This week we have received dates for all residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in the region starting on 19 April and finishing mid June. Please check in with your RACF colleagues for dates. 12 RACFs in the region have started their vaccination programs, and at the end of this week 10 will be completed.
Clarifying the use of 1b vaccinations in residential aged care facilities
Residents can be included in Phase 1b vaccinations delivered by general practice. With new dates now at hand for the 1a RACF Pfizer rollout delivered by Commonwealth contractors, Healthy North Coast recommends that for logistical planning, associated costs for the RACFs and clinical safety, that general practices prioritise vaccinations for phase 1b population groups at this stage.
A reminder that influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations need to be given two weeks apart.
Aged care staff
General practice vaccination of the aged care workforce is encouraged. The Department of Health has indicated that:
- While residential aged care staff are included in Phase 1a, the majority of these staff are not being vaccinated at the same time as the RACF residents due to the potential risks of workforce shortages such as sick leave, they can also be included in Phase 1b programs.
- Community aged care staff are designated as Phase 1b.