Vaccination information

General practices and pharmacies across Australia can administer COVID-19 vaccines under the National COVID-19 Vaccines Program.

Important Update on the Onboarding Process for the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program (NCVP)

In line with the Australian Government’s broader efforts to streamline COVID-19 activities, the Department is transitioning the COVID-19 Vaccination program operations to align with other government-funded vaccine programs. As part of this shift, the COVID-19 Primary Care Vaccination Onboarding process will move from the Vaccine Access Section to the Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC) within the National Immunisation Division, effective in January 2025.

What does this mean for primary care sites?

Starting 2 January 2025, new sites wishing to join the NCVP will need to directly contact the VOC to register their Expression of Interest. PHNs will no longer be responsible for onboarding primary care sites to the NCVP.

Next steps for onboarding or support

Primary care sites wishing to participate or recommence in the program or who have a query regarding the NCVP should directly contact the VOC using the contact details below:

• Email: COVID19VaccineOperationsCentre@health.gov.au
• Phone: 1800 318 208

Your local HealthPathways portal provides the latest information about the clinical aspects of COVID-19 vaccination, including advice, delivery, and follow up.

GPs are encouraged to check they have access to HealthPathways.

Access Northern Queensland PHN HealthPathways.

Don't have a login for HealthPathways? Register using the above link.

Adverse effects reporting 

In Queensland, health practitioners are required to report COVID-19 AEFI to Queensland Health which will report them to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Medicines Regulation Division as well. 

Depending on the type of health provider, there are multiple ways for Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) for COVID-19 Vaccinations to be reported to Queensland Health. 

For further details visit the Queensland Health Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) page. 

Cold chain breach reporting 

Cold chain breaches of COVID-19 vaccines should be reported immediately to the Vaccination Operations Centre (VOC) on 1800 318 208. 

Record of vaccination 

People can access evidence of their COVID-19 vaccines in their immunisation history record through Medicare Online, myGov or the Express Plus Medicare app. 

Vaccination providers can also print an Immunisation History Statement (IHS) on behalf of their patient. 

Training 

From 1 October 2023, CVTP training will no longer be mandatory for participation in the COVID-19 Vaccine Program.

Community pharmacies are also participating in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and the concessional RAT program.

Locate vaccinating pharmacy.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder is another way to book a vaccination.

Find a clinic near you that suits your needs by answering some simple questions.

You can use the Vaccine Clinic Finder to book for yourself, your children, or someone else.

• The Australian Department of Health has a dedicated web page that provides further information and resources to better inform Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples about the COVID-19 vaccine.
• View further COVID-19 vaccination resources for First Nations peoples.

Northern Queensland PHN is working alongside residential aged care facilities to manage and reduce infection rates in facilities.

All RACFs in the Northern Queensland PHN region were supported by the PHN to provide vaccinations for all residents and staff.

The PHN continues to actively support all RACHs in the region to ensure vaccinations are available.

Please contact us at preparednessandresponse@nqphn.com.au if we can be of assistance.

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