Covid-19 Updates
All information provided here is current on the 07/03/2024 but this may change
Click here for information about COVID-19 Oral Treatments
Victoria Harbour 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 answer your questions and provide care. We encourage you to continue consulting your regular GP for any health matter. Safe in-person (face-to-face) consultations or Telehealth phone appointments are available. Dorevitch Pathology collection services remain open within our facility.
Our COVIDSafe Plan & Entry Screening:
As part of our COVIDSafe Plan routine screening questions may be asked when you book or attend an appointment. Pre-entry screening may also be carried out. Please read door signage and follow instructions. You will always be informed of your options when you book or attend an appointment.
We remain open for your health needs but as conditions of entry, it is recommended that all patients and visitors:
- 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
DO NOT attend our medical centre if:
- you have tested positive for COVID-19, or
- you have COVID-19 symptoms, or
- you are a COVID-19 contact, or
- you are unwell with fever or flu-like respiratory symptoms
Booking an Appointment:
You can make an appointment online or call reception during business hours on tel (03) 9629 1414.
Before booking or attending an appointment you MUST CALL and ADVISE us if you have symptoms or risk factors for COVID-19. This includes:
- fever
- cough
- sore throat
- runny nose
- shortness of breath
- loss or change in sense of smell or taste
- you are a COVID-19 contact with someone who is a confirmed case of COVID-19 OR awaiting test results
You will be advised what to do next. This may include being offered a Telehealth phone consultation with one of our GPs who will provide further advice. If you need urgent medical care always call Emergency 000 (Triple Zero).
Telehealth:
Click here for information about our Telehealth service. Consultation fees apply.
COVID-19 Testing:
Our medical centre does not offer COVID-19 testing.
Click here for Department of Health information about testing for COVID-19.
Oral treatments for COVID-19:
COVID-19 oral anti-viral treatments are now available.
Treatment should be commenced within 5-days of symptom onset.
If you 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.
Managing COVID-19 @ Home:
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 to view information if you test positive for COVID-19
COVID-19 Vaccines:
We only stock the the Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccine to eligible Medicare card holders. Appointments required. No walk-ins. Refer to the Department of Health for alternative locations.
Vaccination after COVID-19 infection:
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.
Domestic & International Travel:
Click here to find out about information about domestic and international travel.
Call: 1800 020 080
This line operates 24/7 and will connect you to a registered nurse if needed.
For translating or interpreting call 131 450 first and tell them your language.
Our medical centre does not offer COVID-19 testing.
Click here for Department of Health information about testing for COVID-19.
Victoria Harbour Medical Centre is a COVID-19 booster vaccination site.
We only stock the Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccine to eligible Medicare card holders ages ≥12 years old.
Click here for more information about our COVID-19 booster vaccine clinic.
Refer to the Department of Health for alternative locations.
If you are > 8 years old it is recommended you wear a face mask when attending our medical centre.
Click here for updated Department of Health information about wearing face masks in Victoria.
For translated resources to support culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities during COVID-19 refer to these links:
- Victorian Department of Health
- Australian Department of Health
- Australian Department of Home Affairs
- SBS Radio is also broadcasting COVID-19 news and information in your language
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without needing any medical assistance. Some people can still get very sick even if they are fit and healthy. Older people, people with pre-existing conditions and people with compromised immunity are at a higher risk of experiencing severe illness.
COVID-19 symptoms vary from mild to severe – speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. Symptoms may appear any time between 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. The symptoms to look for are:
- runny nose
- sore throat
- cough
- shortness of breath
- fever, chills and/or sweats
Some people may also experience headache, muscle soreness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, loss of smell and taste, loss of appetite.
Our medical centre is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all patients and staff.
We have temporarily changed our service model to better manage your healthcare needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We remain open for your health needs but as conditions of entry, it is recommended that all patients and visitors:
- 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
Safe in-person (face-to-face) appointments or Telehealth phone consultation are available by appointment. As part of our COVIDSafe Plan routine screening questions may be asked when you book or attend an appointment. Pre-entry screening may also be carried out. Please read door signage and follow instructions. You must CALL and ADVISE us if you have symptoms or risk factors for COVID-19 before attending the medical centre. You will always be informed of your options when you book or attend an appointment.
Our already strict infection prevention and infection control procedures have been enhanced with more frequent environmental cleaning and surface disinfection.
Aerosol generating procedures eg: spirometry (lung function testing) may be suspended.
Other changes you may notice include:
- Pre-entry screening: Read door signage and follow instructions
- Hand sanitisation stations: Perform hand hygiene upon entry/exit
- Reception: Screens may be in place to help safeguard you and our team
- No cash payment: Contactless payment encouraged
- Physical distancing: Respect the space around you and keep 1.5M apart from others
- Waiting room: Spaced seating. Floor markings. Magazines and toys may be removed
- Face Masks & PPE: Staff may be wearing face masks and other approved PPE when needed
This service is not for emergency care. For urgent medical care call emergency 000 (Triple Zero) or go to an emergency department at a hospital.
Click here for more information about this service at our medical centre.
Victoria Harbour Medical Centre is now electronic prescription (ePrescription or eRx) enabled.
If you are registered with Medicare or DVA, your GP will now be able to deliver an electronic prescription to you via email or to your smart phone as a SMS. You will receive a unique QR barcode known as a “token”. A “token” is not a legal prescription, but it can be used by an authorised dispensing pharmacy to unlock the legal prescription. Electronic prescriptions are not mandatory; you still have choice to receive either an electronic or a paper prescription from your GP (but not both). Electronic prescriptions comply with all relevant Commonwealth and State and Territory privacy, digital security and legislation requirements.
Click here for a RACGP fact sheet about electronic prescriptions.
There is currently no public health requirement for a clearance medical certificate to return to work, childcare, school or university. COVID-19 testing guidelines are set by the Department of Health. There is no current recommendation to test outside of these guidelines in the community. Therefore, a definitive clearance medical certificate for COVID-19 cannot be provided for people presenting with non-COVID symptoms.
We encourage employers to keep updated with current local public health guidelines found via the following links:
It is important to look after your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you reside in the north, central or western Melbourne area, free 24/7 professional counselling services are available via CAREinMIND.
For urgent help 24/7 call:
If you are experiencing an emergency always call 000.
Click here for a full list of mental health support services listed on our Clinic News.
If you are experiencing family violence or know someone who is experiencing family violence refer to Safe Steps or call 24/7 the family violence response phone line on 1800 015 188.
The Orange Door is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children.
For information refer to these links:
Refer to this Department of Health link.
Refer to this Department of Health link.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are considered at higher risk for COVID-19, making it even more important to get tested – even if there are only mild symptoms. We encourage you to click on the links to check out the messages encouraging COVID-19 testing for the Victorian Aboriginal community:
- Dr Glenn Harrison – Aboriginal community testing for coronavirus
- Jill Gallagher AO – Aboriginal community testing for coronavirus
Refer to the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service for more information about services.
A new 24-hour crisis line for Aboriginal Men has been set up to provide extra support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Call the Brother to Brother Hotline 24/7 on 1800 435 799.
Older people are at greater risk of more serious illness from COVID-19, so it is important for them to take extra steps to protect themselves. Find more information on support services for your older patients on the Department of Health website.
There is no evidence so far to suggest that people living with HIV, who are on effective anti-retroviral therapies with undetectable viral loads, are at increased risk of getting COVID-19 infection or developing severe disease. However, as HIV infection can result in suppression of the immune system and other comorbidities, people living with HIV should be considered a higher risk group than the general population. Older people living with HIV who have pre-existing medical conditions and advanced immunosuppression are likely to be more at risk. Refer to Thorne Harbour Health and the WHO website.
Refer to the Smart Traveller website.
Click here to find out about information about domestic and international travel.
Available via the WHO website. The WHO includes a Myth Busters section which may assist in addressing misinformation about COVID-19.
