We have compiled some COVID information including; information from the hospitals, government updates, changes to our services and available support and lots of useful links and resources.
CFWA Services
Visiting the Office
Our office staff have now returned to our normal working arrangements and the Niche office is open Monday to Friday, other than in exceptional circumstances. If you would like to call in, we’d be pleased to see you. The office is now open to visitors and masks are no longer required in the Niche.
A number of our staff work part-time or from home on certain days. If you wish to meet a specific staff member or have a particular support need, please contact us on 08 6224 4100 so we can book a suitable time.
CFWA Community Support Workers
Our Community Support Workers (CSWs) have returned to face-to-face visits but, please be assured we continue to have risk management practices in place. If a CSW is COVID positive, a 7-day isolation period is our default position as per the requirements from the WA government for health services. If a CSW becomes a close contact, they will communicate with you prior to visiting to discuss their circumstances. If a CSW is unwell or has symptoms, your visit will be rescheduled or moved to remote if possible.
Please let your CSW know if you have any queries or concerns regarding this. As always, if someone in your household tests positive, is unwell or has symptoms; or is a close contact, please contact your CSW. We will work with you to provide the support you need safely.
We thank you for your patience and understanding throughout the year.
Other CFWA Services
Other CFWA services are operating as usual. Please contact us to discuss your needs or read more about our services on our website.
Hospital and Clinic Visits
Individual advice regarding clinic visits and admissions will be provided by your CF team, for any inquiries please contact your clinic directly.
COVID infection and other seasonal viruses may increase pressure on hospital beds so admissions may be delayed in some cases. Your CF team will ensure you get a bed as soon as possible. If you have significant concerns that a delay or rescheduling may impact your/your child’s health, please contact your CF clinic team to discuss.
If you or your child are extremely unwell, go to Emergency for assessment or dial 000 in an emergency.
Perth Children’s Hospital
PCH have created a COVID information hub to help you stay as up-to-date and informed as possible on the current restrictions, changes and information about COVID and what that means for your child. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Charlotte Burr at PCH.CF@health.wa.gov.au
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
The SCGH CF team have put together a plan that will be individualised to each person’s needs. Please keep in contact with the team and do not hesitate to get in touch if you are unwell.
- If you contract COVID, please advise your CF team immediately (even if you do not have symptoms)
- If you have not been fully vaccinated or are immunocompromised (post-transplant), and have COVID, Antiviral treatment may be available within 5 x days of infection (administered based on State policy criteria)
Fiona Stanley Hospital
Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) have provided the following information on outpatient appointments during COVID.
- The team at FSH have put together a useful COVID fact sheet for people who are post transplant or otherwise immunocompromised. COVID information for people who are immunocompromised (post-transplant) Fact Sheet.
- Lung transplant recipients should ensure their home spirometer is in working order and perform regular checking of spirometry. Contact the Transplant Unit through Sharon Lawrence if you are in need of a new spirometer.
Please contact the hospital team directly for further information or if you have any concerns.
Vaccination and Boosters
For the latest information please visit the Healthy WA website.
Who is eligible?
- Vaccination is recommended for everyone in Australia aged 5 years and over.
- COVID-19 vaccines are safe for children.
Children and teens aged 5 to 17
- Children and adolescents aged 5-17 years are up to date after completion of a primary course of vaccination.
- ATAGI advises that children and adolescents aged 5-17 years, who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs should consider a 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster .
People aged 18 years and older
- ATAGI advises adults aged 18-64 years should consider a 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster if their last COVID-19 vaccine dose OR confirmed infection (whichever is the most recent) was 6 months ago or longer.
- ATAGI recommends a 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster for adults aged 18-64 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs.
- ATAGI recommends a 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster for all adults aged 65 years and over.
Vaccine Choice
- Regarding vaccine choice, all currently available COVID-19 vaccines are anticipated to provide benefit as a booster dose, however bivalent mRNA booster vaccines are preferred over other vaccines. These include: Pfizer Original/Omicron BA.4/5, as well as Pfizer Original/Omicron BA.1 or Moderna Original/Omicron BA.1. Moderna Original/Omicron BA.4/5 is currently under evaluation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
- COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with influenza and other vaccines.
Book your COVID-19 appointment
Oral Antiviral Treatments
Oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19, taken at home, are available for people in high-risk groups. Antiviral treatments taken as capsules or tablets may help stop COVID-19 infection from becoming severe. Courses of these antiviral treatments need to be started as soon as possible after symptoms from COVID-19 begin. If you test positive, you should contact your treating team or doctor as soon as possible.
Talk to your health professional today about your eligibility for oral treatment.
Learn more about oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19.
Mental Health Support
The impacts of COVID can cause us to feel anxious, overwhelmed and increasingly stressed which makes it even more important to be aware and take care of our mental as well as physical health.
To access counselling and general support contact our Services Team by emailing services@cfwa.org.au.
Mental Health Resources
Some useful resources offering specific tools and advice for managing your mental health and wellbeing during COVID:
- Think Mental Health WA
- COVID 19 (Beyond Blue)
- Mental Health & Wellbeing during the COVID 19 Outbreak (Lifeline)
- Your guide to everything coronavirus (Kids Helpline)
- COVID: Resources for Anxiety & Stress (Black Dog Institute)
Financial Support
We know some people may experience additional financial strain due to COVID. Many people are feeling the effects on the economy, work hours, the cost of housing etc, on top of out of pocket costs for healthcare and medications. If you are experiencing hardship or struggling with basic, daily living; please contact us.
We can work with you to understand your circumstances and how we might be able to support you. This might be financially, through equipment/supplies or vouchers or through linking you with other organisations for additional support. We obtain grants and donations that change all the time. Often we can help, whether it is a longer term need or just some short term support. Please get in touch with our Services Team by emailing services@cfwa.org.au to find out how we can help.
People with CF and COVID
Evidence shows people with CF are not more susceptible to COVID and overall do not seem to fair worse. The exceptions to this would be those with low lung function and post-transplant.
- Vaccination is recommended for all people with CF who are eligible.
- Click here for Global CF Registry COVID and CF data
- Click here for a recent study on people with CF and COVID
- Click here for some information on COVID and CF from Telethon Kids Institute
Resources & Links
COVID Information
Masks and PPE
Children and Families
- COVID-19 and Children (Child and Adolescent Health Service)
- What is Coronavirus short animation (PCH)
- What is Corona Virus: A Kids Guide (Government of WA, Child and Adolescent Health Service)
- My Name is Coronavirus (Mind Heart Kids)
- Time to Come in Bear: A short video for little ones to help explain social distancing in an age appropriate way.
- Hello Friends: A COVID Special (Play School)