Protecting Older Australians - COVID-19 Update 2 March 2021

Published 11th March 2021

Guidance on COVID-19 vaccine consent

Residential aged care providers are responsible for obtaining and recording resident consent for the COVID-19 vaccine, which must be completed ahead of the vaccination day.

Consent is required for both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Consent for receiving both doses can be obtained at the same time, prior to the first dose.

The residential aged care provider must keep a record of the resident’s consent. This record will be used to confirm consent prior to both doses.

• If you receive verbal consent, confirm that consent is being provided for two doses of the same vaccine. Record this through your usual practices.
• If you use the Department of Health’s consent form, or an alternate form of written consent, ensure consent is understood as being provided for the two doses of the same vaccine.

Visit the Department of Health’s website for more information or to read the consent form in other languages.

COVID-19 vaccine scenario mapping and triage process

The COVID-19 rollout is one of the country’s most complex logistical operations. To help and support residential aged care facilities navigate and manage various scenarios, the following document is available online:

• Triaging process and scenario mapping

This document also includes information on the Department of Health’s excess dose policy for Phase 1a of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out in residential aged care facilities.

Aged care staff eligibility for phase 1a

Residential aged care staff eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in phase 1a include all people working at a residential aged care facility who are responsible for resident care, support and services for residents, maintenance and administration. Clarification and guidance is available online:

• Eligibility fact sheet for Phase 1a
• Vaccine eligibility checker

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