Published on Monday, 22 March 2021 at 11:49:54 AM

 Access to phase 1b COVID-19 Vaccine rollout in the Wheatbelt - IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM The WA Primary Health Alliance Wheatbelt team.

Dear Wheatbelt Local Governments

 As regional Shires are an integral source of community information and have been crucial in the support of localised COVID-related recovery, please find below an update regarding the National COVID-19 vaccine rollout to help assist with any queries.

 The commencement of Phase 1b of the National COVID-19 vaccine roll out is due to commence from the week of 22 March 2021 in selected locations.

 Many people are keen to know when, where and how to book an appointment with an approved vaccination provider within their local area.

 Members of the community can check their eligibility, or that of a loved one, online via the Eligibility Checker available at

 https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility

 If eligible, they will be able to view vaccination clinics and book an appointment online or via phone.

 There is currently a low risk of contracting COVID-19 in Western Australia and indeed in Australia, so it's important to take the time to check eligibility in this round before making an appointment or calling a doctor.

 The Australian Government Department of Health website contains further information and resources to support the rollout including a downloadable fact sheet listing the General Practices, Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Services, and GP-led respiratory clinics as well as official communication guidance which will be updates as the roll out progresses. If the online method is not the preferred option,  the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline is available  on 1800 020 080. Details of State based clinics (Co-ordinated by WA Country Health Service) are in the last stages of finalisation and aim to ‘fill service gaps’ where vaccination is not locally available.

 Some, but not all general practices have opted in to deliver COVID-19 vaccines for the next stage of the vaccine rollout,  Phase 1b.

 Phase 1b is for the over 70's, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 55, adults with a specified medical condition, healthcare workers and critical high-risk workers.

 We’ve already seen a high demand for the COVID-19 vaccine, not just from people who are eligible for Phase 1b but in general.

 There are things can be done while people wait for their vaccination appointment. They can make sure Medicare details are correct, continue to practice good hygiene, physical distancing and adhere to local restrictions and understand how to isolate if needed.  If feeling unwell, don't go to work or to activities in big groups and get tested.

 Further information related to local primary health care can be found on the Wheatbelt Primary Health Exchange Site at https://phexchange.wapha.org.au/my-region-Wheatbelt including ‘My Community Directory’ which is an online directory of health and community services.

 People are asked to please be patient - the vaccination rollout will go slowly at first with more vaccination sites coming online over the next few weeks.

 All eligible Australians will have the opportunity to have the vaccination in the coming months.

 We are all committed to working together with the aim of facilitating the best possible information, care and future health outcomes for people belonging to our Wheatbelt community.

  Thanks and kind regards,

  The WA Primary Health Alliance Wheatbelt team.

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