The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is calling on the Federal Government to urgently clarify details concerning changes to AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine eligibility.
This comes following the recent announcement that people under 60 who are not currently eligible for a Pfizer vaccine, can now receive the AstraZeneca vaccine from their GP as the Government looks to speed up the vaccine rollout amid a potential national outbreak.
Reportedly, to receive the vaccine, patients must weigh up the risks and benefits, and provide informed consent.
The Government has also announced that a no-fault professional indemnity scheme will be introduced for the nation’s GPs and other vaccine providers.
The scheme covers Covid-19 vaccines approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and approved for use in the vaccine program, including the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is provisionally approved for anyone 18 and over.
RACGP President Dr Karen Price says that while this news is welcome, GPs “had no warning of the [recent] announcements … and are now scrambling to figure out what this means for patients”.
“This is a significant alteration to the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, and it is vital that general practice is given significant time and support from the Federal Government to implement these changes,” says Dr Price.
“That includes sufficient stock of the vaccine and guidance for GPs and general practice staff.
“Clear and early communication with general practice is a requirement so that GPs and staff can navigate how these changes affect them and their patients.
“We have a mammoth task ahead of us and many GPs and staff are already feeling fatigued from facing the many difficulties encountered during this vaccine rollout.”
Dr Price urges the Government to clarify how the recent changes to AstraZeneca eligibility would work in practice as patients are currently “being told different information because no one knows exactly how this will work”.
“Some general practices are understandably not taking any bookings until they receive official government advice.
“Other general practices are still basing their advice on the recommendation that people under 60 should wait to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
“It is also unclear whether patients 40 and under, can receive this vaccine via state-based vaccination hubs. We have been told this will be a decision for each state and territory.
“The Federal Government needs to clearly communicate with general practice so that we can effectively manage our patients and get jabs in arms as quickly as possible. This information needs to be made available to the general public right away.”
Dr Price urges everyone to be patient and understanding.
