In reassuring news for aged care residents, families and staff, the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine booster program for over 160,000 residential aged care residents, plus staff, is in full swing.
It is estimated that the majority of residents will be offered a booster before the end of the year.
“The National COVID-19 Taskforce is ensuring eligible Commonwealth residential aged care facilities (where 80% of residents received a second dose at least six months ago) are offered the opportunity to receive booster doses before the end of 2021,” said a spokesman for Senior Australians and Aged Services Minister, Senator Richard Colbeck.
“The Taskforce will continue to work with these facilities into 2022 to ensure that some of our most vulnerable are offered the best possible protection against COVID-19.”
A total of 2,481 vaccinations were carried out in Commonwealth aged care and disability homes on Tuesday.
Staff also eligible for boosters
Residents and workers who had their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago are eligible to receive a booster dose through Commonwealth in-reach clinics, similar to the clinics that delivered the initial first and second dose clinics for residents.
Paul Sadler, CEO of Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA), said the feedback from members had been positive.
He added some operators had chosen to hold clinics through their local GP or pharmacy but most were organising in-reach clinics.
With COVID-19 expected to become endemic, it’s great to know that our Mums and Dads are being prioritised for a booster shot.
