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Government announces new vaccine counselling MBS item number
The new Medicare item will provide patients over 50 with a $38.75 rebate when receiving COVID vaccine counselling from their GP.
Around 64% of Australians over 70 and 47% of people over 50 have been vaccinated as of 18 June. (Image: AAP)
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt revealed the newly-created MBS item number a day after the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) changed advice around the AstraZeneca vaccine, and recommended it only be administered to people aged 60 or older.
It had been flagged months ago in response to rising vaccine hesitancy following initial reports of blood clot deaths related to the AstraZeneca vaccine, and RACGP President Dr Karen Price said the new MBS item could not come soon enough.
‘We welcome the Federal Government heeding the RACGP’s calls and introducing this new Medicare item – we need this additional support more than ever,’ she said.
‘We are dealing with increasing vaccine hesitancy right across the country. I’m seeing it in my own practice in Melbourne, almost all my patients have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.
‘The change in ATAGI’s recommendations reinforces the need for this counselling item – last time there was a change, GPs saw cancelled bookings and had to spend much more time talking to patients, and we are now seeing this again.’
At a press conference announcing the new additional support, Minister Hunt thanked the RACGP and AMA for their assistance in creating the new MBS item number.
‘Their goal is very simple, and that is to ensure that everybody in the 50–60 category comes forward to have their second dose, and those that haven’t had a first dose come forward over the coming weeks and months to have a first dose,’ he said.
‘They’re very keen to give that reassurance to people who are over 60 that it is absolutely in their health interests to come forward and be vaccinated.
‘Just to update, it’s 64% of the over-70s and 47% of the over-50s that have been vaccinated so far. And those numbers are continuing to increase every day.’
Dr Price said the new Medicare item will allow GPs to ‘do what we do best’.
‘We can take the time required to listen to patients’ concerns, answer questions and support them in making an informed decision,’ she said.
‘Patients know and trust their GP, and we are perfectly positioned to counsel patients and build vaccine confidence in the community.
‘General practice is doing the heavy lifting to get as many people vaccinated as soon as possible – we need all the support we can get. This new Medicare item will be crucial to boosting our vaccination rates.’
Dr Price also praised the work of general practices delivering vaccinations, and said she is proud of the GPs, nurses, receptionists and administrative staff helping to deliver vaccinations across Australia.
‘My message to all participating general practices who may have experienced difficulties in obtaining adequate vaccine supply or been challenged by patients cancelling their appointments is simple – let’s stay the course,’ she said.
‘We have already administered more than half of the nation’s COVID-19 vaccinations and that is on top of delivering the annual influenza vaccine, routine childhood vaccinations and continuing to deliver routine care for our patients.
‘Well done to all of you, and thank you for what you continue to do for your communities under the most challenging of times.
‘Please keep up the good work and utilise this new Medicare item to build vaccine confidence, support your patients, and get more jabs in arms.’
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