COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout FAQ
Queensland Fertility Group's patient FAQ's on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Australia
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Should I be getting a COVID-19 vaccine? | We encourage everyone who is eligible to take the COVID-19 vaccine. There has been a significant and focused effort from the scientific community and researchers to develop these vaccines. The relevant research shows that the vaccines have a high level of effectiveness and are considered very safe. |
| How much will the COVID-19 vaccine cost me? | Nothing. The vaccine is being made available to everyone living in Australia for free. |
| Will Queensland Fertility Group be rolling out the COVID-19 vaccines to patients? | No. Queensland Fertility Group is not an authorised COVID-19 vaccine distribution hub. All patients will be required to access the vaccine through a federal approved distribution hub. Further information is available through the relevant Department of Health websites or ask your health care professional. |
| Is QFG requiring its staff to get the COVID 19 vaccine? | We are supportive of the government's position to rollout the vaccine as a way of protecting and caring for our communities, and we encourage our staff to participate in the immunisation program. However, currently we cannot direct our staff to take the vaccine. As a health care provider, we comply with various state and federal legislation that governs our industry. |
| How is the vaccine being rolled out? | Vaccines will be available on a rolling basis, dependent on delivery schedules and the identification of groups for most urgent vaccination. Depending on the type of work you do and specific personal attributes, you will be eligible to receive your vaccination during one of several Phases. The chart below describes the attributes that form part of each phase. Please check out the federal or state Department of Health websites for further information about the government's vaccine rollout. *Please refer to the government rollout plan below the FAQ's. |
| Once the vaccines are rolled out, will Queensland Fertility Group still be applying the current COVID-19 safety measures at our workplace? | QFG will continue to monitor the situation, follow state and federal government advice and ensure we apply best practice safety measures as required. We will continue to modify and adapt our safety measures from time to time to suit the circumstance even after the vaccine rollout process has finalised. |
| When will I be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine? | The government will schedule your vaccine rollout once it has received sufficient doses of the vaccine. It will continue to implement the vaccination program in a phased approach based on the criteria identified within each Phase category (noted above). |
| Are there any restrictions when taking the COVID-19 vaccine? | Please see the Department of Health website. |
| Will our clinics be requiring patients to show evidence of having been immunised against COVID-19 in the future? | No. While we encourage everyone in our communities to follow the relevant government guidelines, we respect the rights and choices of our patients. We will continue with our best-practice safety measures within our facilities and continue to service our patients regardless of their personal circumstances or choices. |
| Can I request to be supported by only nurses and staff members who have been vaccinated against COVID-19? | Unfortunately, this is not possible. While we are encouraging our staff to vaccinate against COVID-19, we cannot mandate this. We must respect the rights and choices of our staff as well as those of our patients. However, please be assured, we will continue to apply best-practice safety measures within our facilities. |
| I'm hoping to get pregnant. When is the best time for me to take the vaccine? | Women who are trying to become pregnant do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination. |
| I'm currently breastfeeding and I'm worried about taking the COVID-19 vaccine. Should I take it? | The current advice from the Australian Government Department of Health indicates that the Comirnaty vaccine (Pfizer vaccine) can be safely taken by breastfeeding women at any time. You do not need to stop breastfeeding before or after vaccination. They have not provided any specific advice concerning other forms of the vaccine at this time. We recommend you speak with your health professional concerning your specific circumstances. |
| I'm planning pregnancy in the near future. I am worried about taking the COVID-19 vaccine. Should I take it? | If you are planning a pregnancy, you can safely receive the Comirnaty vaccine (Pfizer vaccine). You do not need to avoid becoming pregnant before or after vaccination. You are not required to have a pregnancy test before getting vaccinated. If you have concerns, we recommend you speak with your healthcare professional concerning your personal circumstances. |
| I'm currently pregnant. Should I take the vaccine? | RANZCOG and ATAGI recommend that pregnant women should be routinely offered Pfizer mRNA vaccine (Cominarty) at any stage of pregnancy. This is because the risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 is significantly higher for pregnant women and their unborn baby. Global surveillance data from large numbers of pregnant women have not identified any significant safety concerns with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines given at any stage of pregnancy. Furthermore, there is also evidence of antibody in cord blood and breastmilk, which may offer protection to infants through passive immunity. Pregnant women are encouraged to discuss the decision in relation to timing of vaccination with their health professional. Read more about this here: https://ranzcog.edu.au/statements-guidelines/covid-19-statement/covid-19-vaccination-information |
