If you work in residential aged care it is time to get vaccinated now

Published 19th August 2021

The 17 September deadline for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination of residential aged care workers is quickly approaching.

Currently, 42 per cent of workers have not yet received a first dose COVID-19 vaccine.

It is critical residential aged care workers are vaccinated. It will protect you, your family and the people you care for from the impacts of COVID-19.

Residential aged care workers are prioritised to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of age.

Every residential aged care worker will be offered a COVID-19 vaccination at their workplace.

This will include on-site vaccination clinics or dedicated vaccination hubs in your area.

Ask your employer which of the below options will be available to you:

1. Onsite clinics at your workplace: These clinics are being delivered by:
   • residential aged care providers
   • GPs
   • Commonwealth vaccine providers.

2. Dedicated vaccination hubs: These hubs will be located near residential aged care facilities and are being delivered by Commonwealth vaccine providers.

3. Roving in-reach clinics: Commonwealth roving clinics are returning to facilities to deliver in-reach clinics in 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in greater Sydney, in LGAs with outbreaks in regional NSW, and in Tier 1 locations in Victoria and Queensland.

You can also get your COVID-19 Pfizer vaccination through:

1. Primary care clinics: You can access a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine or an AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at a general practice, Commonwealth vaccination clinic (GP respiratory clinic), Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service or pharmacy. Refer to the eligibility checker for available clinics in your state and territory.

2. State and territory clinics: Residential aged care workers can get a priority Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at state and territory-run mass vaccination clinics. Refer to the eligibility checker for available clinics in your state and territory.

Identify yourself as a residential aged care worker and you should be prioritised to receive an appointment within seven days at primary care and state and territory clinics.

You can also call the dedicated COVID-19 Vaccine Helpline on 1800 020 080 (select option 4) for any questions you may have about vaccination or for help to book a vaccination appointment.

Please notify your workplace if you get vaccinated off-site

It is important your workplace knows if you have received a COVID-19 vaccination. Your aged care provider reports weekly via My Aged Care on the number of residential aged care workers who have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, or all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

All providers are being asked to update their workforce vaccination data within 24 hours of on-site vaccination clinics for workers. This is to ensure we have the most current data on workforce vaccination rates in the lead up to mandatory vaccination from 17 September.

If you receive a COVID-19 vaccination through a clinic other than one organised through your facility, please notify your workplace.

What do I need to take to my vaccination appointment?

Residential aged care workers can confirm their eligibility for priority vaccination by providing the following documents:

1. proof of identity (e.g. driver’s licence, passport, birth certificate) and
2. proof of employment (e.g. one of the following)
   • letter from your employer confirming you have priority access
   • current work ID card or payslip confirming you are currently employed at a residential aged care facility, and
3. Medicare card, if you have one.

Source:
Unknown Author, 2021, Department of Health (https://www.health.gov.au/)