COVID-19 UPDATES
With the evolving environment of COVID19, we are closely monitoring the situation and responding accordingly. As a practice, we follow the latest guidelines as provided by our governing bodies. We have collated excerpts and put together a summary of the published information available to the general public that might be useful for your information.
We understand this is a very challenging time and can be stressful with all this uncertainty. Please reach out for further assistance whenever possible.
For the latest information regarding coronavirus, please visit Department of Health or Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
ANY CONCERNS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO COVID-19 HOTLINE
1800 675 398
It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccine
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have a dedicated hub regarding Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccine. If you have any further questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine during your pregnancy, please chat to Dr Kylie Goh.
More information can be found on The Women’s COVID19 Information Hub:
Summary:
RANZCOG and ATAGI recommend that pregnant women are routinely offered Pfizer mRNA vaccine (Cominarty) or Spikevax (Moderna) at any stage of pregnancy. It is also advisable to get your booster shot as per guidelines.
This is because the risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 is significantly higher for pregnant women and their unborn baby. Global surveillance data from large numbers of pregnant women have not identified any significant safety concerns with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines given at any stage of pregnancy. Furthermore, there is also evidence of antibody in cord blood and breastmilk, which may offer protection to infants through passive immunity. Pregnant women are encouraged to discuss the decision in relation to timing of vaccination with their health professional. Women who are trying to become pregnant do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination.
Key points to note:
Pregnant women are a priority group for COVID-19 vaccination, and should be routinely offered mRNA vaccine which includes Pfizer vaccine (Comirnaty) or Spikevax (Moderna) at any stage of pregnancy.
Pregnant women with COVID-19 have a higher risk of severe illness compared to non-pregnant women with COVID-19 of the same age.
COVID-19 during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications for the baby including a higher risk of stillbirth and of being born prematurely.
Vaccination is the best way to reduce these risks.
When is the best time to have COVID-19 vaccine?
It is recommended to have a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are offered one and follow recommended guidelines to get your booster shot.
Should I continue to have whooping cough and flu vaccine during pregnancy?
Yes, pregnant women should continue to receive pertussis (whooping cough) and influenza vaccination during pregnancy, noting the advice to space vaccine injections by at least one week.
Pregnant women can become very ill with the flu and at an increased risk of complications. It is recommended that all pregnant women have the flu vaccine preferably before the peak influenza season. It can be given safely at any stage of your pregnancy and available from your GP free of charge.
Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am trying to get pregnant?
Women who are trying to become pregnant do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination. Either Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccine is considered safe.
Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am breastfeeding?
Vaccination is recommended for breastfeeding women. You do not need to stop breastfeeding before or after vaccination. Either Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccine is considered safe.
Can I continue to breastfeed if I contract COVID-19?
Yes, as stated on RANZCOG website, women who wish to breastfeed their babies should be encouraged and supported to do so. There is no evidence that the virus is carried in breastmilk and, therefore, the well-recognised benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of COVID-19 through breastmilk. If the mother has COVID-19 infection she should not be automatically separated from her baby, but should take enhanced precautions with general hygiene and consider a face mask when feeding.
Looking after yourself during COVID-19
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your physical and mental wellbeing during your pregnancy.
Whether you are a first time parent or having another baby, it can be an overwhelming experience so physical distancing with your close ones can be stressful. Set up a healthy routine with nutritional and balanced meals, regular exercise and activities to keep your mind stimulated. Be sure to keep in touch with family and friends with phone calls and video chats or link in with other social media community groups for support.
If you are meeting family and friends face to face, please continue to practice social distancing, wear a face mask and have good hand hygiene.
Don’t feel you are alone and reach out for support and talk to us.
Appointments with Dr Kylie Goh
Dr Kylie Goh will continue to provide the same care and 24/7 support for all her patients. We will offer telehealth consultations if required.
What we are doing in our consulting rooms to prevent the spread of coronavirus
Waiting room rearranged so that patients can safely practice social distancing whilst waiting for their appointments.
Appointments have been spread out so there are less people in the waiting room.
Hand sanitizers available for patients and staff to use.
More frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces.
Offering telehealth consultations where possible.
Work from home option available for our staff.
All patients who are unwell or have travelled overseas in the last 14 days are asked not to attend appointments.
Appropriate PPE for clinical staff to wear and use when seeing patients
Screening upon entry
All patients, partners and support people will be screened at The Women’s hospital entrance and will not be admitted if they do not pass the screening requirements.
Please see current screening measures from The Women’s before attending your appointment.
Should I wear a mask?
We follow instructions from The Women’s regarding face mask wearing within the building. At this time, all patients are required to wear face covering in our consulting rooms and attending the hospital at all times. The exception is for women in labour. You can get the most up to date information here.
Obstetric appointments
All our obstetric patients who are well and do not have to self-quarantine will continue to have regular antenatal appointments with Dr Kylie Goh. We may offer telehealth appointments in place of face to face consultations if you and your baby are well.
Can I bring my partner or support person to my appointments?
Yes one support person is allowed for consultations. Our consulting rooms are located in the same building as The Women’s and we follow the visitors guidelines they impose. Please check their website for the most up to date information.
Can I do a hospital tour at Frances Perry House?
Maternity tours have been temporarily suspended. Face to face tours will resume shortly. You can view online videos more information through Frances Perry House.
All antenatal classes are now being offered online.
Can I have visitors when I am staying in the hospital?
We follow all directives from Frances Perry House and The Women’s guidelines in regards to visitors. Please check their website for further information.
Gynaecology appointments
Gynaecology patients who are well and do not need to self-quarantine can continue to attend their scheduled appointments. We may offer telehealth consultations depending on your condition.
Are you taking new patients?
Yes, we are still taking new gynaecology patients for colposcopy and general review. Your GP referral will be reviewed by Dr Kylie Goh first, who will triage the urgency of the treatment. We will then contact you to make a suitable appointment time.
We have resumed elective surgery at Frances Perry House.
What is Coronavirus / COVID-19?
As stated on DHHS, coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms reported as from DHHS are:
Fever
Breathing difficulties, breathlessness
Cough
Sore throat
Fatigue or tiredness.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly.
I am feeling unwell, what should I do?
If you begin to feel unwell and develop any symptoms, you should seek medical attention and get tested for COVID19.
If you suspect you may have the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) call the dedicated hotline 1800 675 398 open 24 hours, 7 days.
If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call 000 and ask for an ambulance and tell the operator your recent travel history.
How to Reduce Your Risk
As provided by DHHS:
Ensure a distance of at least 1.5 metres is kept between yourself and others.
Wear a mask when you can not effectively social distance 1.5m.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or using the toilet. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
Do not share drink bottles, crockery or cutlery.
Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces regularly e.g. phones, keyboards, door handles, light switches, bench tops.