Executing A COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Program in A General Practice in Suburban Australia: A Methodology Case Paper

Australia is one of the most vaccinated countries against COVID-19. Increased social activity between December 2021 to January 2022 presented a sharp rise in COVID-19 infection rates in Victoria, Australia. In response to this, the local state government provided additional support in assisting the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine doses among eligible adult and children populations. This report describes the steps taken to develop an innovative primary care vaccination model within a single private general practice. The vaccination program took place over five weeks from January 4, 2022, to February 7, 2022. With the combinative use of information technology, iterative operational workflow processes, repurposing unused consultation rooms and a motivated team on the ground, vaccinations undertaken increased two-fold; while equitable access to COVID-19 vaccination was provided to the local community. The success of this program highlights the critical role general practices play as mass vaccination providers during the pandemic and emphasis the roles they can play as vital clinical partners in future public health crises.