COVID-19 Advice for Patients

You can visit this page for the latest information relating to COVID-19 and its impact on our services. We will continue to update this page as new information arises.

COVID Vaccines and Fertility

We want to reassure our patients that COVID-19 vaccinations do not affect fertility and are safe for people planning a pregnancy and people that are pregnant. Please read our blog post about COVID-19 vaccinations and fertility here.

UPDATE FOR VICTORIAN PATIENTS - 20/01/2022

We are thrilled to share that IVF treatment can re-commence in Victoria.

The Victorian Government has confirmed that some services will restart from today, with hospitals scaling up their operations to ensure procedures can resume from 11:59pm on Tuesday 25 January.

The Chief Health Officer advised that the specialist nature of the IVF workforce and the facilities and equipment used are not imperative to support the pandemic response at this time.

We are grateful to the Victorian Government for listening, working with us, and taking action. We know how much this change will mean for IVF patients across Victoria.

Whilst we have been working hard behind the scenes to advocate for this change, you – our patients, have gone above and beyond to shed light on this issue. We want to acknowledge your bravery in sharing your stories and calling for this change. As always, we are in awe of your courage and feel honoured to be able to support you on your fertility journey.

We can’t wait to welcome you back into our clinics. Please contact your nursing team to discuss next steps for your treatment.

UPDATE FOR VICTORIAN PATIENTS - 18/01/2022

The Victorian Department of Health has advised us that the suspension of elective surgery in Victoria will be in place until 12 April 2022.

As previously advised, patients who have commenced their stimulated cycle prior to 6 January 2022 are able to complete their cycle.

For patients who had planned to commence a stimulated cycle after 6 January 2022, your fertility specialist will need to undertake a clinical assessment to determine the urgency of your case and whether you can comment treatment.

Our Geelong, Bendigo and Mildura clinics remain unaffected by the elective surgery suspension. Therefore, Geelong, Bendigo and Mildura patients can continue with their stimulated cycles. Please call your clinic on day one of your menstrual cycle.

We continue to perform Frozen Embryo Transfers (FET), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Ovulation Induction (OI) and fertility health investigations and medical fertility preservation procedures.

Our fertility specialists also remain available for appointments, with the option of telehealth.

We urge our patients not to delay booking an appointment to see a fertility specialist to develop a treatment plan. There are a number of things you can still have done during the elective surgery suspension to prepare for your treatment, including fertility investigations and possibly alternative fertility interventions which may not require egg retrieval. Our specialists undertake thorough fertility investigations and will work with you to develop a personalised fertility treatment plan.

We are heartened by the Victorian Government’s comments about the importance of IVF treatment yesterday. We are hopeful that this positive acknowledgement will mean that IVF treatment can resume soon as it is safe to do so. We will continue to update our patients as this situation evolves.

We understand that this is a challenging time for our patients. Please know that we are here to help you and provide support. Please don’t hesitate to call your nurse, contact your clinic or email support.team@monashivf.com if you have any questions about your treatment. We ask that you keep checking in with your nursing team when you expect your Day 1, as decisions regarding restrictions are constantly being amended.

We’re with you, and we’re doing all that we can to ensure that your treatment can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

UPDATE FOR VICTORIAN PATIENTS - 07/01/2022

Yesterday, the Victorian Department of Health announced a suspension of elective surgery to help hospitals respond to the increasing number of patients with COVID-19.

We have now confirmed with our partner day hospitals what this suspension of elective surgery means for our patients. Unfortunately this suspension includes surgical procedures for most patients who have not yet started treatment.

So what does this mean for you?

  • IVF patients – if you have already commenced taking medication for your stimulated cycle prior to 6 Jan, your treatment will continue in line with our covid safety protocols. For all patients who commence IVF treatment after 6 Jan, we will need to undertake a clinical assessment based on the recently issued state government guidelines prior to your treatment. If your treatment has not yet commenced, please keep checking in with your nursing team when you expect your Day 1, as decisions regarding restrictions are constantly being amended.
  • Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) patients – your treatment can commence at any time, provided you do not require an anaesthetic.
  • Ovulation Induction (OI) patients – your treatment will not be impacted.
  • Medical fertility preservation patients – if you are freezing eggs prior to medical treatment, such as chemotherapy, your treatment can commence at any time.

Whilst we are advised that elective surgery restrictions may be in place for several weeks, we are currently seeking further clarification from the Department of Health.

Please feel free to contact your clinic or support.team@monashivf.com if you have any questions about your treatment.

UPDATE FOR VICTORIAN PATIENTS - 25/08/2021

Following the announcement from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) around COVID 19 testing, we want to reassure our patients that your treatment with us can continue.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and our hospital partners have provided updated advice regarding COVID-19 testing for elective surgery patients in Victoria. Please be aware that from Sunday 29 August, all Victorian patients undergoing surgical or medical interventions or procedures, will need to obtain a COVID-19 test and present a negative/not detected result, no more than 72 hours before being admitted to hospital, including for fertility treatment.

This advice relates to any operative or invasive procedure, and impacts all patients undergoing the following procedures:

  • Egg pick up (EPU)
  • Embryo transfers (ET/FET)
  • Surgical Sperm Aspiration (TESA/PESA)
  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Whilst the DHHS has provided recommendations on which patients require COVID-19 tests, the decision around testing is ultimately with each hospital and they have different guidelines for admission.

You will need to isolate until you receive your COVID-19 test result, and remain isolated until your admission into hospital, as per DHHS guidelines. (you can leave home for your blood test or scan appointment for IVF treatment)

If you have had an egg collection, you may choose to remain isolated until your re-admission into hospital for your embryo transfer OR obtain a secondary COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before admission.

When to get tested

Instructions about when to get tested will be provided by your nurse and via email in the lead-up to your procedure. Testing instructions can vary between locations.

Mandatory self-isolation after testing

Immediately after being tested, you will need to self-isolate until your admission into hospital and continue to isolate until your embryo transfer (if applicable)

Self-isolation means staying at home. You must not leave your home for exercise or to go to public places, including your workplace, shops, supermarkets, childcare centres, etc. The only reason to leave your home is in an emergency or to get essential medical care (you can leave home for your blood test or scan appointment for IVF treatment). You must also not let any other person into your home unless that person lives with you.

If you do leave you home, or require urgent medical attention beyond your blood test and scan, this may impact your ability to proceed with your cycle.

Where to get tested

Monash IVF has compiled a list of testing locations to help patients get a test.

To find out your clinic's preferred location, please contact your nurse or email support.team@monashivf.com

You can access a full list of locations on the Department of Health and Human Services website. Please take note of the site's testing requirements as some will require a referral - https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-tested

Further information

If you have any questions, or if you're unsure if you need a test, please contact your nurse team or email us at support.team@monashivf.com

UPDATE FOR NEW SOUTH WALES PATIENTS 19/08/2021

Following the announcement from NSW Health yesterday, we want to reassure our patients in Sydney and New South Wales that your treatment can continue.

NSW Health has announced that non-urgent elective surgery will be temporarily postponed to aid the pandemic response. Following this announcement, we want to reassure our patients in Sydney and New South Wales that your treatment can continue as planned, and that our patients are currently unaffected by this announcement.

We are continuing to encourage all patients coming in to a clinic to present a negative COVID test. This recommendation applies to all patients undergoing fertility treatment, and patients that are dropping off a sample for semen analysis. These measures are in place to ensure the ongoing safety of our patients and our people. Patients will be contacted about these additional recommendations.

NSW Health have rules and restrictions for certain local government areas. We ask that all patients within those affected areas to adhere by the NSW Health requirements which can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/affected-area/

Masks remain mandatory at all times in all of our New South Wales clinics. Please check in to your clinic using the QR code, and make use of the available hand sanitizer. Where possible, appointments will be converted to telehealth appointments.

If you are feeling unwell or have visited a COVID exposure site, we ask that you contact your clinic and do not come into the clinic for your appointment. If you have any questions, please contact your clinic directly.

We understand that this is a challenging time for our patients. The Monash IVF NSW team are here to support you, please reach out to your clinic if you require additional help during this time. Many thanks for your assistance, please take care.


Information for patients travelling to or from restricted states for treatment

If you are planning on travelling across state borders for treatment, you will need to consider Government border restrictions that may apply to your situation. Please contact your clinic to discuss your options and determine the best course of action, bearing in mind that border restrictions can change with little or no notice.

Information for patients accessing treatment in Queensland

Access the latest COVID-19 information for Queensland here: https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/

COVID-19 safety measures are in place in our Queensland clinics. Face masks are mandatory, and you are required to check in to your clinic using the QR code.

If you are experiencing cold or flu like symptoms or have been to a COVID-19 exposure site, please follow Queensland Health guidelines, contact your clinic ASAP and please do not visit our clinics. You can view the latest COVID-19 exposure sites in Queensland here: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/contact-tracing

Information for patients accessing treatment in New South Wales

Access the latest COVID-19 information for New South Wales here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Where patients do attend a clinic for their appointment, we require all patients to wear a mask, be prepared to have their temperature taken and sign in using the QR code system.

Visitors and partners / support people are unfortunately not permitted at this time.

If you are experiencing cold or flu like symptoms or have been to a COVID-19 exposure site, please follow New South Wales Health guidelines, contact your clinic ASAP and please do not visit our clinics. You can view the latest COVID-19 exposure sites in New South Wales here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/case-locations-and-alerts.aspx

Information for patients accessing treatment in Victoria

Access the latest COVID-19 information for Victoria here: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/

COVID-19 safety measures are in place in our Victorian clinics. Face masks are mandatory, and you are required to check in to your clinic using the QR code.

If you are experiencing cold or flu like symptoms or have been to a COVID-19 exposure site, please follow Victorian Health guidelines, contact your clinic ASAP and please do not visit our clinics. You can view the latest COVID-19 exposure sites in Victoria here: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites

Information about COVID-19 Vaccines - March 2021

We understand that many of our patients have concerns about the safety of COVID-19 vaccinations when trying to conceive. The Royal Aust & NZ College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists RANZCOG has issued a statement regarding this matter.

According to RANZCOG, there is no evidence that women who become pregnant after receiving the vaccine are at increased risk of congenital or birth deformities, miscarriage or maternal illness. Pregnancy need not be delayed after receiving the vaccine.

All patients who decide to get vaccinated should continue to follow the current guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 after they are vaccinated. This includes hand hygiene, masks where social-distancing cannot be maintained, testing when symptoms are present and isolation, when appropriate.

You are welcome to discuss any individual concerns about this with your fertility specialist.

To read RANZCOG’s full statement, please visit https://ranzcog.edu.au/statements-guidelines/covid-19-statement/covid-19-vaccination-information/

Further information

If you have any questions, please contact your clinic / nurse team or email us at support.team@monashivf.com.

Health and Safety Precautions

We will continue to maintain the health and safety precautions we have in place at our clinics to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep you safe. These may include:

  • Asking you to wait in your car, or outside the clinic until your appointment time.
  • Maintaining social distancing of 1.5 metres between you and the next person.
  • Asking you to wear personal safety wear, including a mask.
  • Temperature screening before entering our clinics.
  • Please confirm with your clinic if you wish to bring a support person to your appointment. Whilst we understand that patients may prefer to bring a support person, we may not be able to accommodate this preference at some clinics the moment because of the pandemic.

Please remember to take the following steps to stay safe:

  • Stay up to date with government advice about how to reduce risks and follow those instructions.
  • Wear a face mask when required.
  • Practice good hand hygiene.
  • Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces regularly, for example telephones, keyboards, door handles, light switches and bench tops.
  • Contact your health care professional about any concerns by telephone or online services first.

If you have been in close contact with someone who is feeling unwell or has a fever or flu like symptoms, please do not attend our clinics but instead contact us. If you're considering deferring your treatment, please speak to your nurse, clinic, or fertility specialist to make arrangements.

We're continuing to offer phone and video consultations with fertility specialists if you would prefer not to come into the clinic during this time.

Please keep an eye on our social media for further updates.

The Monash IVF team look forward to helping you continue your fertility journey. Take care and stay safe.

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