Almost 75 per cent of eligible general practices in Tasmania will form part of the the next phase of the federal government's COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Earlier this week Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed 4500 accredited general practices across Australia would form part of phase 1B of the national vaccination program for vulnerable populations - including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
Australian Medical Association Tasmania branch president Helen McArdle said she understood 105 Tasmanian practices had been authorised as vaccine providers, with the rollout expected to start in less than two weeks.
Considering the number of accredited general practices in Tasmania, Dr McArdle said she was confident the vaccines would be distributed evenly across the state.
"I understand there are about 145 general practices in Tasmania that are accredited. So with 105 who have put up their hand, that's spread pretty much all over the state," she said.
"Initially it will likely be a bit of a trickle, but then building up as vaccine availability becomes more available.
"I know some general practices are a bit nervous about the impact on workload. But I think that with a slow start, it gives the opportunity to build up."
Mr Hunt confirmed the vaccination start dates would be staggered, with dosage allocation dependent on availability.
READ MORE: Mowbray man has murder charge dropped
Dr McArdle said she understood 45 Tasmanian GP practices would begin administering the vaccine starting the week of March 22, with another 11 practices joining from the second week, then 20, then 29.
Tasmanian doctors have previously raised concerns that the reimbursement offered to GPs, who will be bulk-billing clients for the service, won't cover the cost of operating a vaccine clinic.
However, Dr McArdle said she was confident these issues had been or were in the process of being addressed.
"Certainly the vaccine is being provided for free and the vaccine consumables [needles, syringes] are being provided free of charge. So, there has been a reasonable rate struck for the vaccine administrations," she said.
"I think they [concerns] are being addressed. Obviously people always would like better conditions, but I think given the circumstances, I would think most GPs should be reasonably satisfied with what's being offered."
Dr McArdle was among the first within the Tasmanian health sector to be given the AstraZeneca vaccination on Tuesday.
More details on phase 1B of the rollout, including appointments for vaccinations at GP clinics, is expected to be given later this week.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram @examineronline
- Follow us on Google News: The Examiner
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
