Covid-19 Vaccinations
We have been collegiately working with the other four Medical Indemnity Insurers in Australia to ensure consistency across the industry and to lobby the government on behalf of the medical profession. It is critical that we work together on these important issues as the COVID-19 situation changes.
The effect of the pandemic has been worldwide and has delivered a serious blow to our health care systems. At Tego, we are diligent about keeping our clients informed and up to date. Vaccinations are on everyone’s minds so let’s look at the facts.
A no-fault indemnity scheme for administering the COVID-19 vaccine
On Monday 28th June 2021 the Prime Minister announced that the Commonwealth Government will introduce “Indemnity arrangements for COVID-19 vaccinations“.
We will continue to engage with the Department of Health to support a scheme that is fit for purpose and will share the details of how this scheme impacts you as they are finalised.
In the meantime we confirm that Medical Practitioners insured under Tego Medical Indemnity Insurance policy will continue to be covered for the administration and or advice regarding COVID-19 vaccines provided you have the appropriate training, qualifications and experience; and your scope of practice includes prescribing or administering vaccines.
Similar to any other vaccination program (e.g. influenza, MMR), you are covered in the event of an adverse reaction following vaccination, regardless of the vaccine. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions.
Public patients
As for administering vaccines, if your policy provides cover for public patients only, please contact Tego to advise of a change of circumstances. Otherwise, notification to Tego is generally not required, provided you have the appropriate training, qualifications and experience.
Does it matter if I have moved temporarily to a different state?
Tego is aware that this is a challenging time where information is rapidly changing and that there may be differences between states in relation to their advice and management. We encourage all doctors to keep up to date with the advice from the Commonwealth Government as well as their State government:
- Department of Health
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
If I am retired, can I administer vaccines?
We are currently seeking clarification from the Commonwealth Government relating to the Run-Off Cover Scheme to see if waivers are available for medical practitioners temporarily ceasing retirement. In the short-term these practitioners will need to contact us to put cover in place.
Extraordinary times calls for extraordinary support
While these are extraordinary times, first principles still apply, and medical practitioners should continue to adhere to best practice in these challenging circumstances. If you have any specific concerns or queries, we are here to support you.
For many years, Tego Insurance has provided health professionals in Australia medical indemnity insurance, medical malpractice insurance, doctors indemnity insurance, medical practice insurance, GP medical indemnity insurance, and more. Known as one of the leading Australian medical indemnity insurance providers, our experts provide 24/7 medico-legal advice and support to guide medical practitioners.
This publication is general in nature and is not comprehensive or constitutes legal or medical advice. You should seek legal, medical or other professional advice before relying on any content, and practice proper clinical decision making with regard to individual circumstances. Persons implementing any recommendations contained in this publication must exercise their own independent skill or judgment or seek appropriate professional advice relevant to their own particular practice. Compliance with any recommendations will not in any way guarantee discharge of the duty of care owed to patients and others coming into contact with the health professional or practice. Tego Insurance Pty Ltd is not responsible to you or anyone else for any loss suffered in connection with the use of this information.
All content on this page has been written in a generic way, and has not been presented with any knowledge of your personal objectives or financial needs.