In positive news for those of us with loved ones living in Australia’s aged care homes, the Federal Government’s COVID-19 booster program is seeing success.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, yesterday said the in-reach COVID booster vaccination clinics had reached 2,564 residential aged care homes and had been completed ahead of the original schedule.
80.56 per cent of aged care residents eligible for a third COVID vaccine shot have now received it. Compare this to the national community booster rate which stands at just 55.43 per cent.
A booster dose is designed to strengthen a person’s immune response to a potential COVID infection and reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalisation or death from COVID.
“We want to continue to provide increased protection for senior Australians and are returning to residential aged care facilities to provide another opportunity for both residents and workers to get their booster dose,” Minister Hunt said.
However, while all facilities have now had a booster clinic, 19 per cent of eligible residents have not yet received their booster dose, and 10 per cent of residents have yet to complete their first and second doses.
This may be due to a range of factors including residents and families opting not to receive a vaccine, residents being in hospital or away from the facility at the time of the booster clinic or new residents coming into the facility after the booster clinic was completed.
Fortunately, the Government is making it easier for providers to ensure the residents who may have missed their shots are able to receive them.
Return booster clinics for residents and workers
Operators can register for a return booster clinic where at least 10 per cent of residents at the facility require a COVID vaccine dose (first, second or booster) and that this equates to 10 or more residents.
Aged care homes who do not meet the above threshold need to engage with primary care in the first instance to deliver required boosters. Primary Health Networks can also assist in connecting facilities with primary care providers that can deliver in-reach vaccine services. Where this is not possible, the Commonwealth will then offer an in-reach booster clinic.
The Federal Department of Health also sent a letter to providers this week inviting aged care facilities to submit proposals to vaccinate their staff, residents and family members on-site.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said it is critical for residents and workers at each residential aged care service to be strongly encouraged and supported to receive their COVID booster dose.
“All residential aged care providers not actively arranging booster doses for remaining eligible residents must do so as soon as possible,” he said.
National Cabinet also agreed on Thursday that all aged care workers should receive a booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated – another welcome measure.
Families can be reassured that their loved ones – and those who support them – will be protected, and that hopefully life for our most vulnerable will return to normal sooner.
