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Covid Vaccine Roll-Out Updates
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6/4/21 update/FAQ
Katungul will begin rolling out phase 1b vaccinations the week commencing 26 April for eligible community members (as listed below).
How do you make an appointment to get a vaccine?
Prior to the 26 April, Katungul staff will be contacting eligible clients (and accepting phone requests), to inform them that they can make an appointment. A screening interview with a registered nurse is required prior to the appointment being made.
Is there a second round of the vaccine?
Yes. Once you have had your screening interview and your first vaccine, you will need to return after 12 weeks for the second round of the vaccination.
Can I walk in and make an appointment?
No. Katungul is not a walk-in clinic, we are a vaccine clinic and we operate under strict procedures and regulations. If you are eligible for phase 1b, we will be contacting you prior to April 26 and or, you are welcome to phone your nearest clinic. (As per the above question)
Do I need to be a current patient at Katungul to receive the vaccination?
Yes. Any eligible person who are not current patients of Katungul will be required to authorise the release of their medical records from their regular GP and be registered as a Katungul patient. Vaccinations will only be administered once Katungul has reviewed the medical records to ensure that such persons do not have any underlying medical conditions that preclude vaccination.
Are vaccines voluntary?
Yes. Please note that vaccinations are voluntary but highly recommended to protect yourself and your community. Click here for more information.
Are the vaccines free?
Yes.
Do I need to have the vaccine if I have already had my flu shot?
Yes. It is recommended that you do both.
What should I expect at my appointment for the vaccine?
You will be allocated half hour time slots for the vaccination process. On arrival at the clinic, you will need to complete an informed consent form which will be explained at the time of vaccination. You will also be provided with information about the possible side effects of the vaccination. You can also find more information here: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/getting-vaccinated-for-covid-19...
Following the vaccination you will remain at the clinic for a period of at least 15 minutes under supervision to ensure no adverse reaction occurs and a follow up appointmentfor your second vaccination approximately 12 weeks later should be made.
If you have not had a flu vaccination, we may arrange an appointment time for this.
What happens next?
Vaccinations will be offered to persons in Phase 2 of the vaccination roll out when approved by the Australian Government. Please check blog posts below for a list of all phases and or check out thiseasy eligibility checker here 👉🏾 https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
Update as of 24/3/21
Update: Katungul should receive its first batch of the Covid vaccines in mid to late April. This will be for phase 1b patients only and is FREE.
Phase 1b eligible patients include:
- Health care workers not vaccinated in Phase 1A
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults over 55
- Aboriginal adults with a specified medical condition
- Aboriginal adults with a severe disability who have a specified underlying medical condition(s)
If you're unsure if you are eligible for phase 1b check out this easy eligibility checker here 👉🏾 https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
Please bare with us as things change quickly. Our aim is to keep you informed and up to date and we will let you know once we receive the vaccine and can begin to take bookings.
For more information visit 👉🏿 https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and…/covid-19-vaccines
Covid vaccine phased roll-out
The Australian Government will roll out the vaccine in different phases. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has advised the Australian Government on which groups should be prioritised for the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccination in Australia. This advice is consistent with guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Phase 1a
Quarantine, border and front line health care workers will need to provide proof of occupation to demonstrate their eligibility.
Quarantine and border workers, including:
- staff at entry points to the country (such as sea ports and land borders)
- staff working in quarantine facilities, including those employed under Commonwealth, state or private agreements, and
- Commonwealth employees (including Defence personnel) who are identified as having the potential to encounter returning travellers as part of their work.
Frontline health care worker sub-groups for prioritisation
- frontline staff in facilities or services such as hospital emergency departments,COVID-19 and respiratory wards, Intensive Care Units and High-dependency Units
- laboratory staff handling potentially infectious material
- ambulance and paramedics service
- GP respiratory clinics
- COVID-19 testing facilities
- *All other healthcare workers are included in Phase 1b, including medical and tertiary students with placements in these healthcare settings.
- nursing and personal care staff
- allied health professionals who routinely provide care
- kitchen, cleaning, laundry, garden and office staff
Aged care and disability care residents
Phase 1b
- Elderly adults aged 80 years and over
- Elderly adults aged 70-79 years
- Other health care workers
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults over 55
- Adults with a specified medical condition
*People will need to provide proof of these conditions to demonstrate their eligibility for vaccination via My health record, a health professional referral if required or a declaration form.
- Adults with a disability who have a specified underlying medical condition
- Critical and high risk workers including defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing
* Workers will need to provide proof of occupation to demonstrate their eligibility.
To read about phases 2a and 2b visit https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/getting-vaccinated-for-covid-19...
