COVID-19 booster vaccination clinics are currently being planned for residents of residential aged care facilities (RACFs).
Clinics will be carried out by the same vaccination providers that were engaged by the Australian Government for the first two rounds. The providers will go on-site to RACFs to vaccinate residents needing their booster, and give any first or second doses for new residents.
Currently the plan will be for most RACFs in the Mid North Coast and northern NSW to be vaccinated in November and December. Staff are starting the consent process, with new forms for the booster round being used.
Staff who are due for a booster according to the ATAGI guidelines will also be vaccinated on the day as part of the planned program, i.e. not relying on surplus supplies only. Any GPs working in RACFs due for a booster can be included in the RACF numbers.
As case numbers climb in areas of activity, e.g. Kempsey, the RACFs are being supported daily with a collegial support call from the Mid North Coast Local Health District and Healthy North Coast to share information and keep all up to date. All Kempsey RACFs have access to rapid antigen tests through the Federal Government supply and will start to use them shortly.
NSW Health Advice to RACFs has been updated. Visitor restrictions now allow two fully vaccinated people aged over 12 along with two children under 12 to visit in a 24-hour period. Each provider will work toward these guidelines based on case activity in their local areas.
Health practitioners and students cannot enter RACFs unless they have at least one vaccination, with double vaccinations being mandated from 4 December.
Masks remain mandated in the RACFs as per the general Public Health Order.