Are we half way through March already? At YFD we are certainly well into the swing of things in 2022. We have been continuing our Covid vaccination booster clinics for adults and Pfizer vaccinations for children, telehealth consultations and face to face health checks. It won’t be long until we start planning our influenza vaccine clinics which is expected to arrive at the end of March/ start of April.
In this month’s newsletter we will be updating you on the importance of having your booster vaccine for optimum protection against the Omnicron strain, bring you more staff news and remind you that despite covid restrictions easing, masks are still required at YFD to protect our vulnerable patients.
MASK UP
Wearing a face mask is still recommended for high risk settings such as General Practice. As we see vulnerable patients in our practice, patients and staff are required to wear masks when attending our premises. Thank you for continuing to help protect our community.
YFD COVID VACCINATION UPDATE
PFIZER COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINATIONS
If you’re 16 years or over and had your second COVID-19 vaccine three or more months ago, you will be eligible for your booster dose from Friday 21 January.
Presently At YFD we have Pfizer booster clinics on Thursdays and some Saturdays. Book for your booster dose online via HotDoc under ‘Covid-19 Vaccine dose 3 Pfizer’ if you are eligible. https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/erina-NSW-2250/your-family-doctors-at-erina/doctors?purpose=covid-vaccine
If you can’t find a time that suits you at our vaccination clinic there are plenty of other options around the Central Coast by following the link https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/
A COVID-19 booster dose strengthens your immune system and helps you maintain a high level of protection against the virus.
Evidence shows that a shorter interval to your booster dose will provide better protection against new COVID-19 variants like Omicron.
- You are eligible for a booster vaccination if you are:
- Fully vaccinated (have received 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine),
- aged 18 years and over, and
- received your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 3 months ago.
If you can’t remember when you received your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, check your COVID-19 digital certificate or immunisation history statement, which you can find through myGov.
It doesn’t matter if you had a different vaccine for your first two doses, you can have Pfizer or Moderna for your booster.
Please do not attend our clinics if you are a close contact to someone with Covid or have any symptoms. We can reschedule your appointment. If you have recently had Covid it is recommended you wait a few weeks for your booster until you have completely recovered.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated/boosters
PFIZER VACCINATIONS FOR 5 – 11 YEAR OLDS
The Pfizer COVID19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old is available for patients of YFD.
The vaccine dose approved by the TGA for children aged 5 to 11 is the same safe and effective vaccine used for other age groups, however is one-third the dose approved for those aged 12 and over.
The current recommended schedule for vaccination in this age group is 2 doses, 8 weeks apart. The interval can be shortened in special circumstances to a minimum of 3 weeks. The 8 week dosing is to optimise your child’s immune response and reduce risk of side effects. Your child’s second appointment will automatically be made 8 weeks after their first vaccination and time emailed to you.
Bookings to our dedicates kids clinics are available ONLINE ONLY for existing patients aged 5 – 11 by following the link…..
https://hotdoc.com/2ex5cub0u
If you are unable to find an appointment at a time that suits you, there are many vaccination clinics on the Central Coast you can try by following the link… https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/
Our clinics will be high volume so please only book a vaccine clinic appointment once you have decided to vaccinate your child. Please make an appointment with your GP if you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccination for your child.
For more information visit …….
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/12/covid-19-vaccine-information-and-consent-form-for-parents-and-guardians-of-children-aged-5-to-11-years.pdf
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/how-to-speak-to-kids-about-covid-19-vaccines
TESTED POSITIVE TO COVID? – MANAGING YOUR COVID INFECTION AT HOME
- A positive covid test can cause anxiety and worry for many. Luckily with our high vaccination rates most people with COVID-19 will have a mild illness and will recover in a few days or so, with some people having no symptoms at all.
- If you are under 65 years of age, have had two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, do not suffer from any chronic health conditions and are not pregnant, you can safely manage COVID-19 at home.
- Please refer to the following useful links regarding how to manage Covid-19 at home.
1/ Testing positive to COVID-19 and managing COVID-19 safely at home
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/advice-for-confirmed.aspx
2/ NSW Health COVID-19 self-isolation guideline and support
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/self-isolation-covid-and-close.aspx
3/ Release and recovery from COVID-19
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/recovery.aspx
4/ Managing COVID-19 at home with assistance from your general practice: A guide, action plan and symptom diary for patients
https://www.racgp.org.au/FSDEDEV/media/documents/Clinical%20Resources/Guidelines/Managing-mild-COVID-19-at-home-with-assistance-from-your-GP.pdf - Please contact your GP for a Telehealth/video appointment or call the NSW Health COVID-19 Care at Home Support Line on 1800 960 933 if you are pregnant, age over 65 or if you have a chronic condition including:
* obesity
* severe, chronic or complex medical conditions (including cardiac, respiratory, renal or neurological)
* diabetes
* immunocompromised, including if you have cancer
* severe mental illness. - If you develop severe symptoms such as severe dizziness, drowsiness, shortness of breath, chest pressure or pain lasting more than 10 minutes, you should call Triple Zero (000) straight away and tell the ambulance staff that you have been diagnosed with COVID-19
COVID-19 TESTING FOR OVERSEAS TRAVEL
International borders are open again but if you plan to travel overseas you should check the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to and the airline requirements. Covid-19 testing for international travel may require a PCR test at a private pathology clinic or a witnessed Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) test conducted by a health professional. Please note that charges apply for this service and medicare rebates do not apply.
If you are fully vaccinated and have returned from overseas it is recommend you self-isolate until you receive a negative results from a Covid-19 rapid antigen test within the first 24 hours of arrival. It is also recommended you do not visit high risk settings such as healthcare and aged care facilities for at least 7 days. A Covid -19 RAT test is also strongly recommended on or after day 6.
Useful travel requirement resources….
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/testing-locations.aspx
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/travel-restrictions/international-travel-rules
I’M PREGNANT WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
What do you next when you see those 2 double lines on your pregnancy test (and I’m not talking about a covid rapid antigen test!)
A good start is to see your GP for your first pregnancy visit around the 4 – 8 week mark. Your GP can confirm your pregnancy and dates, assess your health and organise routine antenatal tests recommended for your pregnancy. They will also give you information regarding where you can receive your ongoing pregnancy care and where you can deliver your baby. Read more in Dr Georgia’s ten point pregnancy checklist to help you achieve a healthy pregnancy…….
https://yourfamilydoctors.com.au/im-pregnant-what-do-i…/
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
On March 8th we celebrated all the inspiring women that have a positive impact on others. We are very lucky at YFD to have many of these inspirational women under the one roof. To all our incredible female doctors, nurses, and reception staff – it’s not always an easy gig (especially over the last 2 years!) but thank you for being amazing.
BAY TO BAY RUNNING FESTIVAL
Entries for the Bay to Bay Running Festival on Sunday June 19th are opening on Monday 21st February! There are distances to suit all abilities …..
– Travelling Fit Half Marathon
– ET Australia 12km Fun Run
– Healthe.care 5km Run/Walk
– Ocean View Physio 2km Kid’s Run.
Your Family Doctors are proud bronze sponsors this year and are encouraging staff and patients to join in on the fun! Who will be joining us?
This year’s beautiful T-shirt design is based on an indigenous theme by local artist and keen runner Shayne Hill.
These T-shirts are available for free to the first 2,000 entrants so get in quick
STAFF NEWS
YFD IS PROUD TO BE A TEACHING PRACTICE
Your family doctors is proud to be a teaching practice, where we train GP registrars and Medical Students. During the Month of February we were lucky have final year medical student Amy with us. Amy really enjoyed her time with us assisting at our vaccination clinics, health assessments, procedures, and consultations. Thank you to our patients for providing such a rich learning experience for our students and we wish Amy all the best in her medical career.
DR ELLY ALPINE EVERESTING CHALLENGE – FUNDRAISING ITEMS FOR SALE.
It’s not too late to buy some of Dr Elly’s Alpine Everesting fundraising items! She has just had a huge shipment of beach towels and water bottles so they’re available again! 100% of your money goes straight to the Cancer Navigator Aboriginal Health Worker position on the Central Coast to help Darkinjung patients and families through their cancer journey. The beautiful unique design is by local Wiradjuri artist, Jodi Shannon for her nephew Beau who died with cancer aged 5yo.
$30 Beach towel
$30 Stainless steel water bottle
$50 Towel/bottle pack
$100 Towel x 4
$100 Bottle x 4 (just purchase 4 x towels and make a note for bottles instead)
You can purchase these online ……
https://www.alpineeveresting.com.au/fundraising-store1 or we have some available at reception
We hope you enjoyed reading our March Newsletter. You can also like us on facebook or instagram to keep up to date with the latest Covid changes, important health information and to see what the YFD team has been up to. Our website is also a great source of information, so please check out our blog for health information written by our team. Stay well.
Love Team YFD xx