We have received information on the COVID-19 vaccination program from the Federal Department of Health and NSW Health which we would like to share with you. As you may know, residential aged care workers and residents will be among the first people who can choose to receive the vaccine in the first roll out phase, which is expected to commence from late-February 2021. The Australian Government and Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) strongly encourage our residents, families and staff to be vaccinated as vaccination will generate an immune response to COVID-19.
The Federal Department of Health have put together an information sheet for residents in residential aged care and their families, representatives and carers, which you can find here. You can also read the Frequently Asked Questions document.
When researching COVID-19 vaccines, there is a lot of information available and we ask that you stick to reputable sources. There is a range of information available on Government websites, a cross section of which is linked below for your convenience.
You can obtain further information on the vaccine approval process and what is in the vaccine at the Therapeutical Goods Administration website.
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) have been delivering advocacy, information and education services to older people around Australia for over 25 years. They have an insightful webinar on COVID-19: Vaccine – What you need to know.
It is important to note that despite the vaccination program being rolled out over the coming months, we will need to continue to be vigilant with our hand hygiene and social distancing. The screening requirements, masks and visitor restrictions will still be with us for some time.
We are waiting for more information on consent and the roll out program. So far, we know that in NSW, the vaccination program for residential aged care facilities will be run by the Primary Health Networks. Residents and staff will be vaccinated at the residence. We expect our local Primary Health Network will be in contact with us in the coming weeks.
We will continue to keep you updated on the roll-out of the program as information becomes available.
Sophia Markwell
General Manager