COVID-19 information

Adverse events

• Anaphylaxis: For GPs and practices undertaking vaccinations, before any vaccination session, check that you have the protocols, equipment and medicines to manage anaphylaxis. Please check you have an anaphylaxis response kit on hand. See anaphylaxis response kit for what is required.
• TGA Adverse Event Following Immunisation reporting form

Managing anaphylaxis after vaccination

The Australian Immunisation Handbook guidance on managing anaphylaxis after vaccination is available here.

The ASCIA resources on managing anaphylaxis are available here.

Myocarditis and pericarditis

This link provides detailed ATAGI advice.

Apply to administer Moderna Spikevax Moderna Bivalent, Nuvaxoid (Novavax), and Pfizer (Comirnaty) at your practice.

If you would like your practice to begin offering COVID vaccinations, please fill in the EOI form below:

EOI form to join the COVID vaccination program

General practices who are currently participating in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program can indicate their interest in receiving an ongoing allocation of the Moderna Spikevax Bivalent vaccine, and/or the Nuvaxovid (Novavax) vaccine, Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine.

To submit an Expression of Interest in your practice:

Moderna EOI Click here

Novavax EOI Click here

Pfizer EOI click here

General information

• Department of Health: Information for COVID-19 vaccination providers
• ATAGI COVID-19 vaccine advice
• Health Pathways COVID-19 Vaccine Information
• NSW Health COVID-19 vaccines

Consent form

• Consent form for COVID-19 vaccination: click here

COVID-19 vaccine transfer

For full details on transfers, including how the vaccines should be transported, please read this information from the Department of Health.

After vaccination

Reporting vaccinations to the Australian Immunisation Register

It is now mandatory to report all National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccinations to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

From 1 July 2021, under the AIR Act, it is mandatory to report all NIP, COVID-19 and influenza vaccines administered to the AIR.

Immunisation providers can submit vaccination encounters to the AIR using:

• practice management software
• the AIR site via Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) using PRODA.

General immunisation training for providers

• Vaccine Storage and Cold Chain Management
• Immunisation Practice
• 347 Immunisation for Health Practitioners
• How to set up your access to AIR (Australian Immunisation Register)

Multicultural communications to patients and clients

• Department of Health: COVID-19 vaccine information in your language

VCF Connect will retire on 30 June 2023.  As a part of the transition arrangements, the Department of Health and Aged Care are ceasing new registrations to VCF Connect as of Monday April 24.

What does this mean?

• Vaccine providers who have already registered in and claimed their services can continue to maintain vaccine services on the Service Finder through VCF Connect.
• Any vaccine provider that has not previously registered in VCF Connect will be able to get early access to Provider Connect Australia (PCA) to manage the vaccine services information.
• After VCF Connect is retired, all sites will be able to register in PCA and continue to self-manage their health services information.

The Department of Health and Aged Care and the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) have worked together to offer COVID-19 Vaccine providers the opportunity to onboard to a new service called Provider Connect Australia.

The Sydney North HealthPathways team have completed a rapid localisation of the pathway Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Information (including vaccination information). To request access to HealthPathways, or if you have any questions, please contact the HealthPathways Team: healthpathways@snhn.org.au

Updated information and advice for health professionals

• NSW Health guidance (includes FAQs, clinical advice, resources and more)
• Australian Government Department of Health website
• Home Care Guidelines for Adult Patients with mild COVID-19

Supporting people with disabilities during COVID-19

• Helpline to assist health professionals to deliver care to people with a disability (diagnosed with COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms): call 1800 131 330 between 8am – 9pm (AEST), Monday to Friday. Calls will be answered by health professionals with disability service qualifications and experience working with people with disability. More info here.
• Department of Health factsheets

COVID-19 outbreak preparation: Advice for GPs with patients in Aged Care Facilities

Click here to view the tip sheet. This document is the first in a series to support GPs working in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) and is designed to support involvement in RACF COVID-19 ou-break preparedness activities. It incorporates the expertise of a range of stakeholders including our local Emergency Response Outbreak Advisory Group GPs, Dr James Hardy and Prof Sue Kurrle, Geriatricians in Northern Sydney LHD.

Process for Residents Developing COVID-19 Symptoms

During Regular Hours

Northern Sydney Local health District (NSLHD) mobile ‘Swab Team’ is available to attend Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) to complete COVID-19 swabbing. The ‘Swab Team’ can be contacted on 0438 613 273 during these hours:

• Monday to Sunday (7 days)
• 9am – 5pm

After Hours

Outside of these hours, NSLHD does not provide a mobile COVID-19 testing service.

If a RACF resident develops COVID-19 like symptoms outside of these hours, please implement the following recommendations:

• • Contact the resident’s GP for medical advice and/or follow your usual after hours GP protocols.
  • Isolate the resident and implement contact and droplet precautions.
  • Utilise appropriate PPE.
  • If the resident remains well enough to remain in the RACF, contact the ‘Swab Team’ at 9am the following day.
  • If the resident becomes acutely unwell, requiring urgent medical attention, call an ambulance on 000 and advise that the resident is potentially COVID-19 positive.

Guidelines for Aged Care Facilities on COVID-19 outbreaks – Department of Health

COVID-19 Vaccination for Aged Care Information

• COVID-19 vaccination – Aged care stakeholder kit: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/covid-19-vaccination-aged-care-stakeholder-kit
• Reporting of clinical incidents: Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC): 1800 318 208 (7 days, 7 am-10 pm AEDT)
• Triaging and Directing Enquiries: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-triaging-process-for-aged-care-facilities
• Guidance for monitoring side effects of COVID-19 vaccines: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-monitoring-and-reporting-side-effects

Helping patients with Dementia navigate COVID-19

• National Dementia Helpline, 1800 100 500 – for  all health professionals supporting people living with dementia, and family carers in need of support.

Guidance for RACFs on the public health management of acute respiratory infections (including COVID-19, influenza and RSV)

• https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/Influenza/Pages/residential-care.aspx

Respiratory high-risk therapies

The NSW Government’s Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) has released some resources on the use of respiratory therapies that generate aerosolised particles. These therapies are capable of transmitting respiratory viruses including COVID-19. For this reason, they are considered high-risk.

The documents, which can be found here, provide some guidance around how to mitigate the risk of these therapies to keep people safe. There are also some alternatives that should be considered. These documents were informed by an evidence review, and developed by experts from the respiratory, intensive care, anaesthetics, paediatrics and infection control disciplines.

• Respiratory physiotherapy
• Nebuliser
• High flow nasal prong oxygen (HFNPO2)
• Non-invasive ventilation (NIV)

MBS telehealth arrangements

From 1 July 2022, ongoing MBS telehealth arrangements remain in place and provide for a wide range of telephone and video services by qualified health practitioners and support safe and equitable telehealth services which are informed by the MBS Review Taskforce Principles. Previous temporary arrangements ceased on 30 June 2022.

• Click here for an outline and factsheets concerning MBS telehealth and phone consultation item numbers.

We can help you set up telehealth technology in your practice

SNHN can help primary care practitioners and specialists get set up with a free, fit-for-purpose telehealth solution designed for health professionals. Email your query to digitalhealth@snhn.org.au

Process for prescribing during telehealth consults

The Department of Health has issued a ‘Guide for Prescribers’ fact sheet, containing  arrangements for prescriptions to support telehealth services.

Download: Department of Health: Guidance on use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in non-inpatient healthcare setting during the COVID-19 outbreak

Video: how to use personal protective equipment (PPE)

View full version here (7 mins)

Other helpful links:

• Mask-fitting guidelines
• Optimising the use of PPE in general practice during COVID-19

Do I need to get tested for COVID-19?

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should get tested.

People with coronavirus may experience any of the following:

• fever
• cough
• tiredness (fatigue)
• sore throat
• shortness of breath
• loss of taste or
• loss of smell.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms you can:

• call your GP
• call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or use the Healthdirect symptom checker here
• find out which kind of test you should do by visiting the NSW Health webpage
• In an emergency dial 000

You can view your customer’s immunisation status by accessing the “Immunisation view” from their My Health Record via your conformant dispensing software or the National Provider Portal. The immunisation details in their My Health Record are directly from AIR.

The immunisation view will inform you when their next immunisation(s) due and their status for the COVID-19 vaccine. Below is a snapshot of a consolidated view of the Immunisation document in a customer’s MHR:

NOTE: Under the My Health Record Act 2012, as a healthcare provider you have the right to access and view the My Health Record of a customer you are providing care for. This means you do not need to obtain consent prior to accessing and uploading information when providing services to the customer.

If you need help viewing your customer’s immunisation record, please contact digitalhealth@snhn.org.au.

Preparing an anaphylaxis response kit (click here to download PDF)

Managing anaphylaxis after vaccination (click here to download PDF)

NSW Health info sheet: anaphylaxis after vaccination

This NSW Health information sheet covers:

• signs and symptoms
• managing anaphylaxis
• risk factors for fatal anaphylaxis

ATAGI Site Requirements for COVID-19 Vaccination in Community Pharmacies

COVID-19 vaccination requirements in community pharmacies have been developed by the Australian Government in consultation with expert advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and standards outlined in the Australian Immunisation Handbook. Identified/participating community pharmacies must confirm compliance with the minimum requirements prior to delivery of vaccine doses. Find requirements here: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-site-requirements-for-covid-19-vaccination-in-community-pharmacies

NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards

The NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards have been further updated and published on the NSW Health website.

Online Training Resources

• WEBINAR: The Pharmacy Guild of Australia – COVID-19 Vaccination: What do we know so far?
• MODULE: Vaccine Storage and Cold Chain Management
• VIDEO: NCIRS Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) presentation

It is a requirement for pharmacists involved in the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine to have completed the COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program. This is to ensure vaccination providers are competent in the safe management and administration of COVID-19 vaccines.

The training content is delivered via an e-learning platform at no cost which you can access and complete by visiting covid19vaccinationtraining.org.au.

Training is also available for non-clinical and administration staff who can access the non-clinical modules which cover the handling, storage, and communication around the COVID-19 Vaccine.

Refer to this Department of Health webpage on approved COVID-19 vaccines for information on:

• Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca)
• Comirnaty (Pfizer)
• Spikevax (Moderna)
• Nuvaxovid (Novavax)

Booking and patient management systems

Particpating pharmacies will receive vaccine stock and access to the National Booking System. If pharmacies already have a booking/management system in place, that can also be used as majority of vendors integrate with the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

HealthEngine to build COVID-19 National Booking System

The Department of Health has selected HealthEngine as the booking platform that underpins the federal government’s Covid-19 vaccination information booking service allows patients to locate and book appointments with clinics. Pharmacies, General Practices, and state-run vaccination clinics, will be able to use the platform where they do not already have a booking system in place.

PRODA is an online authentication system providers use to securely access government online services such Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) and Health Professionals online Services (HPOS).

A PRODA account can be created by visiting the PRODA registration page here and selecting Register Now. You’ll need to complete the following steps:

1. Create your account – you will need to provide personal details, create a username and password, and verify your email address.
2. Verify your identity – you will need to verify your identity online using Government-issued identity documents e.g Australian Passport, Medicare card. A list of documents accepted can be viewed here.
3. Link existing records – to gain access to services you’re eligible for as an individual such as HPOS, you’ll need to link your PRODA account to the service by clicking on the tile and enter any relevant details.

Recognised vaccination providers and administrators can use the AIR site through HPOS to record immunisation details for individuals, view and print immunisation history statements, request reports and update their contact details.

To download and print an immunisation history statement, please follow instructions here

OR

view our guide here.

NSW Health has developed a procedures guide around the cold chain management of the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. This guide describes the process of receiving, storing, and administrating a COVID-19 vaccine. Click here to view.

Other useful resources

1. Vaccine Refrigerator Protocol
2. Cold Chain Breach and Vaccine Wastage Reporting Form
3. NSW Cold Chain Breach Protocol
4. Cold Chain Toolkit
5. Strive for 5 guidelines

Click here to download the above infographic.

For Patients

1. Display signage/posters in the pharmacy to encourage patients with symptoms to identify themselves early to pharmacy staff so they can be triaged accordingly. Signage is available from NSW Health.
2. Display signage/posters to encourage patients with symptoms to seek testing for COVID-19.
3. Encourage physical distancing of 1.5 metres where possible, for example through floor markings and barriers to create space at counters, seated areas, etc. Speak to patients from a safe distance to avoid contact with respiratory droplets.
4. Put alcohol-based hand rub dispensers in prominent places around the pharmacy, including the entrance and at counters where surfaces are touched.
5. Inform patients of places where they can wash their hands with soap and water (for a minimum of 20 seconds).
6. Encourage suitable patients to get vaccinated for influenza when available for flu season.

For Staff

1. Be familiar with your pharmacy’s protocols and procedures.
2. Don’t go to work if you have one or more COVID-19 symptoms. Make alternative arrangements with your workplace and get tested as soon as possible. Do not return to work until you receive a negative test result and are feeling well.
3. Staff who are close or casual contacts should abide by their work place protocols and procedures.
4. Encourage patients seeking cold and flu preparations to take a COVID-19 test.
5. Follow patient screening protocols and be prepared to follow the steps to minimise COVID-19 risk if providing services to a patient who has COVID-19 symptoms.
6. Be ready to respond to enquiries about COVID-19 vaccinations by referring to COVID-19 vaccination in NSW and COVID-19 vaccination FAQs .
7. Practise effective hand hygiene, wash hands thoroughly or use an alcohol-based hand rub throughout the work day and avoid touching your face as much as possible.
8. Keep a distance of 1.5 metres between staff and patients where possible.
9. Limit the number of people in the consultation room to the pharmacist, patient, and carer (where necessary).
10. Wear a mask if you’re providing services to a patient with an acute respiratory condition, or if otherwise indicated by NSW Health.
11. Pharmacists undertaking direct clinical services (e.g. vaccination or examining a skin rash) should follow standard precautions – personal protective equipment, such as a mask or gloves, would not be required routinely unless there is a risk of exposure to blood or body substances. Hand hygiene remains the cornerstone of infection prevention. Wearing gloves is not a substitute for hand hygiene.

For Managers

1. It is recommended that community pharmacies have a COVID-19 Safety Plan. This plan should consider the unique circumstances and location of the business, and routinely be reviewed and updated.
2. Ensure patient COVID-19 screening processes are understood and followed by all staff.
3. Incorporate recommendations on infection prevention into each step of service models. This includes handwashing facilities, hand sanitiser provision, physical distancing and wearing masks.
4. Pharmacies should consider the Clinical Excellence Commission advice on when healthcare workers in different contexts should wear masks. If there is active community transmission, NSW Health strongly recommends that pharmacists and staff working directly with patients wear masks.
5. Staff who are close or casual contacts must follow NSW Health advice and only return to work when advised by NSW Health.
6. Encourage staff to be up-to-date with all vaccinations. This is to protect themselves, their families and vulnerable patients from seasonal flu.

Cleaning and Waste Management

Key recommendations for pharmacies include:
– Thorough cleaning of the environment, particularly high touch surfaces like benchtops and handles
– timing scheduled appointments to support physical distancing and appropriate cleaning of surfaces
– ensuring closed bins are provided for safe disposal of tissues by staff and patients.

Cleaning and waste management should be included in the pharmacy’s COVID-19 and Disaster Plan.

All uncommon, serious or unexpected Adverse Event Following Immunisations (AEFIs) should be reported to your local public health unit.

To report a suspected AEFI, please complete the National Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) Reporting Form and contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.

Further information: NSW Health – what is an AEFI?