Erskineville Doctors Blog - Erskineville Doctors

COVID-19 vaccinations – latest update

Updated 26 March 2023

COVID-19 booster vaccinations at Erskineville Doctors

If your last COVID vaccination or COVID infection was more than 6 months ago you are eligible for a COVID vaccine booster now (as long as you are over 18). This is particularly recommended for people aged 65+ or any of the high-risk categories previously identified.

Many of you will be come close to 12 months since your last vaccine, and efficacy is likely to be waning.

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How do I make an appointment for a booster dose?

We have variable supply of COVID vaccine and are generally offering it to people who attend for flu vaccines. Check the Vaccine Clinic Finder, to see if your local pharmacy has supply.

If you are eligible, your doctor may offer you a booster vaccine dose (if stock is available) at your next appointment. This can also be done at the same time as a flu vaccine. Do not book a consultation with a doctor for a COVID-19 vaccine only – you can receive a booster dose at any time from a pharmacy.

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Who should receive a booster dose?

All people aged 65 years and older and people aged 18 to 64 years who are at highest risk of severe COVID-19 illness are recommended to receive a booster dose in 2023.

Patients aged 18 to 64, who are not at higher risk of severe illness, should consider a booster dose.

More information about the Booster vaccination can be found on the NSW Health website .

General information on COVID-19 vaccinations can be found on the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website.

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Primary course of vaccination

Novavax is available at some locations as the primary vaccination (not yet as a booster) for anyone who hasn’t yet been vaccinated. You can use the Vaccine Clinic Finder, to find and book an appointment.

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Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

We are required to upload the details of your vaccination to the AIR at the time of administering. If you wish to opt out of the AIR you need to contact them directly.

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Patient resources

COVID-19 and children

Approved COVID-19 vaccines

Preparing for a COVID-19 vaccination

After your vaccine and an explainer about your level of protection

Proof of vaccination and how to add it to your Service NSW app

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General information about vaccination

Immunisation Coalition

Australian Academy of Science

National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) update

The COVID-19 situation is evolving every day, and we continue to work out the best way to care for all our patients. We aim to avoid the practice being a source of transmission and are using many strategies to do so. Please read our COVID-19 page for updates

To help keep our staff and patients safe we are asking that every patient book a phone consultation with our doctors. This allows for an extra level of screening, so that we can be prepared for any patient coming into the practice. You will need to be ready with your phone in a quiet place when we call, as if it were a face to face consultation. After an initial consultation your doctor might request that you come into the practice. We are taking bookings for children’s immunisations, Antenatal visits and newborn checks, as long as patients and their parents are well.

We are asking all patients to report their cold/flu symptoms and any travel history when they call. Click here for a self-assessment guide.

If you have travelled anywhere overseas in the past 14 days OR have been in close contact with a person who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, and are concerned about cold/flu symptoms – you should quarantine yourself at home. Please DO NOT attend the practice. Phone us on 9557 2266 and we will arrange a phone consultation with one of our doctors.

If we do ask you to attend the practice please follow our advice :

. wait outside until the doctor is ready, (will will SMS/call you)

. use hand sanitiser provided

. put on a mask as you enter the practice if you have any cold/flu symptoms

If you have severe difficulty breathing, call triple zero (000) immediately and tell the call handler and the paramedics on arrival about your recent travel history. Health Direct 1800 022 222 can provide advice if you have symptoms of concern and can’t get in touch with us. Click here for a self-assessment guide. If you have mild symptoms, you should just stay at home and follow the self-isolation guide.

NSW Health and the Commonwealth Department of Health are providing updates and resources about the novel coronavirus

For general information on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) you can call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

For the latest updates on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), visit the Department of Health website or WHO.

My Health Record

My Health Record is an online summary of some of your health information. Health information stored in your record can include information from you, your healthcare providers, and Medicare. It can be accessed by you through mygov.au, by any GP through their practice software, and hospital staff through their IT systems.

From 16 July 2018 the Government has decided to implement the My Health Record as an “opt-out” system, meaning that you will have a My Health Record created for you unless you decide to opt out. You will receive a letter from the Government (to the address associated with your Medicare card) in July 2018 advising you of this.

The initial period to opt out of having a My Health Record runs until 15 November. After that time you will have a My Health Record but this will not be activated until a health provider adds information. You can still choose to cancel you record after that time, so that information is not uploaded to it.

If you are interested in creating a My Health Record now you can register through the mygov.au website, or we can do it for you at the practice (an easier option).

Updated fee schedule from 1 October 2026

Fees update

From 1 October 2026 Erskineville Doctors will be updating our fee schedule.

We understand that changes to healthcare fees can be concerning, particularly at a time when household costs are increasing. We want to explain what is changing, why it is necessary and how we can continue to support you.

Decades of inadequate indexation, together with the Medicare freeze between 2013 and 2020, have contributed to the significant gap between Medicare rebates and the actual cost of providing high quality general practice care.

While the Australian Government increased Medicare rebates by 2.6% from 1 July 2026, this increase does not fully address this gap.

The out-of-pocket fees the doctors charge help us maintain the services and resources patients rely on, including:

Nurse and practice staff
Medical equipment and technology
Practice administration and management
Clinical supplies and consumables
Compliance and accreditation

Our fee changes are intended to help us continue operating a sustainable practice whilst maintaining the quality and continuity of care our patients expect.

New tiered fee structure for longer consultations

Our current fee structure follows Medicares consultation items. However, we believe this does not adequately reflect the time required for longer and more complex consultations.

From 1 October, longer consultations will have tiered, time-based fee structure:

Duration	Up Front Fee	Medicare Rebate	Out-of-pocket Cost	Out-of-pocket cost if you have reached the EMSN
6 – 19 min.	$105.00	$45.05	$59.95	$11.99
20 – 29 min.	$165.00	$87.10	$77.90	$15.58
31- 40 min.	$190.00	$87.10	$102.90	$20.58
41 – 49 min.	$235.00	$128.35	$101.65	$20.33
50 – 59 min.	$260.00	$128.35	$131.65	$26.33

Your consultation fee will be based on the duration of your appointment. This approach recognises, that some patients need more time with their GP, particularly those managing complex or chronic health conditions, or discussing multiple health concerns.

Note, that whilst most fees are based on the length of your consultation and the complexity of presenting issues, fees for the preparation of Chronic Disease Management Plans and certain procedures are service based. Your doctor will discuss these fees with you before proceeding.

Saturday and Public Holiday fees

Our Saturday consultation fees have increased by approximately $20. This adjustment helps cover the additional costs associated with providing services and reflects the recommendations from the Australian Medical Association (AMA).

Please note, bulk billing is not offered on the weekend or public holidays.

Removal of credit card surcharging from online payments

As you may be aware, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has confirmed that card surcharging will be removed across all designated card networks from 1 October 2026. This applies to Eftpos, Mastercard, Visa, and American Express, all of which have announced that surcharging will no longer be permitted from that date.

Whilst we have never charged a card surcharge for payments made in person or over the phone, previously there has been a charge for payments made online. This surcharge was removed in August 2026 to accommodate this regulatory change.

For more information, please visit the fees page.

Doctors update: October – December 2026

Stay up-to-date on who is going on leave in the next few months here:

Dr Jennifer Lonergan: 26 September – 5 October 2026

Dr Shereena Sinnayah: 1 November 2026 – 4 January 2027

Dr Catherine Pratten: 19 – 27 November 2026

Dr Kate Evans: 21 – 29 November 2026

Dr Cara Frame: 11 December 2026 – 15 January 2027

Dr Linda Taoube: 14 December 2026 – 8 January 2027

Note, the practice will be closed for the Christmas holidays from 23 December 2026 and will reopen on Monday 4 January 2027.

Erskineville Doctors has a ‘buddy’ system ensuring safe clinical handover of patients whilst a GP is on leave. If you are not sure who your regular doctors ‘buddy’ is please ask them at your next appointment.

Closed Saturday 15 August 2026

The practice will be closed Saturday 15 August 2026. All staff and doctors are unavailable during this period.

In an emergency, call 000 or go to straight to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Emergency Department at Missenden Road, Camperdown

For afterhours care, you can call the National Home Doctor Service on 13 74 25 from 6pm weekdays, 12pm on Saturdays and all-day Sundays and Public Holiday’s.

Or, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 anytime day or night if your or your child is unwell and you are not sure what to do or where to go healthdirect is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A registered nurse will answer your call, ask some questions, and connect you with the right care.

Saturday and Public Holidays fees

Saturday and Public Holiday fees from 1 August 2026

Please note, bulk billing is not offered on the weekend – private fees apply for Saturday and Public Holiday consultations.

Saturday and Public Holiday Consultations	Duration	Up Front Fee	Medicare Rebate	Out-of-pocket Cost	Out-of-pocket cost if you have reached the EMSN
Brief	0 – 5 min.	$50.00	$20.57	$34.43	$6.89
Standard	6 – 19 min.	$120.00	$45.05	$74.95	$14.99
Long	20 – 39 min.	$180.00	$87.10	$92.90	$18.58
Extended	40 – 59 min.	$265.00	$128.35	$136.65	$27.33
Complex	60 + min.	$345.00	$207.92	$136.65	$27.33

Saturday fees from 1 August 2026

Welcome Dr Kate Evans

We’re very excited to welcome, Dr Kate Evans to Erskineville Doctors.

Kate completed her medical studies and GP training in New Zealand, and has recently relocated to Sydney. Kate enjoys the variety of general practice and cares for patients across all stages of life. Her areas of interest include preventative health, women’s health and chronic disease management including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Kate is certified to perform Implanon and IUD insertions and removals.

Outside of work, Kate enjoys cooking, running, travelling and spending time with friends and family.

Kate will be available for appointments on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Important Medicare requirement for Assignment of Benefits (AoB)

Important Medicare requirement for Assignment of Benefits (AoB) and “bulk billing”

Erskineville Doctors is a private fee practice.

However, if you have extenuating circumstances and cannot afford an out-of-pocket cost at all, your doctor may elect to directly bill Medicare for your consultation. This is known as “bulk billing”.

This means your Medicare rebate is paid directly to the doctor who accepts this discounted amount as full payment for your consultation.

From 1 July 2026 you must provide consent to “assign your benefit” in order for your consultation to be paid.

For Telehealth services this can be done digitally via a secure SMS link sent shortly after your appointment.

In the practice, you will be asked to use the Tyro terminal or sign a physical paper form before you leave.

If you do not provide documented consent, we can’t bulk bill your appointment and private fees will apply.

Last updated 1 July 2026

Doctors update: June and July

Goodbye for now: Doctors on leave

Stay up-to-date on who is going on leave in the next few months.

Dr Damian Gill: 2 June – 6 July 2026

Dr Mabel Chew: 9 June – 21 July 2026

Dr Cara Frame: 29 June – 6 July 2026

Dr Linda Taoube: 29 June – 2 July 2026

Dr Patricia Walton: 24 June – 15 July 2026

Dr Michael Tran: 4 – 11 July 2026

Dr Jenny Lonergan: 13 – 19 July 2026

Dr Sorayya Cooper: 13 – 19 July 2026

Dr John Kevin: 13 – 19 July 2026

Last updated 23 June 2026

Closed Monday 8 June for Kings Birthday

Kings Birthday public holiday

The practice will be closed for on Monday 8 June 2026 for the Kings Birthday public holiday.

All staff and doctors are unavailable during this period.

Online requests for repeat prescriptions and referrals will close on Thursday 4 June.

In an emergency, call 000 or go to straight to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Emergency Department at Missenden Road, Camperdown

For afterhours care, you can call the National Home Doctor Service on 13 74 25 from 6pm weekdays, 12pm on Saturdays and all-day Sundays and Public Holiday’s.

Or, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 anytime day or night if your or your child is unwell and you are not sure what to do or where to go healthdirect is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A registered nurse will answer your call, ask some questions, and connect you with the right care.