17 March 2021
Dear colleagues,
Thank you everyone who has taken the opportunity to receive a COVID vaccine to date.
We now have our Phase 1a invitation only clinic at STARS, as well as staff vaccination clinics at RBWH, TPCH, Redcliffe, Caboolture and from today Brighton Health Campus. Over the coming weeks we anticipate there will be opportunity and capacity for all Metro North staff to receive a COVID vaccination.
Update on appointment availability
There has been an overwhelming response to a shout out for some ‘drop in’ registrations for our STARS clinic – and it is now booked up for the next two days. Thank you to those 1a staff who attended to help ensure the slots at STARS were filled today and tomorrow!!!
From next week our online booking system will be live which will make it easier for staff to schedule COVID vaccination appointments. I will send out the information as soon as we have confirmed it is ready to go.
Important information regarding rare adverse events following vaccination with AstraZeneca vaccine
Over the past 48 hours there have been a very small number of adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine across Queensland hospitals. All of these adverse reactions have been in individuals who reported past history of anaphylaxis or severe allergy to a variety of substances or medications.
We know that these reactions started between five to 30-minutes from receiving the vaccination and all were detected early in the observation area post vaccination, received and responded to rapid care. Queensland Health and TGA are further looking into these events.
As a precaution, effective immediately, the DG has determined that those receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will have:
- An observation time after receiving the vaccination extended from 15 minutes to 30 minutes; and
- Individuals with a history of severe allergies or anaphylaxis should consider delaying their vaccine until we receive more information from the TGA.
I would like to reassure you that there is good evidence that the AstraZeneca vaccine is effective and safe to receive. If you are due to receive your vaccination today and have questions or concerns, please raise them with your treating clinician.
Thank you for your support.
Regards,
Dr Liz Rushbrook
Metro North Incident Controller