The Brisbane doctor at the centre of an investigation after two aged care residents received up to four times the approved COVID-19 vaccine dose yesterday had not undergone training to administer the vaccine.
The Department of Health said today that it had received misinformation about the doctor’s vaccine training status.
It was also revealed that the training being offered to Australian GPS consists of online education modules only, provided by the Australian Board of Nursing.
Healthcare Australia, a company contracted by the Federal Government to deliver the immunisations in aged care homes, has informed Health Minister Greg Hunt that the doctor involved had not completed the required training.
“I have asked the Department to take action against the company and the doctor for what is a clear breach on both fronts,” the Minister said.
Yesterday, two residents of Holy Spirit nursing home in Carseldine, Brisbane – an 88-year-old man and 94-year old woman – received four times the approved dosage of the vaccine.
A nurse assisting the doctor administering the vaccine sparked the alarm, which saw the doctor immediately stood down from the Commonwealth Government’s vaccine program.
Minister Hunt thanked the nurse for her “strength of character and professionalism” in calling out the doctor’s mistake.
More than 4,600 general practices across Australia have been approved to participate in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout from Phase 1b. The Government had hoped for 1,000 practices to volunteer to take part.
RACGP President, Dr Karen Priced said the strong response from GPs was a positive step.
“It shows GPs overwhelmingly want to be able to vaccinate their patients,” she said.
“We want to see every practice that wants to provide these vaccinations to be able to do so. We need to get to the point where COVID-19 vaccinations are part of usual patient care as soon as we can.”
She asked for Australians to be patient in the wait to receive the vaccine.
“There is high demand for the vaccine, and we need to get it out quickly. I implore patients to please be patient and understanding.”
“I know practices will be gearing up and making all the necessary preparations to help in this mammoth effort, including completing the mandatory training modules.”
Meanwhile, both Holy Spirit residents are being monitored for side effects of the vaccine overdose.
