We would like to invite you to apply for opportunity available to general practices in the Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) region and the following local government areas (LGAs):

-Banyule

-Boroondara

-Knox

-Manningham

-Maroondah

-Mitchell

-Monash

-Murrindindi

-Nillumbik

-Whitehorse

-Whittlesea

-Yarra Ranges

EMPHN is providing funding to support general practices to participate in proactive engagement and activities that promote uptake of COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations over a 6-month period. The Vulnerable Peoples Vaccination Program (VVP) is a specific program funded by the Australian Government to ensure continued access to COVID-19 vaccinations for vulnerable populations. As part of the VVP program, EMPHN is looking to appoint a COVID-19 vaccination hub in each LGA in the EMPHN catchment, totaling 12 hubs.

The purpose of the program is to support general practices (who are delivering COVID-19 vaccinations or have an established referral pathway for vaccinations) through funding and resources to engage with individuals from vulnerable groups. Successful tender recipients will receive $60,000 to conduct a 6-month intervention to establish a GP Vaccination Hub which aims to:

• increase access to COVID-19 vaccines for vulnerable populations.
• provide support to vulnerable peoples to receive COVID-19 vaccinations including facilitating tailored approaches.
• develop and implement innovative COVID-19 vaccination activities to assist vulnerable individuals to enable easier access to COVID-19 vaccinations in their local area.

Key vulnerable populations have been identified as priority cohorts for this program. They include (but are not limited to):

• those who are experiencing homelessness, including those living on the streets, in emergency accommodation, boarding houses or between temporary shelters
• those who do not have a Medicare card or are not eligible for Medicare
• people with a disability
• people are frail and cannot leave home
• First Nations Peoples
• culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse people, especially asylum seekers and refugees and those in older age groups who may find it difficult to use other vaccination services
• children aged 5-11 who have complex needs, who are not captured by another suitable vaccination channel
• homebound individuals [1];
• people living in Residential Aged Care and
• any other vulnerable groups identified as requiring dedicated support to access vaccinations.

Please ensure you read all parts of the proposal to understand the process for lodging a response.