New information on obtaining and recording consent and preparing sites ahead of the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out

Published 23rd February 2021

The Department of Health has published new information—a readiness toolkit—to our website for residential aged care facilities about preparing for the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines and obtaining and recording consent for residents.

Residential aged care facilities should familiarise yourselves with this information and start planning. You can also share the relevant information below with residents and their families, carers and loved ones.

The COVID-19 vaccination program commences in aged care facilities from late February. It will take a number of months to roll-out the full vaccination program.

The following resources are now available for residential aged care facilities:

• Planning checklist for vaccination day
• Consent process flow-chart
• Site readiness checklist
• Clinical governance requirements
• Consent in the residential aged care context

The following information is also available for facilities, workers, residents and their families, carers and loved ones: 

• Information on COVID-19 Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine
• Preparing for COVID-19 vaccination
• What to expect before, and on, the day of vaccination
• After your COVID-19 vaccination
• Consent form

Information about reporting adverse events will be available soon along with more resources for providers, workers and residents.

More information and support

We encourage you to visit the Department of Health’s information for aged care providers and workers page on our COVID-19 vaccines website for up to date information. You can also subscribe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine updates.

For advice on how to best support residents living with dementia or cognitive impairment, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (Monday-Friday 8:00am-8:00pm).

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