Retired doctors would “welcome” a chance to be part of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in general practice, but some may not get the opportunity because they have missed AHPRA’s pandemic sub-register deadline.

Brisbane oncologist Associate Professor Geoffrey Hawson says some GPs have indicated they would like additional doctors to help their practices with the rollout, especially as more supplies come online later this year. 

Around 3000 retired doctors are on AHPRA’s sub-register set up in April last year as part of the pandemic response.

“A possible mechanism would be to connect GPs with doctors on the sub-register to fill the need for a workforce in the coming months,” said Professor Hawson, who is president of the Australian Senior Active Doctors Association.