The Department of Health is calling for expressions of interest (EOI) for up to 900 additional general practices to enrol in the COVID-19 vaccination program.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the Department’s EOI process would expand the role of general practices in the vaccine rollout to administer the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
“Through an expression of interest process, run in partnership with Primary Health Networks, we’re inviting general practices who are currently not participating in the rollout to apply,” Mr Hunt said.
“Government has worked closely with States, Territories and PHNs, undertaking comprehensive modelling and analysis to identify projected COVID-19 vaccine gaps across Australia,” he said.
“These new practices will be brought into the program from mid-June to ensure equitable and timely access to COVID-19 vaccines for people aged 50 and above.”
Mr Hunt said more than 4,600 primary care vaccination sites joined the rollout between March and April, including approximately 4,400 general practices.
“Primary care, as the cornerstone of our health system, has played a critical role in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout so far, with approximately two-thirds of all the vaccinations administered to date occurring within general practice,” the Minister said.
The Department said all general practices could apply through the EOI however, practices located within and around regions identified as having limited access to the AstraZeneca vaccine would be prioritised to be brought on-board.
