Working as a consultant in a private hospital
October 19, 2021
AMA (NSW) welcomes push to boost vaccination numbers
November 2, 2021
AMA (NSW) has welcomed both the TGA and ATAGI decision to recommend Pfizer as a booster for Australians aged 18 and over and says it’s important we continue to protect the community as we move to ‘COVID-normal’.
“Rolling out booster vaccines will provide greater confidence to residents of NSW, particularly as we look to travel – both interstate and overseas,” said Dr Danielle McMullen, AMA (NSW) President.
“We want to give residents, especially our most vulnerable, the best chance of surviving the virus as the likelihood of transmission increases with movement.”
Health Minister Greg Hunt said a general population booster program could start no later than the 8th of November, while some residents in aged and disability care would start receiving them as early as today.
People in Australia who have been fully vaccinated have a high degree of protection against COVID-19, with international evidence now showing this can be enhanced with a booster dose.
“Other countries like the UK, the US and Israel have moved to implement booster programs, and these are proving to be safe and effective,” said AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid in a previous statement on the TGA decision to approve booster vaccines.
“The TGA approval means the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been found safe and effective to boost protection for individuals aged 18-years and older through a third booster dose provided at least six months after the completion of the vaccine primary course of two doses.
“The primary course can be of any of the COVID-19 vaccines registered for use in Australia.
“It is now important the Government gets the details of the booster program right and gives GPs adequate notice of its implementation once ATAGI makes its final recommendation.
“It will be important GPs are properly funded to administer booster vaccines. The current funding model is not fit for purpose, having been designed to support the administration of two primary doses – not a booster program.
“We need to see a proactive approach to the roll-out and this means the Government will need to ensure general practice is properly funded to reach out to patients using recall systems, assess patients as well as administer booster shots,” he said.
Dr Khorshid said general practice had been the backbone of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out.
“With plenty of vaccine supply, GPs are ready and able to continue this work and ensure plans to open up the country are supported by high take up of booster vaccines.”