsequent dose if indicated |
If the 2nd dose of Pfizer (COMIRNATY) (Age 5 to <12 Years) is administered less than 14 days after the first dose, it is considered an invalid dose. |
An additional dose of Pfizer (COMIRNATY) (For Age 5 to <12 Years) should be administered as a replacement dose. The interval between the invalid 2nd dose and the replacement dose is flexible, recommended at 4 to 12 weeks after the invalid 2nd dose (ATAGI, 2021u). |
Refer to the ATAGI clinical guidance on replacement doses for invalid primary courses of COVID-19 vaccines for further information.
Mandatory COVID-19 training
In order to administer vaccines, each health professional involved in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines is required to complete the training.
COMPLETE NOW: COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program
All vaccine administrators must complete the training before the roll-out at their site, and each site is required to maintain a record of completion for all practitioners at their site.
Non-Clinical COVID-19 training modules
Non-clinical modules are also available and provide training on:
- vaccine handling
- vaccine storage
- communication support
These modules were designed to support practice staff including:
- reception staff
- administration staff
- practice manager
Other immunisation education
For COVID-19 vaccinerelated education modules, see Immunisation Education webpage
Australian Immunisation Register
It is mandatory under the Australian Immunisation Register Act 2015 to report all COVID-vaccine encounters to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). See Australian Immunisation Register fact sheet - 14 May 2021.
Mandatory reporting & penalties:
- Mandatory reporting: Australian Immunisation Register Amendment (Reporting) Bill 2020
- Penalties: Fines for Commonwealth offences
COVID-19 vaccine encounters should be uploaded into AIR at the time of administration, or within 24 hours, to ensure consumer immunisation information is up to date.
How to report a vaccination to the AIR:
- Clinical software integrated with AIR (eg: Best Practice, Medical Director)
- Onlne AIR site accessed via PRODA/HPOS
My Health Record
Data Extration Tools
Addressing vaccine hesitancy
Understanding and addressing vaccine hesitancy
- Webinar: Vaccine hesitancy and practice efficiencies - RACGP
- Decision aid: Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine? - NCIRS
- Barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance - NCIRS
Resources to address vaccine hesitancy
- Is it true? Your questions answered - Department of Health
- COVID-19 vaccine safety surveillance - AusVaxSafety
Communication tools to address vaccine hesitancy
- A practitioner’s guide to the principles of COVID-19 vaccine communications - University of Florida
- Clinical communication skills and strategies to assist immunisation consultations - SKAI e-learning
- Talking to parents about the COVID vaccine - NPS podcast
- Why telling stories could be more powerful than just the facts - The Conversation article
- COVID-19 vaccines and their long-term safety - Australian Academy of Science
Multicultural communication materials
Translated resources
- COVID-19 vaccines: common questions (other languages)
- COVID-19 information in your language - Department of Health
- Further information for multicultural groups on our Coronavirus page
- COVID-19 vaccination resources in other languages - Department of Health
- COVID-19 resource language list - NSW Health
- COVID-19 Glossary in language - NSW Health Multicultural Health Communications Service
Supporting communication for the COVID-19 vaccination program - This glossary was developed to help community organisations, translators and interpreters, bilingual workers, and community leaders to better understand and communicate about vaccine development and implementation.
COVID-19 communication materials
Information for teens/kids
- How to speak to kids about COVID-19 vaccines
- COVID-19 vaccine information for teens and parents/guardians
Guidance to help people make informed decisions
- Shared decision making guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy
- Shared decision making guide for frail older people, including those in residential aged care facilities
- Shared decision making guide for people with immunocompromise
- Shared decision making guide for people receiving palliative care or end-of-life care
Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- COVID-19 vaccination – Common questions (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
- Talking to patients about COVID-19 vaccines (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
COVID-19 vaccine clinics
Find a GP or Pharmacy vaccine clinic - Vaccine Clinic Finder.
NSW Health Vaccination Centre - Book appointment
See list of GP Respiratory Clinics in CESPHN
VCF Connect
Vaccine Clinic Finder Connect (VCF Connect) is designed for clinics to self-manage COVID-19 vaccine clinic details on the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder. See RACGP training on VCF Connect. Quick Reference Guide – Vaccine Clinic Finder (VCF) Connect
Contact CV19.Products@Health.gov.au
CESPHN Vax at Home program
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).
Patient self-referrals will NOT be accepted. Patients should speak with their GP for referral to this program if appropriate. Referrals will be accepted from general practitioners and from Local Health Districts. More information.
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.
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
RACF
See CESPHN Immunisation - RACF webpage
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
See CESPHN Immunisation - Indigenous webpage
Disability
Submitting an Expression of Interest for Commonwealth in-reach (VAPP)
Disability service providers may submit an expression of interest to the Department of Health for Commonwealth in-reach support, where this is still the most appropriate vaccination service. Disability Service Providers should submit the form; or, for individuals in need of in-home support, the PHN can submit the form on their behalf.
Once received, a VAPP provider will be allocated to support the disability service provider or individual with their vaccination needs. Where to go for more information More information on the Winter dose, vaccination options, and the in-reach program for people with disability are available on the Department of Health’s website. Enquiries can also be sent to DisabilityCovidVaccineDelivery@health.gov.au
Provider resources
Access to COVID-19 vaccines- Disability Vaccine Hubs
- How disability workers can get a COVID-19 vaccine
- How people with disability in a group residential setting can get a COVID-19 vaccine
In-home and community aged care recipients and workers
Aged 60 years and over
- GP clinic
- Commonwealth Vaccination Clinic (GP respiratory clinic)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service
- State or territory AstraZeneca vaccination clinic
Aged under 60 years
- State or territory Pfizer vaccination clinic
Visit website to find out how to book your vaccination appointment.
- Find a COVID-19 vaccine pharmacy
- Spikevax (Moderna) information
- Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) information
- Daily update - Australia's COVID-19 vaccine vaccine rollout
- COVID-19 vaccination rates: by LGA, SA3 and SA4
- Map of NSW vaccinations by home postcode
Peak bodies
- NCIRS - COVID-19 vaccination program in Australia
- RACGP - COVID-19 vaccine information for GPs
- TGA - COVID-19 vaccine: News and updates
Frequently asked questions | FAQs
- NCIRS COVID-19 vaccine FAQs
- NCIRS COVID-19 and children FAQ
- DOH: COVID-19 vaccines: common questions
Department of Health
Support Contacts
Need support? See COVID-19 Q&A April 2020
Clinical Support: NSW Immunisation Specialist Service
- Phone: 1800 679 477
- Email: SCHN-NSWISS@health.nsw.gov.au
VOC: Vaccine Operations Centre
- Phone: 1800 318 208
- Hours of operation: From Sunday 3 April 2022
- Monday - Thursday 7am – 8pm
Friday 7am – 9pm
Saturday – Sunday 8am - 7pm
- Monday - Thursday 7am – 8pm
- You can also contact the VOC via COVID19VaccineOperationsCentre@Health.gov.au
CVAS:COVID-19 Vaccine Ordering System
- Login: CVAS website
Department of Health COVID-19 support:
- Phone: 1800 020 080 (National Coronavirus Hotline)
- Submit enquiry online
- Email covidvaccineenquiries@health.gov.au
Translating service
- For translating and interpreting services, call 131 450.
- NSW Health COVID-19 Vaccination Program hotline 1800 571 155
- Sydney Local Health District COVID-19 Vaccination Program hotline on 1800 955 566
- Email Sydney LHD: SLHD-COVIDVaxRegistration@health.nsw.gov.au
- Email South Easter Sydney LHD: SESLHD-COVID19StaffVaccination@health.nsw.gov.au
AIR: Australian Immunisation Register
- How to set up access to the AIR
- How to manage your AIR details in HPOS
- Services Australia 1800 653 809
PRODA: Provider Digital Access
- Create a new PRODA account
- Apply for a new Medicare provider number
- Call PRODA 1800 700 199 (8am - 10pm)
- Email PRODA ebusiness@servicesaustralia.gov.au
GPRC support
- GPRC Hotline: 02 6289 8822
Update your practices details in the Vaccine Clinic Finder
CESPHN COVID-19 support:
- Email coronavirus@cesphn.com.au or EOI-COVIDVaccine@cesphn.com.au
- Call 1300 986 991
Subscribe to Sydney Health Weekly to receive immunisation updates
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