COVID-19 Archives - Illawarra Medical Centre

COVID – Where are we at now?

walrus — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:04:27 +0000

It’s now been four years since COVID-19 was first reported and we have seen many shifts and changes in the approach to managing the disease during this time. While COVID is still prevalent in society today, it is no longer declared a public health emergency of international concern and most countries have now moved to living with the disease. But what does that mean for the everyday Australian?

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at the current situation and the latest recommended advice.

What is the current status globally?

According to the World Health Organization’s coronavirus dashboard, there have been more than 772 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported globally since the pandemic started, including almost 7 million deaths from the disease.

Vaccines were first approved in December 2020, to help combat the spread and impact of the disease, and more than 13.5 billion vaccines have been administered globally, up to the end of November 2023.

Currently, COVID has been recognised as an established and ongoing health issue that is no longer considered a public health emergency of international concern. That doesn’t, however, mean that COVID has gone away. In fact, there were still a reported 43,000+ confirmed cases worldwide, as at the end of November 2023.

What is the current situation in Australia?

In Australia, we have seen COVID enter a new wave, with reported cases increasing in recent weeks and expected to peak over the Christmas/New Year period. This new wave is largely attributed to the Omicron XBB variant.

Australia wide, there were a reported 9,429 cases, as at the week ending 1^st December and 501 cases reported in Western Australia (WA).

With restrictions and mandatory reporting now eased in WA, it is difficult for people to know what to do if they have COVID. However, the Western Australian government’s advice remains to stay home until your symptoms have resolved for a minimum of 5 days and up to 10 days or more.

To help protect those most at risk of serious complications, it is recommended you avoid visiting or working in high-risk settings for at least 7 days after you test positive. This includes facilities such as hospitals, disability, mental health and aged care residential facilities, and other health care settings (such as GP clinics, physiotherapy, dentist etc).

If you have COVID and need to attend hospital or high-risk settings for urgent medical treatment, you can still do so. However, it is recommended you contact the facility in advance to let them know you have tested positive, so that they can put measures in place to protect their other patients.

If you do get COVID, contact your GP to see if you are eligible for antiviral treatment. Antivirals can help prevent severe symptoms developing and reduce transmission. They work best when taken within the first five days of developing symptoms or as soon as possible after a confirmed diagnosis and are recommended for those aged 70 and over or those with several additional risk factors.

How can I continue to protect myself and others from COVID?

COVID is by no means over and there are simple steps we can all take to protect others from the disease. This includes:

Staying up-to-date with your vaccinations.
Wearing a mask in all high-risk settings and where social distancing is not possible.
Practicing social distancing by keeping at least 1.5 metres or two arms lengths from others.
Maintaining good personal hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water, using hand sanitiser, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
Staying home if you are unwell and getting tested if you display any COVID-19 symptoms.

For the latest COVID-19 information, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus

Do I still need to vaccinate against COVID and what vaccine should I have?

Vaccination remains an important tool in protecting yourself, your family and the community at large from COVID-19, particularly for those most at risk of severe complications from the disease.

There are a number of vaccine options available in Australia, including the newly released vaccines that specifically target the Omicron XBB variant.

A vaccine booster is currently recommended where it has been six months since the last vaccine dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection for:

those aged 75 years or older
adults aged 65-74 years
everyone 18 years and over with medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs

ATAGI currently recommends the following boosters for different groups:

For more information, visit https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination/booster-doses

Bookings at IMC

Illawarra Medical Centre currently has a range of COVID-19 vaccines available in stock, including the new XBB 1.5 vaccine.

To book in to receive your booster, please contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

If you are concerned about any COVID-19 symptoms or require antiviral treatments, please make an appointment with one of our GPs. Bookings can be made online or by phoning (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – https://www.health.gov.au/topics/covid-19?language=en
Healthy WA – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus
WA Government – https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)

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Triple virus threat for winter highlights importance of vaccination

walrus — Mon, 22 May 2023 04:27:14 +0000

There have been a lot reports in recent weeks about the looming triple virus threat of RSV, COVID and influenza hitting hard this winter. In this month’s blog, we take a look at each of these viruses, how they differ, and how you vaccination can help protect yourself and your family from them this coming winter.

RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (or RSV) usually presents as a mild respiratory infection. The virus infects the airways and lungs and commonly causes coughs and colds during winter.

Its symptoms include:

Fever
Runny nose
Headache
Sneezing
Coughing
Wheezing

It can also cause ear infections. While RSV mostly presents as a mild infection, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Children are most at risk, with 3.6 million children worldwide hospitalised with the virus every year.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

Thanks to the impact of vaccines and the health measures undertaken over the last few years, the World Health Organization recently declared that the virus was no longer a public health emergency, but an established and ongoing health issue.

COVID-19 symptoms can vary from mild to severe, with the most common symptoms being:

Fever
Coughing
Sore throat
Shortness of breath

Other symptoms can include:

Runny nose or congestion
Headache or fatigue
Muscle or joint pains
Nausea or loss of appetite
Diarrhoea or vomiting
Temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, WA has recorded 1,326,071 confirmed cases and 1,053 deaths from COVID (as at 12 May 2023 – https://covidlive.com.au/report/daily-deaths/wa). Globally, that figure increases to almost 765,903,278 confirmed cases and close to 7 million deaths (https://covid19.who.int/).

Influenza

Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that can often be mistaken for a common cold. However, flu tends to last longer and be more debilitating.

Most people experience symptoms, such as:

Fever
Headache
Sore throat
Runny nose
Cough
Tiredness
General aches and pains

Children, however, can experience more uncommon symptoms, including:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea

Influenza can cause severe illness or death, particularly among high-risk groups, including children under five, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with serious medical conditions.

Vaccination offers best protection

With all three viruses already circulating throughout the community, it is expected there will be increased pressure on our health system and hospitals as winter hits. Contracting a combination of RSV, flu and/or COVID-19 could also have severe consequences, particularly for vulnerable people in our community.

That’s why staying up-to-date with your vaccines is vital, as it helps to reduce the spread of these viruses and protects your family and the wider community, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

What vaccines are currently available?

RSV Vaccines

There is currently no vaccine available for RSV. However, a vaccine may not be too far away, with new research published in the New England Journal of Medicine showing the development of an RSV vaccine that, when given to pregnant women, was 81.8% effective in preventing severe disease within 90 days of birth and 69.4% effective in preventing severe disease within 180 days of birth.

In the meantime, you can help prevent the spread of the virus by:

Maintaining good personal hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water, using hand sanitizer, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
Staying home, when sick, or wearing a mask when leaving the house and avoiding close contact with others.
Regularly cleaning surfaces and items that may be contaminated with disinfectant.

COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone aged 5 years and older and there are currently three vaccines available for use in Australia:

Pfizer (Comirnaty)
Spikevax (Moderna)
Nuvaxovid (Novavax)

Some people may previously have received the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) COVID vaccine; however, this vaccine is no longer available in Australia (as of 20 March 2023).

All adults who have not had a COVID-19 booster or a confirmed case in the past six months are encouraged to get another booster to give them additional protection against severe illness from COVID, regardless of the number of prior doses received.

This additional booster dose is particularly recommended for those at risk of severe illness, including:

anyone aged 65 years and over; and
adults who have medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs.

ATAGI advice currently states that otherwise healthy children and teenagers do not need a booster at this time, given the low incidence of severe illness and high level of hybrid immunity amongst this cohort.

Influenza Vaccines

Anyone over the age of 6 months is encouraged to get vaccinated annually against influenza.

Those at greatest risk of serious complications from influenza are eligible to receive the vaccine for free, through the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP).

This includes:

Children aged 6 months to <5 years
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Adults aged 65 years and over
Pregnant women
Anyone aged 6 months and over who has:
- heart disease
- severe asthma (requiring frequent medical consultations or use of multiple medications)
- chronic lung conditions
- diseases of the nervous system that affect breathing
- impaired immunity
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- haemoglobinopathies
- children aged 6 months to 10 years on long-term aspirin therapy

In Western Australia, the flu vaccine is also free fro ALL primary school aged children from Pre-Primary to Year 6. Vaccination is also strongly recommended for those who:

Work in certain jobs and industries (including aged care and health care).
Travel to certain countries.
Are planning a pregnancy.

In Western Australia, the influenza vaccine is currently free for all Western Australians throughout May at participating GPs, pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services.

Are vaccines safe?

Yes. Vaccines given in Australia are perfectly safe and you cannot get the virus from having the relevant vaccine.

Like any vaccine, it is possible that some people may experience a reaction; however, the risk of the vaccines causing serious harm is very low.

In Australia, all vaccines must pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

We also have a national program – AusVaxSafety – that monitors the type and rate of reactions to each year’s new influenza vaccine in young children.

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we utilise the SmartVax system as an additional vaccine safety measure for our patients. SmartVax uses SMS and smartphone technology to actively monitor vaccine safety in real time and feeds into the AusVaxSafety program.

Can I get my flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?

Yes. You can have your flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.

When booking in for your flu vaccination, however, it’s important to tell your vaccination provider if you are also wanting to receive your COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, so that they can best plan your appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns about getting your COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations at the same time, speak to your GP prior to booking in any vaccinations.

Vaccinations at IMC

Illawarra Medical Centre currently has stocks of both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines available. We are also running Influenza Vaccination Clinics every Friday, for those looking to get their annual flu vaccine.

Bookings are essential. Visit the website or contact us on (08) 9208 6400 for further details.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Government Department of Health:

World Health Organization:

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COVID Antiviral Treatments

walrus — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 13:29:45 +0000

COVID-19 doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. In fact, infections in WA are set to peak over the coming weeks. The good news, however, is that there are now life-saving oral antiviral treatments available to help those most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at what treatments are available and how they work.

What are antiviral treatments?

Antivirals are a class of drugs that help the body fight certain viruses that cause disease. They can help prevent severe symptoms developing and reduce transmission. They are already used for a number of illnesses, including influenza, HIV, hepatitis B & C, and some viruses that cause eye infections and warts.

Antivirals can be administered orally or by intravenous drip, injection, eye drops or as topical ointments and creams.

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recently approved the use of two oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 – Lagevrio and Paxlovid.

As noted by the Australian Government Department of Health, these treatments have been found to be effective in treating people with mild to moderate COVID-19 who have a high risk of progressing to severe disease, reducing admissions to hospital and ICU and potential death.

How do they work?

Lagevrio, developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme, is based on an antiviral originally developed for influenza. It works by inhibiting replication of the COVID-19 virus. It was the first antiviral approved by the TGA for use in Australia.

This antiviral is taken as four pills every 12 hours for five days; however, it is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also recommended that sexually active men and women use contraception at least 3 months after taking Lagevrio.

Paxlovid, developed by Pfizer, is a three-dose medication that comprises separate tablets of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. The nirmatrelvir component blocks the activity of the enzyme needed to replicate the virus, while ritonavir helps to prevent the nirmatrelvir from breaking down in the liver, so that it can work for longer.

This antiviral treatment is also taken twice a day for 5 days and is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or those with severely reduced kidney or liver function. It is also important to note that Paxlovid must not be used with a number of commonly used medicines as it can lead to potentially harmful increases in blood levels or reduce its effectiveness.

For maximum benefit, both antivirals must be taken within the first five days of developing symptoms, or as soon as possible after a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 for those aged 70 and over.

Are there any side effects?

Both antivirals have reported some side effects in clinical trials.

For Lagevrio, a small number of people reported mild to moderate diarrhoea, dizziness and nausea, while side effects for Paxlovid have included food or drink tasting differently, diarrhoea, headache, nausea and vomiting.

In clinical trials of Paxlovid, it was found to be 89% effective in reducing the risk of hospitalisation and death among people with COVID-19 who were at high risk of severe illness when they were treated within five days of the onset of symptoms. While this trial happened before the Omicron variant, early research from the US does suggest that Paxlovid offers some protection against Omicron for those at higher risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.

Who is eligible?

Not everyone is eligible to receive antiviral treatments for COVID-19. Those who are eligible include people:

aged 70 years and older;
aged 50 years and older, with 2 or more additional risk factors; and
aged 30 and over of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, with 2 or more additional risk factors.

Additional risk factors include:

Living in residential aged care.
Living with disability with multiple conditions and/or frailty.
Neurological conditions like stroke or dementia and demyelinating conditions (e.g. multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome etc.).
Chronic respiratory conditions, including COPD, moderate or severe asthma.
Obesity or diabetes.
Heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies.
Kidney failure or cirrhosis.
Living remotely with reduced access to higher level health care.

Those aged 18 years and over who are moderately to severely immunocompromised may also be eligible for antiviral treatments for COVID-19.

This video from the Australian Government Department of Health provides a good overview of the antiviral treatments available for use in Australia>>

Where can I get antivirals from?

For those who are eligible for the antiviral treatments for COVID-19, you will need to obtain a prescription for them from your GP.

Your doctor should be able to send the pharmacist your prescription electronically so that the antivirals can be delivered to your home or collected by a friend or family member while you isolating with COVID-19.

If you are a patient of Illawarra Medical Centre and have tested positive for COVID-19, and you believe you are eligible for antiviral medications, please phone us on (08) 9208 6400 and let Reception know. We can then book you in for a telephone consultation as soon as possible and assist you where we can.

Protecting yourself against COVID-19

Remember that the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to continue practising the standard COVID-19 health and safety measures that we are all now used to. This includes:

Staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations.
Wearing a mask in all high-risk settings and where social distancing is not possible.
Practicing social distancing by keeping at least 1.5 metres or two arms lengths from others.
Maintaining good personal hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water, using hand sanitiser, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
Staying home if you are unwell and getting tested if you display any COVID-19 symptoms.

For the latest COVID-19 information, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus

If you have any queries or concerns about COVID-19, call the Coronavirus Information Helpline on 1326843.

If you are concerned about any COVID-19 symptoms or require antiviral treatments, please make an appointment with one of our GPs. Bookings can be made online or by phoning (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Government Department of Health –
https://www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/treatments/eligibility
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19/medications
HealthyWA – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/COVID19-Treatments
NPS Medicinewise – https://www.nps.org.au/coronavirus/antiviral-treatments-for-covid-19

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Long COVID

walrus — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 05:48:27 +0000

More than 30% of the Australian population has now been infected with the COVID-19 virus since the first positive case hit our shores in January 2020.

While recovery from COVID-19 can vary from person to person, most people will recover within in a few weeks. However, we are now seeing more cases of people experiencing what is known as ‘long COVID’, where symptoms continue for weeks or months after first testing positive to the virus.

What is long COVID?

Long COVID occurs when your COVID-19 symptoms don’t seem to go away and continue for a few weeks or more after you are first diagnosed with the virus.

The most common reported symptoms of long COVID include:

tiredness
difficulty breathing
a persistent cough
chest pain
joint pain
not enough energy to exercise
fever
headaches
brain fog – problems with memory and difficulty thinking clearly
depression or anxiety

Although COVID-19 is a disease that primarily affects the lungs, it can also damage other organs including the heart, kidneys and brain.

This video from the World Health Organization provides a good overview of long COVID>>

How common is it?

The RACGP notes that the incidence of post-COVID (or long COVID) in those who have tested positive but were able to manage the virus at home, is thought to be between 10-35%. For those admitted to hospital with COVID-19, the incidence of long COVID is thought to be closer to 85%.

Similarly, a 2021 survey of people in the UK found that nearly 10% of the 9,063 survey respondents affected with COVID were still reporting at least one symptom 12 weeks after their initial infection.

Who is at risk?

While the world is still working out the how and why of long COVID, some data suggests that those at higher risk of experiencing long-COVID include people who:

are not vaccinated;
have medical comorbidities (or other pre-existing medical conditions);
experienced severe initial infection; or
develop multi-system inflammatory syndrome as adults or children.

Other research suggests that having diabetes may also increase your risk of developing long COVID.

Long COVID tends to affect middle-aged females more than males, and adults more than children.

However, it appears that long-COVID doesn’t just effect people who were very sick with coronavirus or those with underlying health conditions. A number of healthy, active, high-functioning adults and children are also experiencing new health issues after contracting COVID-19.

Studies have indicated that vaccination with a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can halve the risk of long COVID symptoms in people who do contract COVID-19.

Can you prevent long-COVID?

The best way to prevent long-COVID is to avoid getting COVID-19 in the first place; and the best way to protect yourself and others against the virus in to continue practising the standard COVID-19 health and safety measures that we are all now used to.

This includes:

Staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations.
Wearing a mask in all high-risk settings and where social distancing is not possible.
Practicing social distancing by keeping at least 1.5 metres or two arms lengths from others.
Maintaining good personal hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water, using hand sanitiser, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
Staying home if you are unwell and getting tested if you display any COVID-19 symptoms.

Treatment of long COVID

Unfortunately, there is no one specific treatment available for long-COVID. People will experience different ongoing symptoms. If your symptoms do continue for more than several weeks, however, make sure you see your doctor to discuss how best to manage them.

Many symptoms associated with COVID-19 are similar to other diseases, such as cardiac issues or lung disease, so it’s important to rule these out.

Your GP will be able work with you to help manage any of your ongoing symptoms. They can also advise you of any medicines that may suit your recovery needs and refer you to other medical specialists or allied health professionals (such as physiotherapists, dieticians, occupational therapists etc), if required.

If you experience any of the following symptoms at any stage, please phone 000 and request an ambulance for urgent assistance. Be sure to advise the phone operator that you’ve previously been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Severe or worsening shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Severe chest pain, pressure, or change in heart rate
New or increased confusion
Difficulty waking up or unusual drowsiness

For the latest COVID-19 information, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus.

If you have any queries or concerns about COVID-19, call the Coronavirus Information Helpline on 1326843.

If you are concerned about any ongoing COVID-19 symptoms, please make an appointment with one of our GPs. Bookings can be made online or by phoning (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

American Medical Association – https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-long-covid
Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/news/how-do-i-know-if-i-have-long-covid
Australian Government Department of Health; Long Term Effects of COVID-19 (pdf) – https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/08/covid-19-vaccination-long-term-effects-of-covid-19.pdf
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19/post-covid-symptoms-long-covid
John Hopkins Medicine – https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/covid-long-haulers-long-term-effects-of-covid19
RACGP – https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/2ae3fcbd-d5b3-4612-b6fb-0d97bf4d3e44/Patient-resource-Managing-post-COVID-19-symptoms.aspx
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19

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Managing COVID-19 at Home

walrus — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 01:55:36 +0000

With increasing numbers of COVID cases in Western Australia, it is likely that many of us will experience having to manage the virus at home, either for ourselves or a family member. In this month’s blog, we take a look at how you can manage COVID at home and what you can do to keep you and your household safe.

Be prepared

With more and more cases of COVID-19 in the community, it is important to prepare yourself for having to manage COVID at home.

To get yourself prepared to manage COVID-19 at home, make sure you have these key essentials on hand:

Thermometer – a temperature of 38°C or above can be a symptom of COVID-19.
Face masks – if isolating at home with others, everyone should wear masks when in a room together to prevent spreading the virus.
Hand sanitiser and soap – good hand hygiene helps reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Make sure you have enough on hand to get you and your family through a period of isolation.
Pain relief medication – paracetamol and ibuprofen can help to relieve any discomfort caused by COVID-19 symptoms.
Electrolytes – to help manage dehydration that may result from any vomiting or diarrhoea, which are known symptoms of COVID-19.
Regular Medications – make sure you have at least a week’s supply of any medicines that you take regularly, including prescription medicines.
Cleaning Products and Disposable Gloves – to keep frequently touched surfaces (such as doorknobs, light switches and remote controls) clean and disinfected and reduce the risk of transmission.
Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) – to test yourself and family members for COVID-19, when it is not possible to get a PCR test.
Important Contact Numbers – for your nominated support person, emergency services and GP, as well as those you can call if you need help with food deliveries, essential supplies or looking after your children, pets or people in your care if you are unable to.
Activities – to keep you and others in your house entertained while in isolation.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

Fever
Runny nose
Sore, scratchy throat
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Dry cough
Headache
Muscle aches
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Chills/night sweats
Loss of taste and/or smell

If you have any of these symptoms, no matter how mild, you will need to isolate and get yourself tested straight away. You will also need to get tested if you are identified as a close contact of a positive case and isolate for 7 days from the date of contact.

The good news is that most people who are generally fit, healthy, younger and vaccinated will have only mild symptoms and can manage their COVID-19 recovery at home. If you are in a higher-risk category or have underlying health conditions, talk to your GP about the best way to manage COVID-19 at home.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and experience worsening symptoms that mean you are unable to take care of yourself in the usual way (such as showering, putting on clothes or making food), then contact your GP.

If your symptoms become severe, such as difficulty breathing when resting, then phone 000 immediately and let the operator know that you have COVID.

This checklist is a handy way to help you prepare for managing COVID-19 at home and to know what to do if you test positive or have symptoms>>

Getting tested

There are two tests available for COVID-19 – Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

RATs are readily available from pharmacies, supermarkets and other retail outlets and can be done at home. They work by testing your saliva or nasal swab, with a result available in around 15 minutes. When using a RAT, it’s important to follow the instructions very carefully to ensure you get the most accurate result.

If you receive a positive RAT test, you will need to isolate at home and register your result with WA Health, so they can advise you of what you need to do next.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Tests can detect genetic material from the virus and are conducted by trained health professionals, with results produced by a lab. It can take up to three working days to receive your PCR results. You will be contacted by phone if you are positive or SMS if you are negative. Results are provided between 8am and 8pm daily. PCR tests are more reliable than RATs and are available for free at COVID testing clinics across the state>>

While waiting for results of your PCR test, you will need to isolate until a negative result is confirmed.

I’ve tested positive for COVID-19. Now what?

If you test positive for COVID-19, you will need to isolate at home for a minimum of 7 days and tell those you live with about your positive result.

Try to manage any symptoms that you have and rest up so that you can recover. If your symptoms worsen to the point you are unable to look after yourself properly, contact your GP.

If your symptoms become severe and you have difficulty breathing when resting, then phone 000 immediately and let the operator know that you have COVID.

It’s important to also look after your mental health while in isolation. You can help stay on top of your mental wellbeing by:

Keeping in touch with family and friends through phone calls, video calls, emails, social media or writing letters.
Maintaining health routines.
Accessing support if you need it.

For more information on taking care of your mental health, visit https://www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au/mental-health-and-covid-19/

If, after isolating for 7 days, you have NO symptoms, then no further test is required and you can stop isolating.

If you DO have symptoms on day 7, remain in isolation until those symptoms clear or get clearance from a medical professional before leaving isolation.

Once you leave isolation, for the next 7 days, you will need to:

wear a mask indoors and outdoors for the next 7 days. This includes when in a vehicle used by people other than your household members (such as public transport or ride-sharing services); and
avoid visiting healthcare, aged and residential care facilities or correctional facilities.

Stay COVID Safe

Once you are out of isolation and clear of COVID, keep yourself COVID safe by continuing to follow the state’s COVID-19 guidelines, including:

Get up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations
Wear a mask
Practice social distance by keeping at least 1.5 metres or two arms lengths from each other)
Maintain good personal hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water, using hand sanitizer, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
Stay home if you are unwell and getting tested if you display any COVID-19 symptoms.
Use the ServiceWA or SafeWA app to check in.

Stay up-to-date with the latest COVID advice

With the rules and restrictions around COVID-19 constantly changing, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest restrictions and advice around testing, isolating and keeping you and your family safe.

For the latest COVID-19 information, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus

If you have any queries or concerns about COVID-19, call the Coronavirus Information Helpline on 1326843.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/blog/how-to-prepare-a-kit-to-manage-COVID-19-at-home
Healthy WA – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus
Healthy WA – Looking After Yourself – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/Managing-COVID19-at-home-and-in-the-community/Looking-after-yourself
Think Mental Health – https://www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au/mental-health-and-covid-19/
WA Government – https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus
WA Government – Managing COVID-19 Booklet – https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2022-03/Managing-COVID-19-booklet.pdf
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19#:~:text=treatment

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COVID’s impact on heart health

walrus — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 05:39:34 +0000

To coincide with Heart Research Month and the growing presence of COVID-19 in the Western Australian community, we thought we’d take a closer look at the links between COVID-19 and heart health.

Not only are you at greater risk of serious complications from COVID-19 if you have an existing cardiovascular disease, getting COVID-19 can cause heart damage or injury to those with no underlying heart conditions.

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease refers to a range of conditions that affect your heart, including blood vessel diseases (such as coronary artery disease), heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) and heart defects that you may have been born with.

Cardiovascular disease causes blood vessels to narrow or block and can lead to a heart attack, chest pains or stroke.

According to the Heart Foundation, heart disease is the single biggest killer of Australians, affecting around 1.2 million people. It is estimated that one Australian dies of cardiovascular disease every 12 minutes and one person will experience a heart attack or stroke every five minutes.

COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, those with existing cardiovascular disease have been more likely to have serious complications from COVID-19 and are at higher risk of hospitalisation, intensive care admission and death.

COVID-19 can also make a person’s existing cardiovascular disease worse.

In addition, COVID-19 can cause damage to the heart muscle and affect the heart function of those with no underlying heart conditions.

As noted by cardiologist Wendy Post, M.D., in a recent article from John Hopkins Medicine, this is due to coronavirus attaching itself to the heart’s angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors before it enters host cells. The high levels of inflammation caused by the body’s immune system fighting off the virus can also cause damage to healthy tissues, including the heart.

Vaccination offers protection

Vaccination remains one of the best ways for to look after your heart health and protect yourself against serious complications from COVID-19.

While some may have concerns about serious side effects from mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna), such as myocarditis and pericarditis, most reported cases have been mild, self-limiting and have recovered quickly.

Myocarditis causes inflammation of the heart muscle, while pericarditis causes inflammation of the outer lining of the heart.

In Australia, only 1-2 cases out of every 100,000 people have been reported after receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, with most people having mild symptoms and recovering well. Most reported cases have occurred within 10 days of vaccination and occur more commonly after the second dose in men aged under 30 years.

As such, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) continues to advise that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the risks of myocarditis and/or pericarditis for any age group and strongly recommends people get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Further information on these heart conditions is available from ATAGI>>

For more information on reported cases of myocarditis and pericarditis in Australia, see the latest TGA COVID-19 weekly vaccine safety report>>

If you are concerned about any symptoms following vaccination, you should seek advice from your doctor. If you believe your reaction is severe or life threatening, please phone 000 for an ambulance or go to your closest emergency department.

Looking after your heart health

Looking after your heart health is more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly if you have heart disease.

As well as keeping up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, other simple steps toto jitu you can take to better look after your heart include:

Keeping physically active – undertaking physical activity for 30-45 minutes a day, five or more days a week, can help reduce your risk of heart disease and heart attacks.

Getting your annual flu vaccination – the flu can trigger a heart attack, so getting vaccinated not only helps prevent the flu but can also prevent heart attacks.

Eating well – eating a heart healthy diet is one of the best things you can do your heart health. This includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and wholegrains, sticking to healthy or reduced fats, reducing your salt and alcohol, and drinking plenty of water.

Looking after your mental health – people with cardiovascular disease are more likely to experience depression. Feeling isolated or depressed can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. That’s why looking after your mental health and getting support when you need it is an important way to look after your heart health.

Staying connected with your doctor – stick to your current treatment plan, take your medicines and keep in touch with your doctor as needed. Many doctors now offer telehealth appointments for those unable to visit face-to-face due to COVID-19.

If you have concerns about your heart health, questions about COVID-19 vaccines, or want to book in for your COVID-19 vaccine, contact us on (08) 9208 6400 or make an appointment online.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) – https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-update-following-weekly-covid-19-meeting-22-september-2021
The Conversation – https://theconversation.com/myocarditis-covid-19-is-a-much-bigger-risk-to-the-heart-than-vaccination-174580
Heart Foundation – https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/covid-19/covid-19-and-heart-disease-risks
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-and-cardiovascular-conditions
Healthy WA – https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Health-conditions/Heart-health-cardiovascular
John Hopkins Medicine – https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/heart-problems-after-covid19
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) – https://www.tga.gov.au/covid-19-vaccine-safety-monitoring-and-reporting
Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute – https://www.victorchang.edu.au/coronavirus

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Rapid Antigen Tests for COVID-19

walrus — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 23:18:52 +0000

There’s been a lot of talk recently about Rapid Antigen Tests for COVID-19 and how these will become an increasingly important tool for people to use as cases of COVID-19 rise in Western Australia. In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at how these test work and when you should use them.

What are Rapid Antigen Tests?

Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are a way to determine if you are infected with COVID-19, by testing whether you have viral proteins of COVID-19 present in your body.

Unlike Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Tests – which can detect genetic material from the virus and are conducted by trained health professionals, with results produced by a lab – RATs are designed for people to use at home. They work by testing your saliva or nasal swab, with a result available in around 15 minutes.

Rapid antigen tests are less sensitive than PCR tests and only give positives when a patient has a high viral load in the range where they are both infectious and symptomatic. RATs can detect COVID-19 during the ‘acute’ phase of infection, which is generally just before you show symptoms and in the week after symptoms first appear.

For this reason, PCR tests are still considered more accurate than RATs; however, RATs do have the benefit of being more convenient and can give you a result in a much shorter time frame. They can also be helpful in determining whether you are ok to go to out and about, attend large gatherings or enter areas with vulnerable people, such as aged care and health facilities.

If you do test positive to COVID-19 using a RAT, however, you may still be required to confirm your result with a PCR test.

How accurate are they?

While RATs were previously banned in Western Australia over accuracy concerns, the State Government has subsequently removed the ban and they have been legal since 10 January 2022.

RATs are not as reliable as PCR tests; however, those approved for use in Australia still must have an accuracy rate of at least 80 per cent.

There are currently 22 RATs approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The list of these is available here>>

Each of these has a minimum clinical sensitivity of at least 80 percent, which means the likelihood of the test correctly identifying those who DO have the condition. They also have a minimum clinical specificity of at least 98 percent. This means how likely it is that the test will correctly identify those who DO NOT have the condition.

When using a RAT, it’s important to follow the instructions very carefully to ensure you get the most accurate result.

If you receive a positive RAT test, you should consider that you do have COVID-19. You will need to isolate at home and advise your local health authority of your result, so they can advise you of what you need to do next. You may also be required to get a follow up PCR test to confirm the result.

When should I use a RAT?

Rapid Antigen Tests are handy to use when you:

have COVID-19 symptoms but can’t access a PCR testing clinic;
are about to visit an aged-care facility, health care facility or go to a large gathering and want to quickly check if you are likely to have COVID-19;
need to have regular testing as part of your school or workplace attendance requirements; or
are required to by the WA Health Department.

Where can I get rapid antigen tests from?

Given the previous ban on RATs in Western Australia, there is currently a shortage of supply. However, RATs will be increasingly available from pharmacies, supermarkets and other retail outlets and stock is delivered. It’s best to phone your pharmacy ahead of your visit to check if they have supplies available.

While PCR tests are free throughout Australia, you will need to pay for RAT tests and prices can vary in range between different suppliers.

From 24 January, the Australian Government has made RATs free to access for those who hold an eligible Commonwealth concession card, including:

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Department of Veteran’s Affairs Gold, While or Orange Card
Health Care Card
Low Income Health Card
Pensioner Concession Card

Eligible concession card holders will be able to access up to 10 RATs from community pharmacies over a 3-month period, with a maximum of 5 RATS in any one month.

For more details on this program, visit https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/rapid-antigen-testing-concessional-access-program

Vaccination still the best defence

Of course, the best way to protect yourself, your family and the wider community from slot gacor the spread of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccinations are now available for everyone aged 5 years and over, with boosters available for those aged 18 and over who had their second dose at least 4 months ago.

Illawarra Medical Centre is an approved provider of COVID-19 vaccines. Bookings for our COVID-19 vaccination clinics can be made online or by contacting us on (08) 9208 6400.

If you have any concerns or questions about COVID-19 vaccinations that you wish to discuss, please book a separate appointment with your GP prior to your vaccination appointment.

Where can I find out more information?

For more information on this topic, visit:

ABC – https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-30/how-accurate-are-covid-rapid-antigen-tests-vs-pcr/100729792
Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/testing
GPs Can – https://www.gps-can.com.au/covid19-blog/rapid-antigen-test-covid
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/blog/what-are-covid-19-rapid-antigen-tests
Healthy WA – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/COVID19-testing
Therapeutic Goods Association – https://www.tga.gov.au/covid-19-rapid-antigen-self-tests-are-approved-australia

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COVID-19 Vaccines and Children

walrus — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 09:30:33 +0000

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recently approved COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 5-11 years from 10 January 2022. This follows on from the introduction of vaccines for those aged 12-15 years in September this year. As the vaccine rollout extends to these younger age groups, it’s natural for parents and children alike to be curious about what the risks and benefits are for children.

In this month’s blog, we look at some of the questions people may have about COVID-19 vaccines for children.

Are children at risk of getting COVID-19?

Yes, children are at risk of getting COVID-19. The good news, however, is that they appear far less likely than adults to get seriously ill from the virus.

The Australian Government Department of Health reports that there have been over 70,000 cases and three deaths from COVID-19 in Australian children aged 0-19 since the country recorded its first reported case.

National data from January to August this year shows 2.5% of children aged up to nine and 2.9% of children and teenagers aged 10-19 who contracted COVID-19 were hospitalised with the virus.

On a global scale, it also appears that very few children infected with COVID-19 require hospitalisation and even fewer require ICU or die from the virus.

However, it’s important to remember that COVID-19 remains a major risk around the world and while children seem to be at less risk of getting seriously ill from the virus, they still have the ability to pass it onto others who are more at risk.

How does COVID-19 affect children?

Most children who get COVID-19 have a mild infection that resembles a common cold or flu. Some children show no symptoms at all.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 in children include:

Fever
Runny nose
Cough
Sore throat
Fatigue
Headache
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Breathing difficulties
Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
Poor oral intake and dehydration

It’s important to get your child tested if they show any of these symptoms. If your child experiences worsening symptoms or you are concerned, contact your GP or seek medical care. In the case of an emergency, phone 000 and request an ambulance.

Why have children now been included in the vaccine rollout?

With new variants, increasing case numbers and state and international borders opening up in Australia, more children are now getting the virus.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) approval to expand COVID-19 vaccinations to children aged 5 years and over was based on careful evaluation of the available data to support its safety and efficacy among this age group.

Vaccinating younger children and adolescents is an important step in Australia reaching herd immunity and it remains the most important way we can protect ourselves, our families and the wider community from the spread of COVID-19.

That’s why vaccination remains a priority for all, as it protects the small percentage of young people with underlying health issues and also means children are less likely to transmit it to others.

Which vaccines will children receive?

Children aged 5-11 years old have been approved to receive a two-dose primary dose of the Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine, from 10 January 2022. The vaccine dose for this age group is rtp slot one-third the size approved for people aged 12 and over.

Those aged 12 years and over have been approved to receive either the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna (Spikevax) COVID-19 vaccine. Two doses of the vaccines are required for optimal protection. The two doses are given at least 3-6 weeks apart for Pfizer vaccines and 4-5 weeks apart for Moderna vaccines.

Clinical trials of these vaccines in children have shown them to provide excellent protection against COVID-19 in adolescents.

To find out more information about these vaccines, visit the WA Health Department website>>

Are COVID vaccines safe for children?

Clinical trials and real world studies have shown that COVID-19 vaccines approved for children and adolescents are very safe.

All vaccines used in Australia, including those used to protect against COVID-19, are thoroughly tested and monitored to ensure their ongoing safety.

In addition, tens of millions of adolescents have been vaccinated in countries that are closely monitoring and reporting on vaccine safety, including the USA, Europe, Canada, Israel, Singapore and Japan.

COVID-19 vaccine side effects in children

Children may experience mild side effects after vaccination, but these usually resolve within 48 hours. The most common side effects following immunisation are:

Pain, redness, swelling or itching at the injection site
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle or joint pain
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Fever

Some people, including children, have experienced serious side effects from COVID-19 vaccines, such as anaphylaxis, myocarditis and pericarditis.

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. Pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. Myopericarditis is where these two conditions occur together.

These conditions are very rare and most children and adults who experience them as a result of COVID-19 vaccination recover quickly, with minimal or no treatment required.

Symptoms can include:

Chest pain
Pressure of discomfort palpitations (irregular heartbeat, skipped beats or ‘fluttering’)
Fainting
Shortness of breath
Pain when breathing

These symptoms normally appear within 1-5 days of vaccination and are usually mild. However, if your child does experience any of these symptoms, please seek prompt medical attention.

Further information on these conditions is available from ATAGI>>

For the latest information on COVID-19 vaccine safety data in Australia, visit AusVaxSafety>>

Book in for your COVID-19 vaccine

Illawarra Medical Centre is an approved provider of COVID-19 vaccines and will be providing vaccines for children aged 5 and over from 10 January 2022. To book in for your vaccination with us, make an appointment online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccines or your current available vaccine options, please book a regular appointment with your GP to discuss prior to making your vaccination booking.

For more information, visit our COVID-19 Vaccines page

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-and-children
AusVaxSafety – ausvaxsafety.org.au
Healthy WA – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/COVID19-vaccine/FAQs
National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) – https://www.ncirs.org.au
Raising Children – https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/coronavirus-and-children-in-australia
Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne – https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Coronavirus_COVID-19/

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COVID-19 vaccine update – exemptions

walrus — Sun, 31 Oct 2021 05:37:00 +0000

There’s been a lot of discussion lately around medical exemptions to COVID-19 vaccinations, with an increasing number of people approaching their GP to ask for an exemption. It’s important to know, however, that exemptions for vaccination are extremely rare and can only be granted for very specific reasons.

In this month’s blog, we clear up any confusion about medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines.

Medical Exemptions

There are very few situations that warrant a medical exemption to COVID-19 vaccines. Generally, if people are unable to have one of the available vaccines they should be able to have one of the others, as the substances used in each vaccine are different.

The medical exemption criteria that GPs and vaccine providers in Australia must adhere to are determined by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and endorsed by the Australian Government. There is no discretion allowed under this criteria.

Valid Reasons for Exemption

In Australia, the only reasons that count as valid reasons for a medical exemption for vaccination are if you:

have had anaphylaxis after a previous dose of a vaccine;
have had anaphylaxis after a dose of any component of a vaccine; or
are significantly immunocompromised (for live vaccines only).

ATAGI has also recently allowed for temporary exemptions for the COVID-19 vaccine.

However, this exemption only allows for a deferral of the vaccine for those who meet specific criteria.

Reasons for Temporary Deferral

This includes people who:

have some acute medical conditions, such as undergoing major surgery or hospital admission for a serious illness;
have had inflammatory cardiac illness within the past 6 months (applies to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines only);
have PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV- 2 infection. Vaccination can be temporarily deferred until complete recovery from the acute illness (which may be up to 6 months), regardless of disease severity. Chronic symptoms following COVID-19 (what is known as ‘long COVID’) is not a cause for exemption but should be discussed with your doctor; or
experience serious adverse events (admitted to hospital) attributed to a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and without another cause identified.

Invalid Reasons for Exemption

The following are NOT valid reasons for a medical exemption for vaccination:

acute anxiety
vaccine hesitancy
mild illness without fever (i.e. a temperature below 38.5^oC)
family history of adverse events following immunisation
history of convulsions
treatment with antibiotics
treatment with locally acting steroids, inhaled or low dose topical
replacement corticosteroids
asthma, eczema, atopy, hay fever or sniffles
previous infection with the same pathogen
neurological conditions, including cerebral palsy and Down Syndrome
contact with an infectious disease
pregnancy
breastfeeding
recent or planned surgery

To date, only 0.005% (or 1,600 people) of Australians have had an adverse reaction to a vaccine or have an illness that makes them significantly immunocompromised and required them to forgo the vaccine.

As noted by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), people who have had an adverse reaction to one of the vaccines, or have an allergy to an ingredient in the vaccine, should discuss having one of the other vaccines that does not contain that ingredient with their clinical immunology/allergy specialist.

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety

COVID-19 vaccines have been demonstrated worldwide to be safe and effective and are recommended for all Australian’s from 12 years of age.

All vaccines used in Australia, including those used to protect against COVID-19, are thoroughly tested and monitored to ensure their ongoing safety.

A number of people may experience some side effects following vaccination. These are usually mild and most commonly include:

pain, redness, swelling or itching at the injection site
fatigue
headache
muscle or joint pain
gastrointestinal symptoms
fever

These symptoms typically start within 24 hours of vaccination, last one to two days, and resolve without treatment.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, you should seek advice from your doctor. If you believe your reaction is severe or life threatening, please phone 000 for an ambulance or go to your closest emergency department.

For the latest information on COVID-19 vaccine safety data in Australia, visit www.ausvaxsafety.org.au

Book in for your COVID-19 vaccine

Illawarra Medical Centre is an approved provider of COVID-19 vaccines. To book in for your vaccination with us, make an appointment online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information, visit our COVID-19 Vaccines page.

For more information on this topic, visit:

ATAGI – https://www.health.gov.au/committees-and-groups/australian-technical-advisory-group-on-immunisation-atagi
ASCIA – https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/ascia-covid-19-vaccination-faq
Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines
AusVaxSafety – https://www.ausvaxsafety.org.au/
Healthy WA – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/COVID19-vaccine
SmartVax – https://www.smartvax.com.au
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines

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Quelling the confusion around COVID-19 vaccines

walrus — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 02:28:25 +0000

With all the recent changes and conflicting advice around COVID-19 vaccines, many people are understandably feeling anxious and confused. In this month’s blog, we outline the Australian Government’s current guidelines and advice, to help quell some of the confusion around COVID-19 vaccines.

Which vaccines are currently available in Australia?

At the moment, only two vaccines have been approved for use in Australia:

Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine – the first vaccine approved for use in Australia for people 12 years of age and over. Two doses of this vaccine will be required, administered at least 21 days apart. Pfizer is currently only available for patients who are eligible in Phase 1a and 1b of the Australian Government’s vaccination rollout or those aged 40-59 years old.
University of Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine – the second vaccine to be approved for use in Australia for people aged 18 and over. Two doses of this vaccine will be required, with the second dose administered between 4 to 12 weeks after the first. The current advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is that the AstraZeneca vaccine remains the preferred vaccine for those aged 60 and over.

Who can currently access these vaccines?

As per the Australian Government guidelines, the following people are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine:

All adults aged 40-49;
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 to 49;
NDIS participants aged 16 years and over, and unpaid and informal carers of NDIS participants of any age;
Temporary visa holders aged under 50 years who are currently in Australia and have been approved for return travel to Australia through the travel exemption process;
Adults aged 18-59 can choose to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine:
- Following an appropriate assessment of suitability by a qualified health professional; and
- If you provide verbal or written consent.

This is in addition to the following people, who were already eligible for vaccination:

All adults aged 50 and over;
Quarantine and border workers;
Health care workers;
Aged care and disability care residents and staff;
People aged 16 and over with an underlying medical condition or significant disability;
Critical and high risk workers aged 16 and over including defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing; and
Individuals with an Australian Border Force outwards travel exemption in an eligible category.

When will others be eligible to receive the vaccine?

Everyone in Australia will be offered a free, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.

As COVID-19 vaccines become approved and available, they will be rolled out in phases, with the aim of having as many people in Australia vaccinated as possible in 2021.

The national COVID-19 vaccine rollout strategy outlines the phases in which vaccines will be made available to different groups.

While waiting for your turn to be vaccinated, it’s important to continue the good COVIDSafe habits adopted over the past year, including:

checking in with the SafeWA app at all times;
practising god hygiene;
maintaining physical distance;
staying at home and getting tested for COVID-19 if you are sick; and
downloading the COVIDSafe app.

I’m under 60 years old. Can I get the AstraZeneca vaccine?

The AstraZeneca vaccine will be prioritised for people aged 60 years and over.

If you are under 60 years of age and have already had your first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, and did not experience abnormal side effects, it is recommended that you still receive your second AstraZeneca to protect yourself against severe illness from COVID-19.

If you are aged 18-59 years of age, you can choose to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine:

following an appropriate assessment of suitability by a qualified health professional; and
if you provide verbal or written consent.

ATAGI’s advice on receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine in the case of a COVID-19 outbreak has also changed. In this instance, and where the supply of Pfizer is constrained, ATAGI advises adults aged 60 and under to re-assess the benefits of vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine versus the rare risk of a serious side effect.

What are the risks associated with AstraZeneca?

The risk that most people appear concerned about with the AstraZeneca vaccine is blood clotting.

AstraZeneca appears to be associated with a rare side effect called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). TTS involves blood clots and low levels of blood platelets. The blood clots can occur in different parts of the body, such as the brain or in the abdomen.

In Australia, symptoms of TTS have occurred between 4 and 42 days post-vaccination and are more commonly associated with people under 60 years of age.

It’s important to note that the risk of developing TTS is extremely low. In fact, marathon running, drowning and car accidents all present greater risk to the general population than the AstraZeneca vaccine.

While AstraZeneca is preferred for those aged 60 years and over, it can be used in adults under 60 years of age where the benefits clearly outweigh the risk and the person has made an informed decision based on an understanding of the risks and benefits.

Why can’t I just get the vaccine that I want, when I want?

Access to any vaccine approved for use in Australia has been prioritised, ensuring those at greatest risk are vaccinated first.

Specific vaccines will be administered based on availability and clinical guidance on appropriate vaccines for people.

All General Practitioners and vaccine providers must comply with the advice and clinical guidance provided by the Commonwealth Government and ATAGI. For this reason, and your own safety, we are only able to give you the vaccine that you are eligible for, based on the latest health advice.

How can I get vaccinated?

The first thing to do is to check your eligibility and find out when you can receive a vaccine.

If you are eligible, you will be able to view vaccination locations and book an appointment. Bookings in Western Australia can be made via the Roll Up For WA website. Alternatively, you may be able to book in to have your vaccination with your local participating GP.

Vaccination remains the key to protecting our family, friends and community from COVID-19 and to getting back to a more normal way of life.

Having enough people in the community vaccinated against COVID-19 will help to slow down the spread of the disease and make outbreaks much less likely. It will also mean less need for preventative measures, such as border closures and travel restrictions, as well as improvements to the health, social and economic wellbeing of all Australians.

Can I get my COVID-19 vaccine at Illawarra Medical Centre?

Yes. Illawarra Medical Centre has been approved to provide COVID-19 vaccines, in adherence with the rollout of the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccination program.

We are currently running COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for eligible patients, while stocks last. Bookings can be made by phoning us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information, visit our COVID-19 Vaccines page.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines
AusVaxSafety – https://www.ausvaxsafety.org.au/
Healthy WA – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/COVID19-vaccine
SmartVax – https://www.smartvax.com.au
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines

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