COVID-19

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

  • SCMP is providing Pfizer JN.1 booster vaccines at our Bega and Tathra Surgeries on an as-needed basis and will also be offering these during our upcoming Flu Vaccination Clinics which will be held each Saturday from late April – June 2025.

Managing COVID-19 at home

  • Most people who test positive for COVID-19 will have mild symptoms and recover within one week without needing special treatment or hospitalisation.
  • If you are pregnant, unvaccinated or immunocompromised you are at risk of more significant symptoms - please call South East Regional Hospital on 6150 7032 to access their COVID-19 health service.
  • If you are over 65 years of age, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or have a chronic health condition - call Sapphire Coast Medical Practice on 6492 2555 and we can guide you through your illness with telehealth consultations.

Oral Anti-viral Medications

If you have a COVID infection and fit the below criteria, please contact the surgery to discuss with a GP whether you should have medication prescribed:

  • All patients over 70 years of age;
  • Immunocompromised (over 18 years of age) i.e. were previously advised to have an extra booster; or
  • 60-69 years of age with 1 risk factor; or
  • Over 50 years of age with 2 extra risk factors (see below); or
  • Over 30 years of age (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) with 2 extra risk factors (see below).

Risk Factors:

  • Diabetes (on medication)
  • Obesity (BMI greater than 30)
  • Cardiac disease
  • Lung disease
  • Active cancer
  • Severe liver/kidney disease
  • Neurological conditions (e.g. stroke, dementia)
  • Not up to date with vaccinations.

Anti-viral medication must be taken within 5 days of symptom onset.

Self-isolation information

  • It is no longer mandatory to self-isolate at home if you test positive for COVID-19.
  • However, NSW Health strongly recommends people who are sick or have tested positive to COVID-19 stay home (unless for medical care or you feel unsafe at home) until their symptoms have gone.
  • Notify close contacts (work/school/friends) - keep in mind you can be infectious for up to 3 days before symptoms develop
  • In your home, live in a separate room if possible
  • Wash hands; wear a face mask around others; wipe down surfaces.

Symptoms

  • Common: fatigue, headache, sore throat, cough, runny nose
  • Other symptoms: loss of taste and smell, mild shortness of breath, muscle or joint pain, fever, nausea, occasional vomiting or diarrhoea
  • If you have breathlessness, trouble keeping fluids down, dizziness or confusion - call Sapphire Coast Medical Practice
  • If you develop chest pain, severe shortness of breath, collapse - call 000, tell them you have COVID-19 and need an ambulance.

General care

  • Rest; drink clear fluids frequently; use paracetamol and ibuprofen for symptom relief
  • Keep in touch with family and friends; maintain a daily routine; spend time outdoors if able.

After isolation

  • NSW Health strongly recommends people who are sick or have tested positive to COVID-19 stay home (unless for medical care or you feel unsafe at home) until their symptoms have gone.
  • People who have previously had COVID-19 are asked to test for COVID-19 after 4 weeks since their isolation ended if they have symptoms and follow the relevant health advice if they test positive
  • You can have your booster dose 12 weeks after acute infection.

Helpful numbers

  • National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080 (option 5 for interpreter services; 24/7 service)
  • NSW Health Covid-19 Care at Home Support Line 1800 960 933 (8.30am-8.30pm)
  • NSW Health Isolation Support line 1800 943 553
  • Centrelink families line 136 150 –social worker/financial assistance.

Helpful websites

  • https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/managing-covid-19/what-to-do
  • The NSW Health website and Department of Health websites contain specific information regarding close contacts/isolation requirements and are continually being updated.
  • There is also useful, detailed guide and action plan on managing COVID-19 at home from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (see link here and also pdf version). ​

SCMP remains focused on keeping our surgeries COVID-free, to enable us to continue clinical care of all our patients. This means that a patient or visitor that tests positive to COVID-19 should not be seen INSIDE the premises. All patients and visitors to the Bega and Tathra Surgeries are requested to wear a face mask if they have respiratory symptoms, and sanitise their hands on entry.

If you require medical assistance, please:

  • Phone either the Tathra Surgery 6494 1877 or Bega Surgery 6492 2555 PRIOR to presenting at either Practice;
  • If any cold or flu like symptoms are present, you will be asked to wait outside, wear a mask inside, and can only be seen inside the premises after receiving a negative COVID test.

SCMP COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM

  • SCMP is providing Pfizer XBB.1.5 booster vaccinations at our Bega and Tathra Surgeries on an as-needed basis. Vaccinations can also be sourced from local pharmacies.
  • The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) have stated that a booster shot can be offered if it is more than 6 months since the last vaccination date or Covid infection, and irrespective of how many doses have previously been given.
  • ATAGI recommends a booster for everyone over 75 years of age every six months.
  • ATAGI recommends a booster for everyone between 65 and 75 years of age every 12 months, but patients are also eligible for a booster dose every 6 months (based on an individual risk-benefit assessment).
  • Patients between 18-64 years of age are eligible for a booster dose every 12 months.
  • Those patients between 18-64 years of age with a significant medical condition putting them at increased risk of more severe disease are recommended to have a booster dose every 12 months and are eligible every 6 months (based on an individual risk-benefit assessment).
  • A booster can be considered/offered to everyone over 18 years of age, and those between 5 and 18 years of age with a significant medical condition putting them at increased risk of severe disease.
  • Patients 5-17 years old that are severely immunocompromised are eligible for a booster dose every 12 months.
  • A booster is not recommended for those under 5 year of age.
  • A booster is not recommended for 5-17 year olds with no increased risk factors.
  • We strongly encourage EVERYONE who is eligible, to receive the vaccination as soon as possible.
  • Please be reassured the vaccine available to this group of patients, is safe and effective and will provide protection from COVID-19 for both us as individuals and to our whole community.
  • We will continue to provide information here on our website, the SCMP Facebook page and at our surgeries.