10 June 2021

FAQ on the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout in Australia

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IVF Australia

IVFAustralia's FAQ on the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout in Australia for patients

FAQ's
QuestionAnswer
Should I be getting a COVID-19 vaccine?We highly encourage everyone who is eligible to take the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. There has been a significant and focused effort from the scientific community and researchers to develop these vaccines. All the relevant research shows that the vaccines have a high level of effectiveness and are considered very safe.
I'm planning pregnancy in the near future. I am worried about taking the COVID-19 vaccine. Should I take it?If you are planning a pregnancy, you can safely receive the Comirnaty vaccine (Pfizer vaccine). You do not need to avoid becoming pregnant before or after vaccination. You are not required to have a pregnancy test before getting vaccinated. If you have concerns, we recommend you speak with your healthcare professional concerning your personal circumstances.
I'm hoping to get pregnant. When is the best time for me to take the vaccine?Women who are trying to become pregnant do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination.
What if I am already pregnant?RANZCOG and ATAGI recommend that pregnant women are routinely offered Pfizer mRNA vaccine (Cominarty) at any stage of pregnancy. This is because the risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 is significantly higher for pregnant women and their unborn baby. Global surveillance data from large numbers of pregnant women have not identified any significant safety concerns with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines given at any stage of pregnancy. Furthermore, there is also evidence of antibody in cord blood and breastmilk, which may offer protection to infants through passive immunity. Pregnant women are encouraged to discuss the decision in relation to timing of vaccination with their health professional. Read more about this here - https://ranzcog.edu.au/statements-guidelines/covid-19-statement/covid-19-vaccination-information
I'm currently breastfeeding and I'm worried about taking the COVID-19 vaccine. Should I take it?The current advice from the Australian Government Department of Health indicates that the Comirnaty vaccine (Pfizer vaccine) can be safely taken by breastfeeding women at any time. You do not need to stop breastfeeding before or after vaccination. They have not provided any specific advice concerning other forms of the vaccine at this time. We recommend you speak with your health professional concerning your specific circumstances.
How much will the COVID-19 vaccine cost me?Nothing. The vaccine is being made available to everyone living in Australia for free.
Will IVFAustralia be rolling out the COVID-19 vaccines to patients?No. IVFAustralia is not an authorised COVID-19 vaccine distribution hub. All patients will be required to access the vaccine through a federal approved distribution hub. Further information will be made available in the near future through the relevant Department of Health websites or ask your health care professional.
Is IVFAustralia requiring its staff to get the COVID 19 vaccine?Yes
Now that the vaccines are rolled out, will IVFAustralia still be applying the current COVID-19 safety measures at our workplace?IVFAustralia will continue to monitor the situation carefully, follow state and federal government advice and ensure we apply best practice safety measures as required. We will continue to modify and adapt our safety measures from time to time to suit the circumstance even after the vaccine rollout process has finalised.
Will our clinics be requiring patients to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to start or continue medical treatment?Yes, we require proof of vaccination. However, we are not limiting access for fertility care for unvaccinated patients. Unvaccinated patients will be required to undergo regular COVID testing.

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