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COVID-19 Epidemiology, Testing and Travel Update

At CBD Doctors Melbourne we follow the current Government recommendations and update our patients on COVID-19 epidemiology, testing, quarantine and travel requirements.

Significant changes to testing, contract tracing and quarantine rules were implemented in Australia on 5 November 2021.

Quarantine requirements for vaccinated close contacts of COVID-19 patients:

  1. Close contact: tracing and isolation changed depending on your vaccination status:
      • If you are double vaccinated and have been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person, you will be required to quarantine 7 days (instead of 14 days under previous guidelines prior to 5 November).
      • If you are not fully vaccinated and have been in contact with a COVID-19 positive person, you will need to spend 14 days in a quarantine (the same as prior to 5 November).
  2. Casual contacts: there is no need to get tested or quarantine. (Changed from 5 November).

 

COVID-19 Testing:

COVID-19 PCR test is still the standard for diagnosing COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19 rapid antigen test was introduced to the public on 1 November, to recognise positive cases early, without delay in diagnosis in isolation. Every positive COVID-19 rapid antigen test must be followed by COVID-19 PCR test done at one of the testing sites.

Travellers to Australia:

    • COVID-19 PCR test: All travellers need Covid-19 PCR test, not older than 72 hours prior their departure.
    • COVID-19 vaccine: Fully vaccinated travellers, vaccinated with one of the recognised vaccines: no need to quarantine.
    • Non-vaccinated travellers:  Required to quarantine for 14 days.

Travellers from Australia:

    • COVID-19 vaccine: Fully vaccinated travellers with a digital certificate no permit by the Australian Government is needed any more as of 1 November.
    • Non- vaccinated travellers:  Require a permit to leave the country (no change).
    • COVID-19 PCR test: Required by the majority of airlines to check in, and needed by majority of countries, to avoid quarantine.

 

COVID-19 Booster Dose:

You can receive a booster 6 months or more after your second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Current recommendations are for Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca and depend on individual circumstances.

 

COVID-19 Vaccination Exemptions: 

There are very few conditions that would qualify you for COVID-19 vaccine exemption.

Current recommendation is to get vaccinated when you are well, as soon as possible following your acute infection with COVID-19  to be protected. The vaccine is the only reliable protection. If you had one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and had COVID-19 before your second dose, we will recommend you receive the second dose as soon as you are well.

We advise for an exemption for up to two – three months followed by full vaccination.

The exemption can be granted no longer than 6 months.

Only a doctor that has access to the Australian Immunisation Registry can grant an exemption from a COVID-19 vaccination, mainly general practitioners.

Please note: personal, cultural and religious beliefs, anxiety and needle phobia, although respected, are not listed as an exemption.

If you are calling CBD Doctors Melbourne about receiving a possible exemption, or you’re coming to the practice to discuss your situation, please note:

  • We will contact the laboratory where you were tested positive for COVID-19 to file your result in your medical records
  • We will apply for an exemption of up to three months with Australian Immunisation Registry
  • We will discuss your future COVID-19 vaccination

If you are coming to the CBD Doctors Melbourne and want to discuss your personal circumstances, we will be happy to help, respecting your choices, considering the the Australian Government guidelines.

 

Useful Links:

Antigen Tests: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/rapid-antigen-self-tests

Travel: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-and-restrictions/international-travel-and-covid-19#approved-and-recognised-vaccines 

Vaccine Exemptions: https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/10/atagi-expanded-guidance-on-temporary-medical-exemptions-for-covid-19-vaccines.pdf

Booster Shots:

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