AstraZeneca vaccine

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

9/04/2021

What is this side effect that everyone is talking about associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine?

There is evidence of a likely link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and an extremely rare blood clotting syndrome (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia).

The recommendation from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is that use of Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer) is preferred over AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in adults under 50 years old who have not already had a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Is the AstraZeneca vaccine safe?

Yes. The individual benefit-to-risk balance of vaccination with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine varies with age. This balance is based on factors including the increased risk of complications from COVID-19 with increasing age and the potential lower risk of this very rare, but serious, adverse event with increasing age. ATAGI has recommended the AstraZeneca vaccine remains safe to be given to people aged 50 years and over.

I have had my first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, what do I do now?

If you have had your first vaccine dose without this side effect or other serious adverse effects, you should receive your second dose as planned.

What if I am worried about side effects?

If you have recently had your first vaccine dose and are experiencing any side effects that you are worried about, please book an appointment with your doctor.

I’m booked in for my first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, what do I do?

If you are an adult aged under 50 years, you should only receive a first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine where the benefit of receiving the vaccine clearly outweighs the risk in your individual circumstance. You may wish to discuss your individual benefit-to-risk balance with your doctor.

Generally, if you have not already received a first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, then the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is preferred in adults aged under 50 years.

Easter Hours 2021

Thursday 1st April – Open

Friday 2nd April – Closed

Saturday 3rd April – Open

Sunday 4th April – Closed

Monday 5th April – Closed

Tuesday 6th April – Open

When can I book in to have the COVID-19 vaccination?

To see when you will become eligible to have the COVID-19 vaccination, please visit Healthdirect to check the COVID-19 vaccine national roll-out strategy.

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

Currently there is a lot of talk in the media regarding the commencement of the COVID‑19 vaccination.

At this point, we (Glen Forrest Medical Centre) have applied to participate in the Phase 1b vaccination program and are awaiting communication from the Health Department as to whether we will be able to commence vaccinating in the Phase 1b which is expected to start late March.

To see when you will become eligible to have the COVID-19 vaccination, please visit Healthdirect to check the COVID-19 vaccine national roll-out strategy.

If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine please visit Healthdirect to find out more information.

If you have any questions about what happens after you have been vaccinated, please visit Healthdirect

What we do know:

Glen Forrest Medical Centre will be involved in the AstraZeneca vaccinating which was approved by Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on 16 February 2021 either in Phase 1b or Phase 2a.

Appointments to be vaccinated will be made through an online booking system. We will notify patients as soon as this is available.

Patients will require two doses, twelve weeks apart. The 2^nd dose will be quarantined at our Surgery and we will send a recall out via sms to remind you. This is why it is important to ensure you get your second dose at the same Surgery.

We have been informed by the Health Department that the flu vaccine will be available in May. You can have the flu vaccination two weeks apart from the COVID-19 vaccination. Eg. 1^st dose of COVID-19 vaccination wait two weeks have flu vaccination or have flu vaccination and wait two weeks for your COVID-19 vaccination.

To stay up-to-date, please visit our website www.gfmc.com.au or follow us on Facebook to find out the latest news regarding the COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

Telephone Issues

11/02/21 – We are currently experiencing problems with our telephone lines.
Thank you for your patience whilst this matter is being resolved.

HotDoc Results

15/12/2020

We are now sending secure messages through HotDoc for you to follow-up on results.
How to open your message: How to verify your health message

Christmas/New Year Hours

Thursday, 24/12/2020 – Open 8am to 3pm
Christmas Day (Friday) – Closed
Boxing Day (Saturday) – Closed
Monday, 28/12/2020 – Closed
Tuesday, 29/12/2020 – Open 8am to 6pm
Wednesday, 30/12/2020 – Open 8am to 6pm
Thursday, 31/12/2020 – Open 8am to 3pm
New Year’s Day (Friday) – Closed
Saturday 2/1/2021 – Open 8.30am to 11.30am

Western Diagnostic drive-through swab collection has moved

13/10/2020

The Western Diagnostic Drive-through Swab Collection has moved:

Midland Sports Complex, 45 Patterson Drive, Middle Swan
08:00-16:00WST Monday – Friday
08:00-12:00WST Saturday
Sunday Closed
1. You MUST have a pathology request form from your doctor;
2. Please wait in your vehicle – DO NOT GET OUT AT ANY TIME; and
3. Follow instructions as per the site.
Please Note: No other specimens will be collected at this site.

Welcome back Dr Sarah Colby

01/07/2020

Dr Sarah Colby will be returning from maternity leave on Tuesday 14th of July 2020.
Our Team: Dr Sarah Colby

Flu Vaccinations

29/06/2020

The Glen Forrest Medical Centre has given over 2000 flu vaccinations over the last few months and we would like to say a big thank you to everyone for helping protect our community!