We would like to invite you to apply for an open tender opportunity available to general practices in the Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) region and the following local government areas (LGAs):
- Banyule
- Boroondara
- Knox
- Manningham
- Maroondah
- Mitchell
- Monash
- Murrindindi
- Nillumbik
- Whitehorse
- Whittlesea
- Yarra Ranges
EMPHN is providing funding to support general practices to participate in proactive engagement and activities that promote uptake of COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations over a 6 month period.
The Vulnerable Peoples Vaccination Program (VVP) is a specific program funded by the Australian Government to ensure continued access to COVID-19 vaccinations for vulnerable populations. As part of the VVP program, EMPHN is looking to appoint a COVID-19 vaccination ‘hub’ in each LGA in the EMPHN catchment, totalling 12 hubs.
The purpose of the program is to support general practices (who are delivering COVID-19 vaccinations or have an established referral pathway for vaccinations) through funding and resources to engage with individuals from vulnerable groups. Successful tender recipients will receive $60,000 to conduct a 6 month intervention to establish a GP Vaccination Hub which aims to:
- increase access to COVID-19 vaccines for vulnerable populations
- provide support to vulnerable peoples to receive COVID-19 vaccinations including facilitating tailored approaches
- develop and implement innovative COVID-19 vaccination activities to assist vulnerable individuals to enable easier access to COVID-19 vaccinations in their local area.
Key vulnerable populations have been identified as priority cohorts for this program. They include (but are not limited to):
- those who are experiencing homelessness, including those living on the streets, in emergency accommodation, boarding houses or between temporary shelters;
- those who do not have a Medicare card or are not eligible for Medicare;
- people with a disability;
- people are frail and cannot leave home;
- First Nations Peoples;
- culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse people, especially asylum seekers and refugees and those in older age groups who may find it difficult to use other vaccination services;
- children aged 5-11 who have complex needs, who are not captured by another suitable vaccination channel;
- homebound individuals [1];
- people living in Residential Aged Care and;
- any other vulnerable groups identified as requiring dedicated support to access vaccinations.