Family Doctors Plus will be joining the COVID vaccine rollout soon when the vaccines become
available. We have been allocated only 50 vaccine doses per week initially. This has been the case
for most GP clinics and we request your patience. We have capacity to offer more vaccines as they
become available.
The Australian Government has prioritised people in higher risk groups. Currently only people who
are eligible for phase 1a and phase 1b are being vaccinated. Please note, we cannot vaccinate
people who are not yet eligible for the vaccines as per the Department of Health.
Phase 1a priority population groups include:
- quarantine and border workers;
- frontline health care workers;
- aged care and disability residents; and
- aged care and disability care staff.
Phase 1b priority population groups include:
- people 70 years of age or older;
- health care workers;
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults over 55 years;
- younger people with an underlying medical condition, including people with a disability; and
- critical and high risk workers, including Australian Government officials about to be deployed overseas on official government business.
Proof of eligibility
Patients will need to prove their eligibility to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to receive the vaccine in
Phase 1b.
You can access the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker at:
https://covidvaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility to see if you are eligible to receive a COVID-19
vaccine now. The eligibility checker will be updated as required.
Family Doctors Plus is required to confirm that you meet eligibility for the first dose. If you have had
your first dose given overseas we require those details.
The table below provides examples of appropriate types of proof per population group:
| Healthcare Workers not included in Phase 1a | Proof of occupation (ID card, letter from employer) or Phase 1B Declaration Form |
| Critical and high risk workers | Proof of occupation (ID card, letter from employer) or Phase 1B Declaration Form |
| People over 70 years | All standard forms of identification (drivers licence, passport) will be accepted |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 55 years | Self-identification as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Person (remember to ask the question) |
| People over 18 years with an underlying medical condition, including disability | Medical records (for example, a clinic record, MyHealth Record, printout of chronic disease plan); a referral from a GP or treating specialist; or a Phase 1B Declaration Form. This is not necessary for patients of Family Doctors Plus as we know your medical history. |
| Carers and disability workers | Carers documentation or proof of occupation (ID card or letter from employer/centre-based support provider); or a Phase 1B Declaration Form |
If you do not have proof of your underlying medical condition, you may complete a Phase 1b
declaration form. This form will be available soon from the Department’s website at:
https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines.
How to book into the COVID vaccination clinic at Family Doctors Plus
Our online COVID vaccine booking system will go live after the 5 th of April 2021. Once you have
confirmed your eligibility you will be able to book an appointment using our online booking system.
We request that you book online if possible. If you have no internet access, you are able to book by
calling reception. You can book online at www.familydoctorsplus.com.au. We request you fill in all
the information requested and read the consent form on the online booking system.
If you have queries about the vaccine, are unsure if you should have it, have concerns, have a history
of problems with vaccines eg needle phobia we request you book a consultation to speak with your
GP first before you book your online COVID vaccination clinic appointment.
Can I have the COVID vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, eg flu vaccine?
No, the recommendation from ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) is to
not have any other vaccines, including the flu vaccine, 14 days on either side of the COVID vaccines.
Can I have the COVID vaccine if I am pregnant, considering pregnancy or breastfeeding?
We request you look at this link from the Department of health:
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-covid-19-vaccination-
decision-guide-for-women-who-are-pregnant-breastfeeding-or-planning-pregnancy
What do you need to do on the day of the vaccine?
Please notify us if you are sick with any symptoms (fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, vomiting,
diarrhoea) so we can rebook your appointment.
You will need to bring:
- ID-driver’s licence or passport
- Current Medicare Card (if you don’t have one, you will need to register with one of the health hubs for your vaccination. General Practices can only provide vaccinations to people with Medicare cards)
- Pen
- Proof of eligibility (see above)-eg proof of place of employment or medical conditions
- Please wear a short sleeve shirt to allow us access to your upper arm for the vaccine
- Please follow the signs and register with our receptionist
- You will need to be observed for 15 to 30 minutes depending on your medical history. Please allow sufficient time for your appointment
- You may need to wear a face mask depending on the risk of COVID in the community at the time
How to access immunisation record or proof of vaccination
You will be able to access proof of vaccination from:
- Your Medicare online account through myGov (my.gov.au )
- Downloading the Medicare mobile app (https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/express-plus-medicare-mobile-app)
- My health record (provided you have registered)
- Phoning the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809.
We request you access your vaccination history by these means rather than calling our receptionists.
Please allow 48 hours for your vaccine details to be uploaded.
For more information on the COVID vaccine please go to www.health.gov.au or speak with your
doctor.
