Healthcare workers face a higher risk of COVID infection and illness compared to the general population. We might also, unwittingly, be responsible for transmitting the virus to the vulnerable population in our care.
This is why healthcare workers have been prioritised to get a COVID vaccine when it becomes available in Australia. Your support and uptake of the vaccine, while vital to your own protection, will also support higher uptake in the community.
The Queensland Clinical Senate hosted its fourth virtual information session on 27 April 2021. The information contained within was correct at the time of recording but will change as more information becomes available. Please refer to the FAQs or links on this page to ensure you access the latest available information.
How does the Pfizer vaccine work?
The Pfizer vaccine is a Messenger RNA (or mRNA) vaccine made synthetically in a laboratory.
mRNA vaccines work differently to traditional vaccines as they don’t contain the virus itself or viral proteins. The vaccine uses genes to deliver instructions to the body on how to make the viral protein that will fight the Sars-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). It is important to note a person’s DNA or genetic make-up is not altered during this process – none of the active vaccine components enter the cell’s nucleus.
When the vaccine is injected into the muscle of the upper arm, the cells receive instructions to build a part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus known as the ‘spike protein’. If a vaccinated person is then infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the future, the body’s immune system will recognise the virus and make antibodies to stop an infection developing.
The TGA has provisionally approved the Pfizer vaccine for use in persons aged 16 years and over. No dose adjustment is required for those over 65 years of age. Full coverage requires a course of two doses at least 21 days apart. Vaccination advice for frail and very old people can be found on the Australian Government website.
Please refer to Which COVID-19 vaccine will healthcare workers receive? for more information on the rollout of the Pfizer vaccine.
How does the AstraZeneca vaccine work?
AstraZeneca is a viral vector vaccine. Viral vector vaccines use a virus –which has been modified so that it cannot replicate (reproduce) and can deliver genetic code into human cells. It is important to note a person’s DNA or genetic make-up is not altered during this process – none of the active vaccine components enter the cell’s nucleus.
When the vaccine is injected into the muscle of the upper arm, the cells receive instructions to build a part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus known as the ‘spike protein’. If a vaccinated person is then infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the future, the body’s immune system will recognise the virus and make antibodies to stop an infection developing.
Full coverage requires a course of two doses, 10-12 weeks apart (minimum of 4 weeks).
Please refer to the full ATAGI statement, the Weighing up the potential benefits against risk of harm from COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca factsheet or the Australian Government website for more information.
When and how will healthcare workers know when they are eligible to be vaccinated?
Phase 1a
As outlined in Queensland Health’s COVID-19 vaccine roadmap, Phase 1a captures quarantine and border workers, frontline healthcare worker sub-groups, aged care and disability care staff and aged care and disability care residents.
These people have regular contact or are likely to have contact with COVID patients or have a high risk of contracting COVID-19 due to the nature of their job. This includes radiographers and sonographers, assuming they are regularly exposed to COVID in their everyday roles. Note the list refers to ‘staff’ – i.e. not just clinicians or healthcare professionals. It also applies to laboratory staff if they are handling the live virus (if they do not, they are categorised as Phase 1b).
Staff who are eligible for vaccination during Phase 1a of the rollout will receive an invitation to attend their closest vaccination hub.
If you have not received an invitation from your employer and you believe you are eligible for Phase 1a, please speak with your Line Manager in the first instance.
In addition, if you currently require daily surveillance testing because of the high-risk environment you work in, then adult members of your household are also eligible to receive their vaccination. Site and booking details for Queensland’s state-run vaccination locations will be available in the Australian Government eligibility checker in the coming weeks.
Phase 1b
Queensland continues to work closely with the Australian Government on the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines. Queensland Health is prioritising offering vaccinations to its healthcare workforce, to protect and maintain our robust health system and protect staff.
All other healthcare workers, including oral health staff, have been prioritised for vaccination during Phase 1b of the national roll-out strategy. This cohort may have cared for a patient with COVID at some point, but it was not an expected daily or regular event. This includes non-clinical and support staff (including interpreters), depending on their role and level of interaction with patients.
Queensland Health will offer the vaccine to the state’s critical workers such as Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Police Service, and the Queensland Ambulance Service. Queensland Health is liaising with employers about options available to these workers to receive their vaccination.
Staff are reminded that this is a staggered rollout, happening progressively across the state. Some Hospital and Health Services will be more progressed than others. Please refer to the next FAQ for more information on the status of the rollout or consult with your Line Manager or relevant intranet site for information on your health service’s rollout and booking process.
Which COVID-19 vaccine will healthcare workers receive?
A very small proportion of patients overseas have developed thrombocytopenic thrombotic syndrome following a COVID-19 vaccination. Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) also known as Vaccine Induced Prothrombotic Immune Thrombocytopenia (VIPIT) and vaccine induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare and new syndrome. The condition involves blood clots (occurring in body sites like the brain or abdomen) together with low platelet levels. The syndrome has some similarity to heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
Incidence is considered to be extremely rare (4-6 per million). Details on the condition can be found here.
As a result, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends that the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer is preferred in adults aged under 50 years who have not already received a first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine.
In people 50 years and over, ATAGI continue to advise that the benefit of vaccination with AstraZeneca COVID vaccine outweighs the risks associated with vaccination. This is based on the increased risk of complications from COVID-19 with increasing age (and thus increased benefit of vaccination), and the potentially lower, but not zero, risk of TTS/VITT/VIPIT.
People who have already had their first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine without any serious adverse effects can be given their second dose. This includes adults under 50 years of age. People who have had blood clots associated with low platelet levels after their first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine should not be given their second dose.
It is acceptable for people under 50 years who are already booked in who wish to proceed with their first dose of AstraZeneca to be allowed to do so. You must be fully informed about thrombosis in combination with thrombocytopenia as a rare but serious side effect before vaccination. The ATAGI guidance should be provided to you before proceeding with vaccination and documented in the record that this has occurred.
If you have a pre-booked AstraZeneca vaccination and wish to cancel your booking and await further information before rebooking, contact your vaccination hub, visit this website or phone 13 42 68.
Please refer to the full ATAGI statement, the Weighing up the potential benefits against risk of harm from COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca factsheet or the Australian Government website for more information.
Queensland Health is working closely with the Australian Government to rapidly deliver supplies of Pfizer (including relevant clinical consumables) to more sites across Queensland. It is anticipated each hospital and health service will have access to the Pfizer vaccine using a hub and spoke model from mid to late May as more stock becomes available. Local Hospital and Health Services will keep staff and the community up-to-date with implementation information for their area.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved wider storage and transportation conditions for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Australia (COMIRNATY - BNT162b2). These changes will enable greater flexibility in storage, transport and deployment of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine across Australia. However, the complexity in rolling out this vaccine more broadly remains given its fragility.
The Australian Government’s additional order of Pfizer vaccine doses is not expected to be available until the last quarter of the year. With significant ongoing outbreaks internationally, this supply may be affected. It's important to note that as Pfizer requires a second dose within a shorter time frame, increased supply does not corelate directly to increased numbers of individuals who can receive their first dose, as dose two needs to come from the same supply.
What if I have had my first dose of AstraZeneca but don’t want the second dose – can I have Pfizer?
Both doses of your vaccination series must be completed with the same product/vaccine. There will be some immune response triggered by the first vaccine, with a further boost with the second dose providing the most protection the vaccine has to offer. The safety and efficacy of a mixed-product series has not yet been evaluated and there is currently no evidence to support alternating brands of COVID-19 vaccine. This is not allowed by the product information for either current Australian vaccine. Our advice is to proceed with second dose of AZ as the risk of complications is extremely low.
People who have already had their first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine without any serious adverse effects can be given their second dose. This includes adults under 50 years of age.
How effective are the COVID-19 vaccines?
Both AstraZeneca and Pfizer are able to prevent COVID-19 to a statistically significant degree. Based on clinical trials and information from regulators:
- The Pfizer vaccine, BNT162b2 (also called Comirnaty), is about 95 per cent effective at preventing people from contracting COVID-19
- The AstraZeneca vaccine is about 76-83 per cent effective at preventing people from contracting COVID-19.
Initial clinical trial data for both the Pfizer and the AstraZeneca vaccine suggest very good protection (possibly close to 100 per cent) against severe COVID-19. The reduction of severe disease is mission critical for health systems being able to cope with COVID, as well as whatever other illnesses are circulating in the community, by taking the pressure off acute services.
Recent research from Scotland also showed excellent protection from severe disease hospitalisation (between 85 and 95 per cent) – even after only a single dose.
At this stage it is unclear how long the vaccines will provide protection from COVID-19 and how effectively they will prevent transmission.
It is too soon to comment on whether the vaccines have variable effectiveness against emerging variants of concern. The evidence we do have suggests there is still protection against severe disease. Ongoing Phase 4 trials will help to provide data to answer this and other questions emerging as this disease evolves.
Booster vaccines may be created/required in future, tailored to variants of concern at that time, similar to the approach for the influenza vaccination.
The priority is to use the vaccines available to us in Australia to vaccinate as many people as possible, as soon as possible.
How do I know the vaccine is safe?
The magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented funding and global collaboration for the development of vaccines, enabling some processes to run in parallel. This has not compromised scientific rigour as safety, immunogenicity and efficacy outcomes are strictly assessed and safety monitoring continues even after approval.
On top of intense international scrutiny, both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines have been reviewed and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use in Australia, as will any subsequent vaccine candidates.
This includes careful analysis of clinical trial data, ingredients, chemistry, manufacturing and other factors. This process is amongst one of the most thorough in the world.
AusVax Safety, led by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance publishes vaccine safety surveillance data every week. To find out more visit their website.
In the event that a decision is made to make the COVID-19 vaccination a requirement for employees working in areas of high risk, appropriate identification, risk mitigation and support measures will be implemented for vulnerable employees, similar to those outlined in Health Employment Directive 01/16.
As outlined by ATAGI, vaccination is strongly recommended for all individuals 50 years and over as there is a very clear benefit over risk to these individuals (the risk of a serious illness or death from COVID-19 infection in older persons is markedly increased). The risk of TTS/VITT/VIPIT with AstraZeneca is very, very low in those over 50 and the benefit of vaccination is great.
Please refer to our separate factsheets on over 65s, frail and elderly populations (PDF 231 kB), factsheet on pregnancy and breastfeeding (PDF 207 kB) and thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (PDF 263 kB).
Will the vaccine protect healthcare workers from COVID-19?
The AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines both induce immunity to COVID-19 by telling the body how to target the virus but do this in different ways.
The COVID-19 vaccination will reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19 disease. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, and it takes a few weeks for your body to build up protection from the virus. You may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but vaccination should lessen the severity of any infection.
Even if you are fully vaccinated, it is paramount to continue adhering to public health measures such as physical distancing, good hand and respiratory hygiene, and getting tested if you develop symptoms. Existing infection control mechanisms such as use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will continue to be required consistent with the Interim infection prevention and control guidelines for the management of COVID-19 in healthcare settings.
Will healthcare workers being vaccinated protect patients from COVID-19?
The evidence on whether COVID-19 vaccination reduces the chance of you passing on the virus is less clear. Most vaccines reduce the overall risk of infection, but some vaccinated people may get mild or asymptomatic infection and therefore be able to pass the virus on.
It is likely that any infection in a vaccinated person will be less severe and that viral shedding will be shortened. We therefore expect that vaccinated healthcare staff will be less likely to pass infection onto their patients, families and friends.
Even if you are fully vaccinated, it is paramount to continue adhering to public health measures such as physical distancing, good hand and respiratory hygiene, getting tested if you develop symptoms, and wearing appropriate PPE.
Will I need to follow COVID-19 infection control advice after getting vaccinated?
You will still need to follow infection control guidance in your workplace, including wearing the correct PPE. To continue to protect yourself, patients, family and friends, you should continue to:
- practice physical distancing
- wash your hands carefully and frequently
- follow the current PPE advice.
What PPE do I need to wear at a vaccination location?
PPE advice for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout have been identified through review of clinical guidelines to identify the types of PPE required for different levels of risk for community transmission of COVID-19. Engagement with clinical stakeholders has also identified where PPE usage in practice may diverge from clinical guidelines.
Please refer to the Queensland COVID-19 vaccine rollout PPE advice 15 March 2021 (PDF 418 kB) for more information.
What are the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
The majority of adverse reactions to the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are mild to moderate in severity and usually resolve within a few days of vaccination.
Paracetamol-containing products or similar may be used to provide symptomatic relief from post-vaccination adverse reactions.
| Common side effects |
|---|
| Pfizer | AstraZeneca |
- pain or swelling at the injection site
- tiredness
- headache
- muscle pain
- chills
- fever
- joint pain
| - tenderness, pain, warmth or itching, where the injection is given
- generally feeling unwell
- tiredness
- headache
- chills or feeling feverish
- joint pain or muscle pain
- feeling sick (nausea)
|
| Less common side effects |
|---|
| Pfizer | AstraZeneca |
- redness at the injection site
- nausea
- enlarged lymph nodes
- feeling unwell
- pain in the limb
- insomnia
- itching at the injection site
| - fever
- swelling or redness at the injection site
|
These side effects are usually mild and usually go away within one or two days. If you experience pain at the injection site or fever, headaches or body aches after vaccination, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen. These help reduce the above symptoms (you do not need to take paracetamol or ibuprofen before vaccination). If there is swelling at the injection site, you can use a cold compress.
| Rare side effects |
|---|
| Pfizer | AstraZeneca |
- severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- temporary one-sided facial drooping (also called Bell’s palsy)
| - severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
|
If you experience an adverse event following the first dose, you will still be offered the second dose, unless you developed anaphylaxis, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (PDF 263 kB), or any other life-threatening response (which would be very rare).
In terms of long-term side effects, because the vaccines have only been used for a short period of time, there is no long-term outcome data yet.
As with other vaccines, the benefits and potential risks of vaccinating individuals with a COVID-19 vaccine should be considered.
If you have any concerns about the vaccine, ask your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or call 13 HEALTH. Please follow your local HR guidelines should you feel too unwell to work following your vaccination.
I’m a healthcare worker with an underlying condition – is it safe for me to get vaccinated?
People with underlying medical conditions can receive TGA-authorised COVID-19 vaccines provided they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. Vaccination is an important consideration for adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions because they are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19.
The Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) advises that both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are safe for people with immunodeficiencies. While the immunological response to both vaccines may be diminished in those receiving immunosuppressive therapies, vaccination should still occur because of their increased risk of severe illness.
ASCIA also advises that regular treatments for immunodeficiencies and autoimmune conditions do not need to be stopped in order to receive a COVID vaccination, but that vaccination should occur on a different day (if possible) from regular infusion treatments, such as immunoglobulin (Ig) or immunosuppressant infusions.
People with immunodeficiencies and/or autoimmune conditions should follow the usual advice from their clinical immunology/allergy specialist or rheumatologist regarding vaccinations or ask for specific advice regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
If you have or have had some type of cancer, where appropriate you will be eligible in Phase 1b.
If you have previously had episodes of thrombosis/blood clots or low platelet count, please refer to this advice.
Please see separate advice for people with allergies or anaphylaxis also on this page. Information for pregnant and lactating women. Information for people aged 65 years and over.
Please refer to the Is the vaccine mandatory if I want to keep my job? question for more information on workplace requirements.
What if I suffer from allergies or anaphylaxis – can I still get vaccinated?
As with all vaccines, allergic reactions and adverse events will occur. Serious adverse events will be very rare. The benefits and potential risks of vaccinating individuals with COVID-19 vaccines should be considered and discussed prior to vaccination.
A TGA-convened independent expert review of suspected anaphylaxis following the AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S COVID-19 vaccine concluded that there is no increased risk of anaphylaxis associated with the vaccine above the expected rate for any other vaccine.
The panel found that the information in only one of the reports met the required assessment criteria for anaphylaxis. The panel advised that some of these cases may have represented allergic reactions or immediate stress responses to vaccination that may appear similar to an anaphylactic reaction, with symptoms such as nausea, throat tightness or rapid heart rate. Although they might not meet the criteria for anaphylaxis, they still need to be monitored and taken seriously.
TGA recommends that immunisation providers continue to provide adrenaline where they feel it is clinically required.
It is vital to share any allergy history with your immunisation provider and that healthcare workers check for any allergy history.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), also known as macrogol, is an ingredient in mRNA vaccines (Pfizer vaccine) and is recognised as a rare hidden allergen that can trigger anaphylaxis to multiple classes of drugs. Polysorbate 80 is chemically related to PEG and is an ingredient in the Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
People with a known PEG allergy or previous anaphylaxis to multiple medications, should see a specialist to assess and confirm their allergy. A full list of the vaccines’ ingredients and other product details are available on the TGA website.
If you have a history of severe allergies or anaphylaxis, you will be required to remain in the observation area for 30 minutes post vaccination.
Please refer to the Is the vaccine mandatory if I want to keep my job? question for more information on workplace requirements.
What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Please refer to our factsheet on vaccine safety for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The factsheet also provides information on fertility and pre-conception. This advice is based on expertise from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
The first dose of the Pfizer vaccine will provide some level of protection against the virus that causes COVID-19 infection. If you fall pregnant after receiving your first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, please discuss the risks and benefits of having the second dose with your GP, midwife, doctor or immunisation provider.
If you are currently – or soon will be - on maternity leave, you will not miss your opportunity to be vaccinated. Please keep in touch with your Line Manager when you’re ready to schedule your vaccination. The Queensland COVID-19 vaccine rollout has a dedicated timeframe for Queenslanders who were missed or unable to be vaccinated at the time they were eligible.
How long will the COVID-19 vaccine protect healthcare workers?
The experience with other vaccines shows variable durations of protection. For example, the seasonal influenza requires annual vaccinations, because the virus mutates. Other vaccines, such as those for rubella or measles provide multi-year or even life-long protection from disease. While there appears to be some mutation of the SARS-CoV-2, results to date indicate that mutations are limited, not necessarily affecting the target of the vaccines. The scientific community and regulators will monitor whether the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 changes over time and, if so, whether vaccines can continue protecting people from infection with new variants. However, we do not yet know how long protection from any of these vaccines lasts. We will get better insights in 2021 and 2022.
It is too soon to comment on whether the vaccines have variable effectiveness against emerging variants of concern. The evidence we do have suggests there is still protection against severe disease. Ongoing Phase 4 trials will help to provide data to answer this and other questions emerging as this disease evolves.
Is the vaccine mandatory if I want to keep my job?
A Chief Health Officer Direction COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Requirements (Contact by health workers with cases) came into effect at 8am 31 March 2021. The Direction applies to all Hospital and Health Service staff and Queensland Ambulance employees who are at higher risk of having contact with COVID-19 positive patients.
The Direction outlines vaccination, surveillance testing and mask requirements:
- Everyone working with positive COVID-19 patients must be vaccinated against the virus (with at least one dose).
- Staff who are likely to be in direct contact with a COVID-19 patient are to undertake surveillance testing on a regular basis.
- These staff must wear a P2/N95 respirator at all times, where a mask and fit testing has been made available.
For more information visit COVID-19 testing and vaccination for health workers webpage
The COVID-19 vaccine is currently not mandatory for any other worker. Any decision to change this position will be based on the advice of the Chief Health Officer and will be applied consistently through a Health Employment Directive.
At this time no such decision has been made, however further information will be provided should this occur.
I live in Queensland but work in a healthcare facility or service in a different state, where can I get vaccinated?
Under the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine national rollout strategy, healthcare workers are eligible to receive the vaccine in phase 1a and 1b.
It is critical that our frontline healthcare workers are given every opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID-19, at the earliest possible opportunity, to protect and maintain a robust health system.
A person, regardless of residential address, employed in a healthcare facility would be offered COVID-19 vaccine as appropriate according to the phased prioritisation framework established by the Australian Government.
Therefore, if you live in another state, but work as a healthcare worker in Queensland you can get vaccinated in Queensland. Similarly, if you live in Queensland and work in another jurisdiction as healthcare worker, you will be offered vaccination in that state.
Who is administering the vaccines – can I be a vaccinator?
Each hospital and health service are coordinating the establishment of their vaccination location, including recruiting and training staff. Contact your local vaccination location to find out more.
The Australian Government has developed a COVID-19 vaccination training program. The Queensland COVID-19 Vaccination Training Matrix (PDF 186 kB) applies to all work roles undertaken on behalf of declared providers (facilities or HHSs) who deliver COVID-19 vaccination services for, or on behalf of, Queensland Health.
This document specifies the training required of each work role involved in the vaccination process, including clinical and administrative worker roles. All workers must comply with the requirements outlined in the matrix when providing COVID-19 vaccination services.
How will the cold chain be managed?
Each vaccination location will determine how cold chain will be managed. Minimising the number of moves for the vaccines is important and sites should be taking that into account when determining their workflows. Central assistance from the Vaccine Command Centre (VCC) can be provided if there is a specific part of the cold chain storage a provider is unsure about.
The Queensland Health Pfizer protocol details the storage requirements for Pfizer and the Queensland Health AstraZeneca protocol details requirements for AstraZeneca.
Where can I find vaccine information for my patients?
- Information for consumers and patients can be found on the Queensland Health website and the Australian Government website including Easy Read and translated resources.
- Additional resources can be downloaded from Queensland Health’s asset library.
- Queensland Health has also published a series of blogs on the vaccine and an explainer animation which you may like to share with your patients.
What other COVID-19 vaccines are available?
Australia has entered into four separate agreements for the supply of COVID-19 vaccines, if they are proved to be safe and effective.
Currently Australia has access to the Pfizer and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax is reportedly still in Phase III clinical trials and not yet ready or approved for use.
The Australian Government has also joined the COVAX Facility as part of a global effort to support rapid, fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.
For more information on the vaccine agreements, visit the Australian Government website.
How will this relate to having the annual flu vaccination?
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends a minimum interval of 14 days between a dose of seasonal influenza vaccine and a dose of Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine. It can be provided in any sequential order in relation to the two doses of the COVID vaccine.
There are circumstances where shortening the intervals between doses of influenza and COVID vaccine are justified. These include:
- to avoid an individual missing the opportunity of receiving either vaccine
- there is an imminent need due to prevailing epidemiological situations
- if by the time the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to a certain population, the onset of the influenza season is imminent.
In the event of inadvertent co-administration of an influenza and COVID-19 vaccine, patients should be informed of the possibility of an increased risk of common side effects. Revaccination with either vaccine is not recommended.
COVID-19 vaccines should be prioritised over influenza vaccines, particularly in vulnerable and at-risk groups. However, for those in later priority groups under the National Vaccination Policy, their influenza vaccination should not be delayed.
For more information visit the ATAGI website.
Will we be given a vaccination record with the name of the vaccine and the date it was given?
Individuals will have their vaccination details (name of vaccine, date received etc) uploaded to the Australian Immunisation Record (AIR) as soon as practicable after they have received their vaccination. This will be accessible to individuals through the myGov online portal. In addition, Queensland is considering exploring additional digital options for possible use at a later stage.
What is the Queensland COVID vaccine management solution and who is it for?
Queensland COVID Vaccine Management Solution supports vaccination facilities to administer the COVID-19 vaccine with a simple workflow for checking in people who are ready to receive a vaccination, a process for those getting vaccinated, as well as the collection of information.
The solution also supports vaccination facilities in setting up the clinics and local vaccine logistics and management.
A number of reporting features are also in the solution for national and state-based reporting requirements. Any adverse reaction information can also be captured.
The Queensland COVID Vaccine Management Solution is designed to support the safe administration of the COVID-19 vaccine at Queensland Health-led vaccination locations. The solution captures a person’s necessary details and vaccine information to ensure that the Australian Immunisation Register is updated. The solution will be used for all Queenslanders vaccinated through a Queensland Health-led vaccination location.
The solution will generate information to be sent to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) and internal Queensland Health systems for staff.
Do we have enough clinical consumables to be able to give everyone a vaccination?
The Supply Chain Surety Division (SCSD) has undertaken clinical consumables modelling to support the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Division is working with nominated representatives from each HHS to provide guidance on the clinical consumable requirements for both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca rollouts, and to support sourcing of materials.
The Division is also meeting regularly with each HHS to ensure stock levels are available to support the commencement of the vaccine, and to ensure ongoing continuity of supply aligned to the volume of vaccinations being delivered.
Why aren’t COVID-19 vaccines being given to children under 16 years of age?
Only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for use in those under 18 (16 years and over). At this stage vaccination of this cohort is scheduled for later in the national rollout.
Other COVID-19 vaccines are generally not recommended for children under 16 for the following reasons:
- Children and young people are at low risk of COVID-19.
- Clinical trials for the vaccines in children have only recently begun.
- COVID-19 vaccines are not yet registered for use in children under 16 years of age.
It is possible that these recommendations may change once clinical trials in children have been completed.
Some young people in detention centres in Queensland will be captured where appropriate in Phase 3 of the rollout.
What is an AEFI?
An Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) is a serious, uncommon or unexpected event following immunisation. Under the Public Health Act 2005 and the Covid-19 Vaccination Code, Covid-19 vaccine service providers are required to report any adverse events following immunisation directly to Queensland Health.
The Vaccine Protocols and Readiness Assurance Plans require reporting of an AEFI within 12 hours of the patient presenting to their service. Reporting an AEFI is an important part of surveillance to monitor vaccine and immunisation program safety.
Queensland Health will send all received AEFI to the TGA so there is no separate requirement for a healthcare provider to send an AEFI report to the TGA.
What is Vaxtracker?
Vaxtracker is an online active surveillance system that allows people to report how their child, or themselves, have responded to a recently administered vaccine, by completing a web-based survey. This is project run by Hunter New England Local Health District in New South Wales in partnership with AusVaxSafety to provide evidence and reassurance for consumers and medical professionals.
Vaxtracker is expanding its collaboration with AusVaxSafety to monitor adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) in people who receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Responses from surveys sent in the days following vaccination by SMS or email via Vaxtracker will be collated and analysed by AusVaxSafety to ensure ongoing vaccine safety. For further information visit the website.
Please note that completing an AusVaxSafety/Vaxtracker Survey after each vaccine dose is NOT the same as completing an AEFI form.
If I have received a Covid-19 Vaccine and am suffering from an Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI), do I need to report it?
It is beneficial for Queensland Health and the TGA to hear from you about any Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) you suffer to properly monitor the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines. It is not mandatory.
You may also wish to fill out a Vaxtracker survey (see section above). Please see your doctor or call 13 HEALTH if you are concerned about your symptoms.
If I am a health professional and a patient I’m caring for has an Adverse Event Following Immunisation, do I need to report it?
Yes. It is a mandatory requirement under Queensland State Legislation and Regulation for all vaccine providers in Queensland to report an AEFI to Queensland Health. This includes all Queensland Health clinical staff (such as in vaccination clinics, emergency departments, inpatient wards and outpatients), Queensland and Ambulance Service clinical staff, private providers (such as GPs, community pharmacy and private hospitals) as well as Commonwealth Government Vaccine Providers and contractors operating in Queensland.
Please visit the website for instructions on how to report an AEFI, including if the AEFI is anaphylaxis or death. Please also notify the VCC on 07 36085960 of these serious events.
