COVID Vaccinations to commence Feb 2021
The Department of Health has confirmed that the rollout of Australia’s vaccine program will begin in Victoria from February 2021.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will help protect you from getting sick from COVID-19. The vaccines being used in Australia are very effective in preventing serious illness and loss of life due to COVID-19.
The vaccine will be safe, free, and universal*.
Australian Government Resources
Department of Health Resources
COVID-19 Practice Health and Safety
As the COVID-19 situation continues to change, the safety of our patients and staff remains our first priority.
At this time, the practice is open for the usual trading hours, and appointments for all services are proceeding as planned. Telemedicine either by phone or videoconferencing has been introduced as an additional service to our practice.
As per the current health recommendations, we are implementing social distancing and additional infection control policies as follows:
- Additional cleaning and sanitising of our practice to prevent viral transmission
- Hand sanitiser is widely available throughout the practice
- Removing magazines and toys from our waiting room – we encourage you to bring your own and avoid sharing them with other patients
During your time in our centre, we ask that you help us maintain a sanitary environment by:
- Coughing and sneezing directly into your elbow, or into a tissue which can be immediately disposed of
- Avoiding handshakes, and other unnecessary physical contact
- Using the hand sanitiser provided
- Minimising the number of family members/friends that accompany you where possible. A support person during your consultation is always welcome, provided they are not unwell.
Due to the high transmission rate, we kindly ask that you delay your visit to the practice if you:
- Experience any flu-like symptoms (coughing, fever, shortness of breath, muscular aches and pains, headache, sore throat)
- Have been in recent contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
- Have recently returned from overseas travel
If you are unwell or have been asked to enter quarantine or self-isolation, we ask that you notify us immediately on (03) 9470 1954 so we can assist by rescheduling your appointment.
The best way to prevent serious effects of the virus is to:
- Keep yourself fit and well
- Eat a nutritious and balanced diet
- Get adequate sleep
- Look after each other
- with kindness (do not underestimate its value)!
- by washing your hands frequently
- by keeping a social distance
Further updates
We will endeavour to keep you updated via our web page as the situation changes. Patients will be notified as soon as possible if there are any changes to our scheduling or services. You may also call the practice directly on (03) 9470 1954 or look at our website for further advice.
For updates from the Victorian Government: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-daily-update
Covid and flu vaccine information
current recommendation is that covid vaccination is recommended particularly for at risk populations. The clinic recommends contacting your local pharmacy as the clinic279 clinic is not giving covid vaccinations. A minimum gap of 6 months following previous vaccination or covid infection is necessary
The influenza vaccines are free under the National Immunisation Program for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- People aged 65 years or over
- People aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious disease:
- cardiac disease
- chronic respiratory conditions
- immunocompromising conditions
- haematological disorders
- chronic metabolic disorder
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic neurological condition
- long term aspirin therapy in children aged 5 to 10 years.
Flu vaccines will commence early April 2024 and eligible patients will be notified via our Hot Doc notification system.