Costs associated with delivering the COVID-19 vaccine may prevent some medical practices from helping with the vaccine rollout, says the peak body governing GPs in Tasmania.
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The federal government will begin rolling out the approved Pfizer vaccine in February and plans to use general practices to help meet demand.
But there are concerns the reimbursement offered to GPs, who will be bulk-billing clients for the service, won't cover the cost of operating a vaccine clinic.
Launceston Medical Centre doctor Jerome Muir Wilson said running a vaccine clinic would be costly and complicated.
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"We think the COVID vaccine is a hugely important part of the defence against COVID and that GPs are perfectly placed to deliver that - we've got a great track record," he said.
"Our big concern though is that the government has valued the COVID vaccine remuneration at under $30 and that has got to cover our doctor giving it, a nurse drawing it up, our admin team booking the appointment, the storage complexities and going through it.
"So for funding of under $30 we just wonder how we are going to make it work. We are going to do our best and as GPs we are always there for the community but we need a balance to be able to make it all affordable."
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Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Tasmanian president Tim Jackson shared Dr Muir Wilson's concerns.
He said the costs associated with running the clinic would likely prohibit small practices participating in the vaccination program.
"At the moment each place will have to workout whether they can afford it," Dr Jackson said.
"We are keen to get this rolled out and we want to make sure it is accessible to everyone."
Dr Jackson said operating a COVID vaccination clinic was more complex than administering other vaccines.
He said it requires more explaining, explicit consent, close monitoring of patients after the vaccination, people to return for second doses and cross checking to ensure everyone is eligible for the shot.
Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the state government was working with the Commonwealth, doctors, nurses and pharmacists on the vaccine rollout plan.
She said Tasmanians in all areas could be assured they would have access to the vaccine.
"We will continue to communicate with the Tasmanian community as we work through the roll-out logistics with the federal government, but Tasmanians in all areas of the state, including rural and regional communities, can be assured they will be able to access the vaccine," Mrs Courtney said.
"The Australian government has released the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and is providing regular information on vaccines via their website.
"Tasmanians will be strongly encouraged to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and play their part to help protect the safety of our community."
A spokesperson for the federal Health Department said to support the rollout of the vaccine, 18 new Medicare item numbers would be created.
The spokesperson said item numbers would be different for urban and non-metropolitan areas as well as for business hours and after-hours services.
"These items are modelled on a level A consultation available to GPs and other medical practitioners working in a general practice setting. In addition, bulk billing incentives - double for dose one, single for dose two - will be incorporated into the value of the items and will not need to be claimed separately," the spokesperson said.
"A Practice Incentive Payment of $10 will apply where an individual receives both doses of the vaccine within an appropriate timeframe at the same practice."
The federal government is seeking expressions of interest from general practitioners who want to be involved in the vaccine rollout.
It is understood hundreds of GPs have already submitted an application.
The government has also launched a $23.9 million education campaign to ensure Australians are informed about the vaccine process.
In a statement Health Minister Greg Hunt said the campaign would reaffirm that the vaccines had been through a rigorous approvals process and were safe for use.
"This campaign will help every Australian to understand how the vaccine works and how it will keep them and their family safe," he said.
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Jackson Worthington
General news reporter with a special interest in social justice, the economy and family violence. Jackson.Worthington@austcommunitymedia.com.au
General news reporter with a special interest in social justice, the economy and family violence. Jackson.Worthington@austcommunitymedia.com.au
