“WA’s Safe Transition Plan” – CFWA COVID-19 Update

“WA’s Safe Transition Plan” – CFWA Update

We know there may be some questions or concerns in the community around community spread of COVID-19 in WA. We have compiled some information that you may find useful.

CFWA Services

As of Monday 21 February, we’ll be making some changes to our office arrangements based on the changing COVID situation. To minimise risk to our office staff and visitors, the bulk of the team will be working from home from this date. The team are still contactable on their regular working days.

Making these changes early was always part of our plan to ensure we can continue delivering support and services as effectively as possible over the coming weeks.

Visiting the Office – Please Make an Appointment

From Monday 21 February, the office will still be open with minimal staff levels. To assure that we are still able to provide services, we ask that you please contact us on 08 6224 4100 to book an appointment before visiting the CFWA office.

If you are picking something up from the office, please call us when you arrive at your appointment time and we will arrange for contactless pickup from the parking lot.

CFWA Community Support Workers

As of 28 February, we will be moving most face to face services to remote sessions to best ensure everyone’s safety.

Your community support worker will discuss these changes with you, or you may receive a call from the services team. Please be assured that we will work with you to provide the support you need. If you have any concerns please contact Sam at sam.wallace@cfwa.org.au.

We’ll be monitoring the situation closely and will hopefully resume face to face services as soon as we feel risk has reduced. If your circumstances change, please contact us to discuss.

Other CFWA Services

• Other CFWA support, including financial subsidies, is still available
• CFWA hospital bags are available on the ward at PCH so don’t forget to ask when you are in
• Adult inpatient food packs are available. You can order yours when you are in at the link here. Adult Food Packs

Hospital Admissions and Clinic Visits

Individual advice regarding clinic visits and admissions will be provided by your CF team, for any enquiries please contact your clinic directly.

COVID infection 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-19 information hub to help you stay as up-to-date and informed as possible on the current restrictions, changes and information about COVID-19 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

• Current restrictions, including visitor numbers and screening: More information
• PCH Pharmacy are currently offering delivery free of  charge: More information
• There is also more CF specific information on their Coronavirus update here.

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.

• The aim is to manage people at home for treatment. Telehealth and phone calls are available with the CF team, as well as face to face if required.
• Hospital access will still be available if required. If you need to be admitted, there will be a COVID ward and Non COVID ward.
• Home spirometry is encouraged, contact Sue Morey if required.
• If you contract COVID, please advise your CF team immediately (even if you do not have symptoms)
• If you have not been fully vaccinated (2x vaccines + 1x booster) 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-19.

The team at FSH have put together a useful COVID-19 fact sheet for people who are post transplant or otherwise immunocompromised. COVID-19 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.

COVID-19 Vaccination and Boosters

For the latest information please visit the Healthy WA website.

Children (Under 18) Vaccination and Boosters

Children Vaccinations

• Children aged 5 to 11 are eligible to roll up for a COVID-19 vaccine from 10 January 2022, using a smaller dose. Bookings are required, with bookings for State-run clinics already open via VaccinateWA; or vaccines available via participating GPs and pharmacies.
• Children with CF (5-11 years) are now eligible to have their COVID vaccinations at a shortened interval of 3 weeks between dose 1 and dose 2. Please contact Charlotte or Ali at pch.cf@health.wa.gov.au and request an eligibility form that will need to be completed by your child’s specialist team.

Children Boosters

• Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) approves Pfizer boosters for 16-17 year olds. Click here for more information. If you have any queries, please contact your clinic.
• Advice from PCH CF team is that children with CF 12-15 years of age are not eligible for a booster dose as they are not considered immune compromised and not at increased risk for complications from COVID unless they have very severe lung disease.
• If you’re visiting PCH for an appointment or stay, your child can be vaccinated at Stan Perron Immunisation Centre. This include inpatients and outpatients and their siblings.

Adult Vaccination and Boosters

• Booster shots now available for over 18’s after 3 months – More information
• ATAGI released new recommendations on the use of a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals (5 years and over) who are severely immunocompromised (post lung transplant with immunosuppressive therapy).
• ATAGI recommends that severely immunocompromised people aged 16 and over who have received 3 primary doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are also recommended to have a booster dose in line with the timing for the general population, (3 or more months after their primary course). People who are severely immunocompromised are encouraged to speak to their treating specialist about a booster dose.
• Novavax Vaccine: On 24 January 2022, the ATAGI recommended that Novavax COVID-19 vaccine can be used for the primary course of COVID-19 vaccination in people aged 18 or older.

Book your Vaccination and/or Booster

• You can book your vaccine or booster here.

COVID-19 Symptoms

Healthdirect have produced a COVID-19 symptom checker that may be useful if you are experiencing symptoms.

• Healthdirect COVID Symptom Checker
• National Coronavirus Helpline (24/7): 1800 020 080

If you or the patient are experiencing any of the following: central or crushing chest pain lasting more than 10 minutes, unconsciousness or a seizure (fit), severe difficulty breathing or turning blue, severe bleeding or inability to control bleeding with pressure, sudden inability to move or speak, or sudden facial drooping, the effects of a severe accident, Call triple zero (000) immediately.

Getting Tested for COVID-19

If you have cold or flu symptoms, you should get tested for COVID-19. Visit the Healthy WA website for up to date information on testing.

Rapid Antigen Testing – Concessional Access Program

The Australian government is introducing a temporary Rapid Antigen Test Concessional Access program. This new program starts on 24 January 2022 and ends on 30 April 2022. If you have a valid, eligible Commonwealth concession card, you can access up to 10 rapid antigen tests through participating community pharmacies, at no cost to you. For more information click here.

Being Prepared – Hand Sanitiser and PPE at Home

• Make sure you stock up on masks and hand sanitiser now to avoid missing out if there is a rush once the borders open
• Ask visitors to your home to practice hand hygiene as this is the best defence we have against COVID – More information
• CFWA may have stock available in an emergency if you are unable to source elsewhere, please contact us.
• It may be helpful to prepare a “COVID kit” with paracetamol, electrolyte drinks, two weeks of any prescription medications, hand sanitiser and masks

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 Senior Therapist deidre.gorrie@cfwa.org.au or our Youth Social Worker Haylee is also available to support young people and can be contacted at haylee.riddell@cfwa.org.au

Mental health Resources

Some useful resources offering specific tools and advice for managing your mental health and wellbeing during COVID:

• Supporting you through the Coronavirus pandemic (Beyond Blue)
• COVID-19 (lifeline.org.au)
• Your guide to everything coronavirus (Kids Helpline)
• COVID-19: Resources for Anxiety & Stress (Black Dog Institute)

Financial Support in Hardship

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.

Deidre will 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 Deidre at deidre.gorrie@cfwa.org.au to find out how we can currently help.

People with CF and COVID-19

• 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-19 and CF data
• Click here for a recent study on people with CF and COVID-19
• Click here for some information on COVID-19 and CF from Telethon Kids Institute

Useful Resources and Links

COVID-19 Information

• SafeWA App: Make sure you download the SafeWA app to check in at local businesses
• COVID testing clinics: Testing is available around the state
• WA Government COVID Information: The Government have updated information and resources available
• Proof of vaccination: From 5 February it’s important to have your proof of vaccination available
• Service WA App: Download the Service WA app to get your vaccine certificate, which may be required to enter certain venues after 5 February.

CF and COVID-19

• ATAGI timing of booster dose: Information on timing of COVID-19 booster vaccination
• ATAGI booster dose recommendation: Information on booster dosage recommendation
• Ways to Take Care of Yourself During the Coronavirus Outbreak (CFWA Factsheet)
• Infection Prevention and Control in the Community (CFWA Factsheet)

Children and Families

• 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-19 Special (Play School)
• Hand Washing and Germs short films (CFWA)

Mental Health

• Mental Health and COVID-19 (Think Mental Health)
• Thrive Inside with Smiling Mind (Smiling Mind)
• Tackling Covid-19 Together (Telethon Kids Institute)
• 5 Steps For a Safe and Stress Free Lockdown (Child & Adolescent Health Service)