COVID-19 lockdown update

COVID-19 testing at GP respiratory clinics

With the increased demand for testing due to the current outbreak, fever clinics are experiencing long wait times.

A reminder that GP respiratory clinics are open in the Brisbane North and Moreton Bay region, established as part of the Department of Health's response to COVID-19 testing and management.

People can phone or book online and no referrals or payment are required to visit any of the five GP respiratory clinics listed below.

• Morayfield GP respiratory clinic
• Nundah Village GP respiratory clinic
• IUIH Caboolture GP respiratory clinic
• Kenmore GP respiratory clinic
• South Bank Family Doctors GP respiratory clinic

​For more information on GP respiratory clinics, visit www.brisbanenorthphn.org.au/covid-19.

Queensland Health vaccination locations

Walk in vaccinations are not available in South East Queensland during this current lockdown. This is to help reduce the risk of transmission by limiting gatherings.

If people have a booking during the lockdown they are encouraged to attend and ensure they wear a mask.

If people are priority workers or due for their second-dose vaccination but don't have an appointment, call 134 COVID (134 268) to find the next available appointment.

Please note you will need to provide your patient with the recommendation letter for consideration of Pfizer GP to show which of the eligibility criteria they meet if they aren’t normally eligible for the vaccine.

• All other eligible people can register for their vaccination online

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 12 to 15 year olds with chronic disease
The TGA has now approved the Pfizer vaccine for use in children aged 12 to 15 years with chronic disease. For more information visit the TGA's website or read the Minister's media release.

No pathology form required for COVID-19 testing at private pathology labs and GP respiratory clinics

Patients can now be tested at select private pathology labs, and testing and fever clinics in Brisbane without a pathology form for COVID-19. This arrangement is currently in place until 6 August. It is important patients indicate whether they are a close contact or health professional as they may be prioritised for testing.

Virtual emergency specialist service for GPs

During the current lockdown, GPs can continue to access the Virtual Emergency Specialist service via phone, for any questions regarding patient management, access to hot clinics, and interpretation of results. For more information visit Virtual Emergency Department - Metro North Health.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for GPs

The Australian Government has announced significant quantities of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be made available for GPs, community pharmacies and other healthcare providers in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region, who need to see their patients within their practices during the lockdown. For more information about accessing PPE from the PHN, visit: brisbanenorthphn.org.au/covid-19/ppe