Clinic News

2024 Flu Vaccine now available

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The 2024 Flu vaccine is now available at Victoria Harbour Medical Centre.

We now have in stock:

  • Free government supplied flu vaccine available from 15/04/2024 under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible Medicare card holders, subject to supply.
  • Private flu vaccine. Cost is $16.  No prescription required.

The flu vaccine is recommended every year for everyone aged 6 months and over.

  • Appointments required.  No walk-ins.  Standard consultation and vaccine administration fees with our Nurse or GP may apply.
  • Call the medical centre on tel (03) 9629 1414  to discuss your 2024 Flu vaccine options.
Flu vaccine and COVID-19  booster vaccine:
The flu vaccine can be given on the same day (co-administered) with a COVID-19 booster vaccine.

NIP eligibility groups:

Government supplied flu vaccine stock is free under the NIP for the following eligible Medicare card holders:

* NIP funding only for First Nations people, pregnant women, and people with specified medical conditions

** For people aged 65 years and over

Timing of the Flu vaccine:
You should get your annual flu vaccine anytime from April onwards to be protected for the peak flu season, which is generally June to September. The highest level of protection occurs in the first 3 to 4 months following vaccination. However, it is never too late to vaccinate since flu can circulate in the community all year round.

Pregnant women should receive the flu vaccine at any stage during pregnancy.

Flu vaccines can be given on the same day with a COVID-19 booster vaccine.

Flu vaccine following COVID-19 infection:

There is no set time to wait following a COVID-19 infection and then having the flu vaccine. Once you are feeling well and have no fever, you can get a flu vaccine.

People with allergies:
Egg allergy is not a contraindication to receiving the flu vaccine.  As the egg based flu vaccines under the NIP only contains minute traces of egg protein, people with an egg allergy, including a history of anaphylaxis, can be safely vaccinated with the flu vaccine.  If you have an egg allergy, please discuss this with your immunisation provider, as you will require a longer post-vaccination observation period at the medical centre.

All flu vaccines available under the NIP in 2024 are latex free.  People with a latex allergy can safely be vaccinated with flu vaccines that are available under the NIP.

People should not receive the flu vaccine if they have experienced anaphylaxis after a previous dose of any flu vaccine or anaphylaxis after any component of a flu vaccine.

Eligibility for a free Flu vaccine through the NIP:
Eligibility for a free government supplied flu vaccine for Medicare card holders under the NIP in 2024 includes the following groups of people:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
  • Children from 6 months to less than 5 years of age
  • Pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy)
  • Adults aged 65 years and over **
  • People aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious disease:
    • cardiac disease
    • chronic respiratory conditions
    • immunocompromising conditions
    • haematological disorders
    • chronic metabolic disorder
    • chronic kidney disease
    • chronic neurological condition
    • long term aspirin therapy in children aged 5 to 10 years

Some important considerations:

  • Young children aged 6 months to less than 9 years who should have 2 doses of the flu vaccine (given at least 4 weeks apart) in the first year they receive the flu vaccine
  • Pregnant women should receive the flu vaccine at any stage during pregnancy
  • People travelling to a destination where the flu is circulating (year-round in the tropics) should have a flu vaccine
  • People who have had a haematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant require 2 doses of the flu vaccine (given at least 4 weeks apart) the first time after they receive the transplant

Call the medical centre on tel (03) 9629 1414  to discuss your flu vaccine options.

Please download and read the Pre-immunisation Checklist before your Flu vaccine appointment.

COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Clinic

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UPDATED: 02nd April 2024

We are a Moderna COVID-19 Booster GP Vaccination Clinic for eligible Medicare card holders.

To book an appointment with our nurse immuniser call the medical centre on (03) 9629 1414

Medicare Card Holders  *  Bulk Billed  *  By appointment only  *  No walk-ins

Victoria Harbour Medical Centre is an approved Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccination clinic for eligible Medicare card holders.

The monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccine is now the preferred COVID-19 booster vaccine in Australia. 

Click here for Department of Health booster updates.

Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine booster doses:

Click here for ATAGI update on the COVID-19 booster vaccination recommendations.

You can also use the booster eligibility tool to determine whether you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination.

Your vaccinator will exercise discretion in determining your eligibility for a booster dose (in line with Department of Health guidelines).  Call our medical centre for all enquires on (03) 9629 1414.

DO NOT attend our vaccination clinic if:

  • you have COVID-19, or
  • you have COVID-19 symptoms, or
  • you are a close COVID-19 contact, or
  • you are unwell

If you have a booked appointment and you are unwell please call and advise us and DO NOT attend the vaccination clinic.

While the Australian Government strongly supports vaccination, the COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory and individuals may choose not to vaccinate.  Please discuss with your GP.

The monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccine is now the preferred COVID-19 booster vaccine in Australia. 

We only stock the Moderna (Spikevax) Monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine for those age ≥12 years old.

ATAGI had updated clinical advice from 29/02/2024 regarding the COVID-19 booster vaccine. 

In summary:

  • Age 75 years and older
    • Recommended every 6 months.
  • Age 65 – 74 years
    • Recommended at least every 12 months, but can receive every 6 months. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits.
  • Age 18 – 64 years
    • With severe immunocompromise:
      • Recommended at least every 12 months, but can receive every 6 months. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits. 
    • Without severe immunocompromise: 
      • Can receive every 12 months.
  • Age 5 – 17 years
    • With severe immunocompromise:
      • Can receive every 12 months.
    • Without severe immunocompromise:
      • Not recommended.
  • Under 5 years
    • Not recommended

Timing of COVID-19 booster doses after COVID-19 infection:

In its updated advice ATAGI has removed its previous guideline against vaccinating people with a recent history of COVID-19 infection. 

People with a history of COVID-19 infection can receive booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine as recommended by your health care provider. Although there is minimal benefit from having a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose soon after infection, it is challenging for many individuals to know if they have had a recent infection. In these circumstances it is appropriate to proceed with a further COVID-19 booster vaccine where recommended. Vaccination is likely to enhance the protection induced by infection. A greater interval between infection and vaccination enhances the protection from vaccination by further boosting the immune response generated following infection.

Call reception on tel (03) 9629 1414

Note: Only one parent/guardian permitted to attend our vaccination clinic to accompany a young person aged 12-17 years old.

DO NOT attend our vaccination clinic if:

  • you have COVID-19, or
  • you have COVID-19 symptoms, or
  • you are a close COVID-19 contact, or
  • you are unwell

If you have a booked appointment and you are unwell please advise us  and DO NOT attend the vaccination clinic. Even if you have slight symptoms you should get a COVID-19 test and isolate until you have a negative result.

For information about how to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at an alternative location refer to the Department of Health website.

Anyone who presents for vaccination must provide informed consent.

For young people aged 12-17 years old consent may be established by:

Due to the Australian Government current funding model, people who are not eligible for Medicare will be unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through community general practice clinics including Victoria Harbour Medical Centre.  If you do not have a Medicare there are many places where you can get your free vaccination.  Use the health Service Finder to find the best place for you.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine has been translated into multiple languages.  To find information in your language click here.

Click here to find out how to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccination and view your COVID-19 digital certificate.

Click here for digital information from the Department of Health.

Call the COVID-19 Hotline on tel 1800 020 080

MyMedicare @ VHMC

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Did you know that seeing the same GP regularly can lead to better health outcomes?

Victoria Harbour Medical Centre is now registered in MyMedicare.

MyMedicare is a new patient registration model.  It aims to strengthen how we can provide medical care to you as your preferred primary health care delivery team.

MyMedicare is voluntary and free and you can register here.

Talk to us at your next appointment about how registering in MyMedicare can help us provide more of the care you need.

More information is available on our website via this link or by visiting health.gov.au/mymedicare

COVID-19: Expanded oral treatment eligibility

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UPDATED: 25/11/2023

Click here for the latest clinic news about COVID-19 and our COVIDSafe plan on our website.

Key points:

  • Be specific about the urgency of the care you need.
  • Always call 000 in an emergency and request an ambulance.
  • If you have mild or no symptoms you do not need to call your GP.
  • Call your GP or Nurse On-Call (1300 606 024) if your symptoms worsen.
  • Book an urgent Telehealth appointment with your GP if you think you are eligible to access oral treatments for COVID-19:
    • Aged 70+
    • Aged 50+ with 1 risk factor*
    • Aged 18+ and immunocompromised*
    • First Nations person aged 30+ with 1 risk factor*
    • Aged 18+ with moderate to severe immunocompromise OR who have been previously hospitalised from COVID-19 disease and subsequently re-infected

Check list for COVID-19 cases:

Changes to isolation requirements came into effect on 12/10/2022.  Victorians will no longer be required (but are strongly recommended) to report or isolate after testing positive for COVID-19.  You must continue following the current requirements if you are in isolation with COVID-19.  For more information you can also call the Coronavirus Hotline on tel 1800 020 080.

COVID-19 oral anti-viral treatments are now available. COVID-19 oral treatments are now available to more people and expanded eligibility criteria are summarised below.

Treatment should be commenced within 5-days of symptom onset.

If you are PBS eligible and test positive for COVID-19 book an urgent Telehealth appointment with your GP to discuss your eligibility and treatment options.

These medications are for the treatment in the early phase of COVID-19 infection for people with eligible chronic health and high-risk factor conditions for developing severe disease.

PBS eligibility criteria:

  • People may be eligible for a PBS-subsidised prescription of Paxlovid® if they test positive to COVID-19, and are:
    • Aged + 70
    • Aged 50+ with 1 risk factor
    • First Nations people aged 30+ with 1 risk factor
    • Aged +18 with moderate to severe immunocompromise OR who have been previously hospitalised from COVID-19 disease and subsequently reinfected
  • The PBS eligibility criteria for Molnupiravir (Lagevrio®) remain unchanged. People may be eligible for a PBS-subsidised prescription of Lagevrio® if they test positive to COVID-19, and are:
    • Aged + 70
    • Aged 50-69 with 2 risk factors
    • First Nations people aged 30+ with 1 risk factor
    • Aged +18 with moderate to severe immunocompromise OR who have been previously hospitalised from COVID-19 disease and subsequently reinfected

Older Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who test positive for COVID-19:

  • >70 years old (regardless of risk factors) with or without symptoms
  • >50 years old with 1 risk factor
  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people > 30 years old and with 1 risk factor

Risk factors include:

  • living in residential aged care
  • living with disability with multiple conditions and/or frailty (but not limited to living in supported accommodation)
  • neurological conditions like stroke or dementia and demyelinating conditions, for example, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome
  • chronic respiratory conditions including COPD, moderate or severe asthma
  • obesity or diabetes (type I or II requiring medication)
  • heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies
  • kidney failure or cirrhosis
  • living remotely with reduced access to higher level healthcare
  • past COVID-19 infection episode resulting in hospitalisation

People aged >18 years old who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and test positive for COVID-19:

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible for antiviral treatments if you are:

  • re-infected and have previously been in hospital from COVID-19
  • moderately to severely immunocompromised

Conditions include:

  • blood cancer or some red blood cell disorders (thalassaemia, sickle cell disease)
  • transplant recipient
  • primary or acquired (HIV) immunodeficiency
  • chemotherapy or whole-body radiotherapy in the last 3 months
  • high dose corticosteroids or pulse corticosteroid therapy in the last 3 months
  • immunosuppressive treatments in the last 3 months
  • anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody treatment in the last 12 months
  • cerebral palsy or Down Syndrome
  • congenital heart disease
  • living with disability with multiple conditions and/or frailty

Evusheld™ is not currently recommended for routine pre-exposure prophylaxis. It does not have activity against approximately 95% of current variants in Victoria.

Refer to this link for more information.

Who should get a rapid antigen test (RAT)?

  • Get a RAT as your first option if you have symptoms or are a COVID-19 contact.
  • If you have symptoms or are a contact but your can’t access a RAT, you can get a standard PCR test.
  • If you can’t access either test at the moment, isolate at home until you can.

When should you get a standard PCR test?

  • If you have symptoms or are a COVID-19 contact and you can’t access a RAT, you can get a PCR test.
  • If you don’t have symptoms and you’re not a COVID-19 contact, but test positive on a RAT, the recommendation is to get a PCR test to confirm the result. This is not recommended if you have symptoms or you are a COVID-19 contact.
  • If required for other reasons and you have been directly advised to get a PCR test.

Where can a RAT be obtained?

Our medical centre DOES NOT offer COVID-19 testing.

  • RATs can be purchased from supermarkets, pharmacies, other retail outlets or online from selected suppliers.
  • In Victoria RATs are free at at your local council.

Changes to Isolation and Reporting requirements:

Changes to isolation requirements come into effect on 12/10/2022.  Victorians will no longer be required (but are strongly recommended) to report or isolate after testing positive for COVID-19.  You must continue following the current requirements if you are in isolation with COVID-19.  For more information you can also call the Coronavirus Hotline on tel 1800 020 080.

There are different types of COVID-19 contacts and different rules apply.  Make sure you follow the right advice for your situation.

Click here for more information.

Most people recover well from COVID-19. However, if you’ve had a positive COVID-19 test and you’re isolating at home, it’s important to protect those around you and monitor your symptoms.

Click here about how to manage COVID-19 infection at home.

The Victorian GP Respiratory Clinic program has now ended.

We currently provide the Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccine to Medicare card holders by appointment only.

Refer to the Department of Health for alternative locations.

Click here to learn about COVID-19 vaccination after a COVID-19 infection, when you need to get one and who it’s recommended for.

Everyone in Australia should wait 6 months between a COVID-19 infection and their next recommended vaccine dose or booster dose.

You should still have all the recommended doses for your age and health needs.

Click here for information about face masks.

As a condition of entry those >8 years old must still wear a face mask at our medical centre.

Not feeling yourself? It’s OK to ask for help. 24/7 support is available. You can also speak to your GP about services funded under Medicare.

If you think you have COVID-19 or you have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 first make a Telehealth appointment with one of our GPs before attending the medical centre.

COVID-19 testing is recommended if you feel unwell with the following symptoms:

  • fever, chills or sweats
  • cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or runny nose
  • loss or change in sense of smell or taste

Victoria Harbour Medical Centre does not provide COVID-19 testing.

If you have any of the symptoms, however mild, STAY HOME and seek advice from your GP by a Telehealth phone consultation first to find out how to get tested. 

Our medical centre is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all patients and staff.  We are here to help and have temporarily changed our service model to better manage your healthcare needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Whether you are worried about symptoms of COVID-19 or any other type of health problem, our GPs are still on hand to help.  We encourage you to continue consulting your regular GP for any health matter.

Safe in-person face-to-face consultations or Telehealth appointments are available.  You can make an appointment with us online or by calling the medical centre on (03) 9629 1414.  Screening questions may be  asked when you book or attend an appointment.  You will always be informed of your options when you make an appointment.

We remain open for your health needs but as conditions of entry, it is recommended that all patients and visitors must:

  • wear a face mask (those > 8 years old)
  • perform hand hygiene upon entry/exit
  • observe all patient alert signage and posted placards
  • answer pre-entry screening questions truthfully and to the best of your knowledge

If you need urgent medical care always call emergency 000 (triple zero).

If you are seeking information on COVID-19 call the Coronavirus Hotline:

This line operates 24/7 and will connect you to a registered nurse if needed.

For digital resources and daily health alerts about COVID-19 refer to:

For translating or interpreting call 131 450 first and tell them your language.  Click here for translated resources.  SBS Radio is also broadcasting COVID-19 news and information in your language.

Fee Changes from 01 July 2023

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Our fees will change from 01 July 2023. 

Victoria Harbour Medical Centre is a private billing medical centre.  We charge a co-payment (out of pocket) fee for all services. Refer to our Patient Information section on our website for a list of our fee schedule. 

Our consultation and telehealth fees are charged depending on a number of factors including length, the complexities of the problem(s) and the issues involved. The AMA fee structure forms the basis of our billing policy and this is displayed in the reception area of our medical centre.

Telehealth phone appointments with our GPs are still available to help our regular patients access non-urgent but essential healthcare from their home. We do not offer telehealth video appointments.  Telehealth consultations are not for emergency care. You can book a telehealth phone consultation online or by calling our reception team on (03) 9629 1414.

For urgent medical care call emergency 000 (Triple Zero) or go to an emergency department at a hospital.

Telehealth at Victoria Harbour Medical Centre:

  • 15-minute phone consultations with your GP by appointment
  • Phone calls from your GP may come from a Private Number (No Caller ID)
  • Your GP will call you as close as possible to your Telehealth appointment time
  • Your consent and identity will be confirmed by your GP before your consultation begins
  • Ensure your phone is charged and that you’re available to take the call in a quiet and private place
  • Your GP will discuss with you the most appropriate course of care and if a clinical in-person face-to-face appointment at the medical centre is needed

Common conditions appropriate for a telehealth consultation:

  • COVID-19 related health questions
  • COVID-19 vaccine suitability assessments
  • Accessing oral COVID-19 treatments (based on eligibility)
  • Non-life threatening respiratory illness
  • Referral letters
  • Medical certificates
  • Discussing test results
  • Repeat prescription medication*
  • Repeat pathology investigation requests
  • Minor illness which can be managed at home
  • Nicotine and smoking cessation consultations
  • Routine PrEP and asymptomatic STI screening
  • Blood borne viruses, sexual or reproductive health consultations
  • Pregnancy Support Counselling
  • Mental health consultations and review of Mental Health Care Plans**
  • Management of chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, COPD, blood pressure and heart disease

* This does not include restricted Schedule 4 and Schedule 8 (Controlled Drug) prescription medications and other Drugs of Dependence.  If you are a Medicare card holder Electronic Prescriptions are now available.

** Mental Health Care Plans (new) require a face-to-face appointment with your GP.

Telehealth attracts a Medicare rebate only if you have an existing relationship with us and you have had a face-to-face consultation with any of our GPs within the last 12-months.  If you don’t fit this Medicare criteria, a private non-refundable fee will apply.  This means there is no Medicare rebate.  This Medicare rule currently does not apply to:

  • Infants < 12 months old
  • People who are homeless
  • People needing mental health support
  • People in a natural disaster affected area
  • People in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19
  • Confirmed COVID-19 infection (laboratory PCR test or approved RAT test in the last 7 days)
  • Blood borne viruses and sexual/reproductive health  support
  • Smoking cessation counselling, care and advice
  • Pregnancy support counselling consultations

For more information:

Refer to this Department of Health Telehealth Fact Sheet or the RACGP Fact Sheet about Telehealth.

For 24/7 telephone support about COVID-19 call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

For translating or interpreting call 131 450 first and tell them your language.  Click here for translated resources.

Mpox vaccine now available

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Updated: 28/03/2023

Victoria Harbour Medical Centre is now an approved and accredited Mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS® vaccine) provider.

Appointments required. We are not a Mpox walk-in vaccination site. 

Mpox (monkeypox) is a viral infection that spreads through close physical contact (including sex). 

Anyone can get Mpox, but right now it’s largely affecting gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men. 

Symptoms can include a rash, fever, chills, headache and muscle aches. Mpox isn’t usually life threatening but it can often be painful, with symptoms lasting for several weeks.

The Mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS® vaccine) provides excellent protection against Mpox infection and is available free-of-charge for specific priority groups in Victoria.  

The 2-dose Mpox vaccine offers long-term immunity.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your community.

Book in with our accredited Mpox vaccine GPs Dr Damien Polioudakis, Dr Tim Johnston or Dr Christopher Kearney to discuss your vaccination eligibility.

Click here for information about Mpox vaccine availability and access to eligible population groups.

Frequently asked questions

  • Mpox is a disease caused by infection with the Mpox virus
  • Since May 2022 there has been a multi-country outbreak of Mpox which has mostly impacted men who have sex with men
  • In Victoria the risk of local transmission linked to international travel remains
  • Vaccination can protect against Mpox and is available for eligible people
  • Mpox can be spread from person-to-person through skin-to-skin contact, contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, and respiratory droplets
  • While the current outbreak has disproportionately impacted men who have sex with men, anyone who has been in close and usually prolonged contact with someone with Mpox is at risk

In Victoria, Mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS® vaccine) is available free-of-charge for specific priority groups:

  • All sexually active gay and bisexual men (cis and trans)
  • Sexual partners of the above
  • Sex workers
  • Immunisation providers who are administering the ACAM2000™ smallpox vaccine
  • Laboratory workers who analyse specimens from Mpox cases
  • Vaccination may also be considered for healthcare workers at higher risk of exposure to patients with Mpox, including primary care, sexual health clinics, hospital staff and others, based on local risk assessments

The Mpox vaccines is available at no charge to eligible people regardless of their Medicare status.

Whilst the vaccine is free of charge, consultation fees with our GP or Nurse may apply.

Speak to our medical centre staff to verify any consultation related fees.

The Mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS® vaccine) is an injection preferably administered into the upper arm.

Two doses are required for optimal protection.

There needs to be a minimum of 28 days between doses.  

The Mpox vaccine takes approximately 14 days before it is effective.

Side effects can occur but are usually mild and do not last long. Common side effects include pain where you received the injection, redness, swelling, hardening, or itch; muscle aches; headache; fatigue; nausea; chills; and fever.  

More information about the Mpox vaccine is available here. 

Anyone categorised by public health authorities as a high-risk contact of someone with Mpox should get the vaccine. This is called post-exposure preventive vaccination (PEPV).

Speak to your local public health unit, sexual health centre, GP or healthcare professional about PEPV Mpox vaccine access if you have been told this could apply to you.

PEPV Mpox vaccine access requires an urgent review with a doctor, preferably within 4 days.

Book an urgent Telehealth appointment with our accredited Mpox vaccine GPs Dr Damien Polioudakis, Dr Tim Johnston or Dr Christopher Kearney to discuss you PEPV vaccination eligibility.

The Mpox vaccines is available at no charge to eligible people regardless of their Medicare status.

Whilst the vaccine is free of charge, consultation fees with our GP or Nurse may apply.

Speak to our medical centre staff to verify any consultation related fees.

Symptoms of Mpox can include:

  • viral symptoms (fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, exhaustion, backache)
  • a rash – blisters or pimples
  • swollen lymph nodes

However, this outbreak has been defined by a rash that varies in appearance from blisters or pimples to ulcers and is often more limited in distribution to the genital or anal areas with sometimes no other symptoms. Some cases present with urethritis or proctitis (presenting with pain on urinating, or rectal pain, or bloody stools, and diarrhoea) and there may be no visible rash on the skin.

Mpox may be spread from person-to-person through skin-to-skin contact, contact with contaminated items or surfaces, and respiratory droplets.

People with Mpox are infectious from the time that they develop their first symptoms (which may be a fever or a rash) and until rash lesions crust, dry or fall off.

Mpox illness typically lasts for 2−4 weeks and is mild.

Most people infected with Mpox will not require antiviral treatment. However, those requiring antiviral treatment for Mpox should have it initiated in consultation with an infectious diseases physician and/or a sexual health physician involved in specialist case management.

If you are travelling overseas and are sexually active whilst travelling, or if you attend large parties or other places where sex or intimate contact or other skin-to-skin contact occurs, Mpox vaccination is recommended 4-6 weeks before departure. 

If you have recently returned from overseas and were sexually active whilst travelling or attended large parties where sex or intimate or other skin-to-skin contact occurred, we advise you watch for symptoms. If you develop symptoms, you should isolate away from others and seek medical attention.

The Mpox vaccines is available at no charge to eligible people regardless of their Medicare status.

Whilst the vaccine is free of charge, consultation fees with our GP or Nurse may apply.

Speak to our medical centre staff to verify any consultation related fees.

Click here for other Mpox vaccination clinics in Victoria.

  • Isolate from others, stay home, and don’t have sex
  • Don’t attend events or venues if you feel unwell or have rashes or sores
  • Call your GP or sexual health clinic and seek urgent medical care
  • Wear a mask when you visit the GP or health care facility
  • Cover up any lesions, rashes or sores

Seek medical help urgently if you think you’ve been exposed to or have symptoms of Mpox.

If you suspect you have Mpox first call the medical centre and advise our reception team so appropriate triage and waiting room isolation precautions can be implemented before you are seen one of our accredited Mpox GPs.

s100 HIV prescribers now available @ VHMC

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GPs Dr Christopher Kearney, Dr Damien Polioudakis and Dr Tim Johnston are accredited s100 HIV community prescribers. 

This means they are GPs authorised to prescribe highly specialised HIV medication called antiretroviral therapy (ART) and have advanced training and experience in providing care to people at risk of HIV or people living with HIV (PLHIV).  They maintain close links with local specialist and HIV services in Melbourne and participate in regular continuing professional development activities and education.

HIV is now considered a manageable chronic condition requiring lifelong treatment.  HIV treatments have changed dramatically over the years and can now offer PLHIV a long and healthy life.  s100 GPs play a vital role in primary and preventative health care for PLHIV.

Victoria Harbour Medical Centre is an inclusive health service and our GPs are committed to providing a comprehensive and confidential medical service.

We also provide PrEP and PEP consultations on an appointment system.  PrEP can be prescribed by any GP.  PEP consultations can only be provided by s100 GPs.  Do not book an online appointment for a PEP consultation.  If you think you need PEP please call and let us know you need a PEP appointment and we will always try and prioritise you or recommend referral to another PEP service.

As we a private billing medical centre, standard consultation fees apply for all services.

If you would like to transfer your HIV care to one of our s100 GPs please book a long (30 minute) appointment.

For further information about this service click here.

Looking After Your Mental Health

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It’s important to look after your mental health during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

We recognise the feelings of anxiety and concerns many people may be experiencing during this time, especially for those in lockdown, self-isolation or quarantine.

There are a number of ways to support your mental health during this period:

  • Book a Telehealth phone consultation with your GP for a chat.
  • Seek professional support from a counsellor/psychologist early if you’re having difficulties*.
  • Remind yourself that this is a temporary period of isolation to slow the spread of COVID-19.
  • Remember that your effort is helping others in the community avoid contracting COVID-19.
  • Routines sound dull, but they’re good for our mental health. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time, eat at regular times, shower, and change your clothes. This will help you to manage your days and adjust when life starts to go back to normal.
  • Try to maintain physical activity.
  • Manage your stress levels, and if needed, increase your coping strategies (for example, listening to music, watching your favourite shows, meditation or exercise).
  • Keep taking your medication. Phone your GP or pharmacist to find out how to get any new prescriptions you may need. If you’re staying at home and that’s disrupting your routine, set reminders to take your medicine when you need to.
  • For those already managing mental health issues, continue to take any prescribed medication, continue with your treatment plan and monitor for any new symptoms.

* The Australian Government will now provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions under a GP Mental Health Care Plan for people subjected to further restrictions in areas impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for more information.

There are plenty of ways to support other people, or be supported if you are feeling anxious or uncertain.

Where to go for help:

If you are experiencing an emergency always call 000.

HeadtoHelp 1800 595 212

  • Telephone support service for Victorians to help you find the best mental health support. This is not a crisis service.

Victorian Department of Health

  • COVID-19 related mental health support services. This is not a crisis service.

Lifeline Australia 13 11 14

  • 24/7 crisis support service for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

  • 24/7 mental health support crisis call back service.

Care in Mind 1300 096 269

  • 24/7 free online and phone counselling for people living, working, or studying in Melbourne’s northern, central and western suburbs. This is not a crisis service.

Beyond Blue 1800 512 348

  • Coronavirus mental wellbeing support service. This is not a crisis service.

SANE 1800 18 7263

  • Services to help support those affected by complex mental health issues. This is not a crisis service.

Eheadspace 1800 650 893

  • Online and webchat support and counselling for 12-25 year olds, their family and friends. This is not a crisis service.

Mindspot 1800 61 44 34

  • Free telephone and online service for people with stress, worry, anxiety, low mood or depression. This is not a crisis service.

Brother to Brother 1800 435 799

  • 24/7 new crisis line for Aboriginal men has been set up to provide extra support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The line is staffed by Aboriginal men, including elders, to promote a culturally-safe service.

For youth focused mental health and support services:

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Headspace 1800 650 890

ReachOut

Orygen Digital – Moderated Online Social Therapy (MOST)

For specialist areas:

Safe Steps 1800 015 188

  • 24/7 Victorian family violence support service.

1800Respect 1800 737 732

  • 24/7 confidential counselling, information and support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse via phone or online chat. 

Directline 1800 888 236

  • 24/7 confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referral service. This is not a crisis service.

Gambler’s Help 1800 858 858

  • 24/7 free confidential online, telephone and face-to-face counselling, advice and information about gambling harm. This is not a crisis service.

MensLine 1300 78 99 78

  • 24/7 professional telephone and online support and information service for men. This is not a crisis service.

Switchboard Victoria 1800 184 527

  • Phone and web counselling, information and referral service for LGBTQI people. Web counselling through QLife Webchat. This is not a crisis service.

Head to Health

  • Digital mental health resource to support you through COVID-19. This is not a crisis service.

THIS WAY UP

  • Free online tools, practical tips and strategies to support your emotional well-being. This is not a crisis service.

Phoenix Australia

  • Useful resources to support health practitioners and community members during COVID-19. This is not a crisis service.

For multilingual mental health resources:

Beyond Blue

  • Coronavirus translated mental wellbeing support service. This is not a crisis service.

Transcultural Mental Health Centre Resources

  • Several resources in multiple languages about wellbeing, stress and coping with disaster. This is not a crisis service.

Translating or interpreting:

For translating or interpreting call 131 450 first and tell them your language.  Click here for COVID-19 translated resources.  SBS Radio is also broadcasting COVID-19 news and information in your language.

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our work in the community takes place. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.


We are an inclusive medical service and support the health care needs of the LGBTIQA+ community.