Checks in place for jab cheats

AUSSIES in line to get the coronavirus jab will be subject to strict identity checks to prevent people from cheating the system.

The federal Department of Health said anyone getting the vaccine in phase 1A of the rollout would need to provide proof that they are eligible.

“Border and frontline healthcare workers will need to provide proof of occupation to demonstrate their eligibility,” a spokeswoman said.

“Aged care and residential disability care workers, people with a disability living in residential accommodation and residents of aged care facilities will have their eligibility confirmed by the facility they work at or live in.”

The department has also included an eligibility checker on its website to help clinicians escape con artists looking to jump the queue.

“An eligibility checker is available through the Department of Health website to support clinicians and consumers understand if they are part of the priority cohort being vaccinated at that time,” the spokeswoman said.

“Our highest priority and focus remain on our most vulnerable Australians … It is important that we work together to support each and every individual playing a role in vaccinating Australia.”

The strict measures come after two women who dressed up to make themselves appear older were caught in America trying to get the jab.

As a second shipment of at least 80,000 Pfizer is expected to arrive in Australia this week, safety monitoring systems are in place to detect any safety problems.

All vaccine recipients will be followed up with an automated text message three days and then eight days after the vaccine asking if they have had any side effects under the AusVaxSafety program run through the National Centre for Immunisation and Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) scheme.

The AusVaxSafety system triggers an alert automatically if any adverse event is outside the predictable. That is then flagged for further investigation with the NCIRS.