Online booking integration expected to increase vaccination rates

When the online COVID-19 vaccination booking system was launched in March to support the nation’s vaccine rollout, GPs were met with a number of issues and feedback from frustrated patients.
 
Confusion about where and how eligible patients could book their COVID vaccination meant general practices were inundated with calls and led the RACGP to call on the Federal Government to better improve communication ensure a smoother booking process.
 
Teething issues related to the booking process appear to have mostly eased, with the Vaccine Clinic Finder able to provide a comparison of all participating vaccination clinics and pharmacies across Australia, where patients can check availability and make a booking.  
 
Now, to further improve the quality and completeness of vaccine clinic and appointment data in the Vaccine Clinic Finder, Healthdirect Australia is working alongside the RACGP, other healthcare organisations and the Department of Health to provide seamless online booking integration.
 
The collaboration will also include other online clinical booking providers to improve the interoperability of online systems.
 
RACGP President Dr Karen Price said the integration could not come at a more important time, and is confident that vaccination rates will continue to grow with the implementation of the right technology.

‘Providing patients with integrated, easy access to book vaccine appointments with their GP online is a positive step forward,’ she said.
 
‘This [integration] will help our hardworking GPs to get more vaccines in arms as soon as possible.
 
‘Increased vaccination rates will protect individuals and the broader community, and ultimately ease the pressure on GPs and hospital teams.’
 
Vaccine supplies are set to increase nationwide to meet rising cases and hit coverage targets, while expanded vaccine eligibility and a drop in the interval between Pfizer doses in Victoria mean the speed of the rollout is likely to further increase.
 
The online booking integration is expected to support participating vaccine providers by ensuring patients can easily book vaccinations online, improving the overall experience.
 
Healthdirect Australia said that enhanced integration between systems will reduce the burden on GPs and pharmacists of manually managing vaccination appointments.
 
‘We are pleased to once again support the Australian Government to accelerate vaccinations for Australians, bridging the gap between government and the health tech industry,’ Healthdirect Australia CEO Bettina McMahon said.
 
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COVID-19 digital health vaccination booking vaccine rollout