Latest COVID-19 updates

The latest updates on COVID-19 that will have an impact on healthcare providers.

Sixth vaccine information session for clinicians

The Sixth vaccine information session for healthcare workers was delivered by the Queensland Clinical Senate and CEQ-Engage on Wednesday 8 September. The session covered COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy, vaccinating 12-15 year-olds and an update on Moderna.

If you missed it you can view the recording.

To skip easily between topics, read this summary for the timestamp in the recording.

Urge for vaccination of pregnant women

Pregnant women are now eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty) or Moderna (Spikevax) and should be routinely offered either of these vaccines at any stage of pregnancy. This position is supported by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Queensland Health’s peak clinical bodies also strongly encourage vaccination.

Visit the Queensland Health website for more information.

COVID-19 vaccines - Queensland Adult Specialist Immunisation Service (QASIS)

If GPs have a patient with a history of allergic reactions or any severe side effects following their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, they can refer them to QASIS. See referral criteria below:

• anaphylaxis or generalised allergic reaction (without anaphylaxis) to any component of the COVID-19 vaccine to be administered
• immediate (within four hours) and generalised symptoms of a possible allergic reaction (e.g. urticaria/hives) to a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
• history of anaphylaxis to previous vaccines and/or multiple drugs (injectable and/or oral) where ingredients such as PEG or polysorbate 80 may conceivably be the cause
• mast cell activation disorder with raised mast cell tryptase needing treatment and has been unable to tolerate previous injections (e.g. flu vaccine) due to recurrent anaphylaxis
• patients experiencing severe side effects following their first dose of any COVID-19 vaccine

• thrombosis with thrombocytopenia.

For more information about how to refer to this service visit the Metro North Health website.

Pfizer open to over 60s at Queensland Health vaccination locations

As of 18 September, Queenslanders aged over 60 years will be eligible for the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine at any Queensland Health community vaccination location. The ongoing Delta outbreaks in southern states pose an imminent risk to Queensland and as such we need to get as many Queenslanders vaccinated as soon as possible. The AstraZeneca vaccine, Vaxzevria, remains a highly effective and accessible option for many Queenslanders. Those who have had their first dose of Vaxzevria should proceed with their second dose 8-12 weeks after the first.

Read the full statement from Queensland Health.

Over 60s can register their interest in getting vaccinated at a Queensland Health vaccination location.

Accreditation for vaccination providers to administer vaccines to workplaces

The Australian Government has announced businesses are able to team up with vaccination providers to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to staff at their workplace.

Vaccination providers will be able to seek accreditation to administer COVID-19 vaccines at workplaces – similar to the way flu vaccines are administered – through a request for tender program that will kick-start stage three of the National COVID-19 Shield Campaign Plan.

Read the full announcement or view the tender details.