Assisted Conception Latest COVID-19 updates

COVID-19 information and clinic changes

Updated Tuesday, 6 December 2022

We are closely monitoring and proactively responding to the developments in Australia associated with COVID-19, in conjunction with both the Australian Government and local public health units.

When you visit a Genea clinic or day surgery, your health, safety and wellbeing is our number one priority. We are committed to providing you with high quality, effective treatment in a safe, caring and comfortable environment. You may notice some changes in our reception areas, such as signage referring to our interactions with you, as well as hand sanitiser that we request you use upon entry.

We understand that this remains a challenging situation and some COVID-19 restrictions may be upsetting for you, but we thank you for your support. Our highly-experienced Fertility Counsellors are on hand to support you. You can contact them directly through Reception or by emailing perth@genea.com.au.

Enhanced health and safety measures Genea clinics

Our extensive COVID-19 procedures and protocols are designed to keep our patients, visitors and health care workers safe. These measures include mandatory use of PPE such as masks, COVID-19 screening, increased cleaning and a 100% staff vaccination rate. And in our laboratories, your embryos develop in our world leading Geri incubator^®, in individual chambers (exclusive to Genea).

We ask that you contact your nursing team as soon as possible if you:

Have contracted COVID-19 – this is critical as it may impact your clinical management and health.
Have been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case.
Have COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, tiredness, body aches or pains.

When visiting a Genea Clinic or Day Surgery please ensure you and your partner / support person:

Wear a disposable surgical masks at all times.

Additional health and safety precautions

Genea currently undertakes COVID-19 screening during treatment. Please contact your Nursing Team to discuss the current screening process
Partners and support people are welcome to attend the clinic for non-sedated IUIs and embryo transfers only
If you are undergoing an OPU or any procedure under sedation, partners/support people will need to wait offsite. The Day Surgery Team will call your partner / support person to let them know when they can come and collect you after your procedure
If you require assistance by a support person due to mobility, or a visual or hearing impairment or other disability, please talk with your Nursing Team as soon as possible
If you can deliver your partners sperm sample to Genea within 45 minutes of collection, on the day of your procedure, please speak with your Nursing Team or Reception Team about picking up an at-home sperm collection kit. If you’re not able to achieve the 45-minute time requirement, you can come into the clinic to provide your sperm sample on the day of procedure and then leave. Please speak with your Nursing Team to arrange
Babies and children are unable to accompany you to your appointments or procedures, please arrange childcare in advance
If you are returning from overseas and are fully vaccinated you must conduct a COVID -19 RAT or PCR test within 24 hours of arrival, and not attend a Genea clinic until you receive a negative test result
We recommend that you limit your movement in the community during your cycle
Please be vigilant of even the mildest of symptoms. If symptoms develop, get tested and self-isolate until you receive a negative results

Please visit the relevant state government health website to view the latest information about rules and restrictions
WA
NSW
VIC
ACT

Further information and advice

Information on the COVID-19 Vaccine

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.

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

To read RANZCOG’s advice and guidance, please visit the RANZCOG website here.

COVID-19 Resources and Support

#stopthespread by following official Australian Government COVID-19 health information below.
A dedicated National Coronavirus Helpline (1800 020 080) has been established alongside a suite of reliable sources of information about COVID-19:

The HealthDirect website is regularly updated from government sources to provide timely and accurate consumer-friendly advice and information.
HealthDirect also has a Symptoms Checker - it's an online self-guided tool which has been updated to identify people experiencing COVID-19-specific symptoms and provide advice on what they should do next, such as calling ahead before a visit to a GP or emergency department