After more than 30 million claims, more than $1 billion dollars in rebates and much controversy, the Medicare items for COVID-19 vaccination are departing.

The Federal Government says the 13 remaining MBS items will end on 1 July as it moves to “business as usual”, with no mandatory bulk-billing requirements and GPs expected to use typical time-tiered consultation items.

The items began in February 2021 and technically funded “vaccination suitability assessment” rather than vaccine administration so GPs had funding even if patients turned out ineligible.

Back then, metropolitan GPs received $30.75 for a first vaccine dose and $24.25 for a second dose, with a $10 payment to the practice for each patient who received two doses.