Reported cases of COVID-19 are on the rise in our region, including outbreaks in residential aged care homes, putting our more vulnerable community members at risk.
The latest recommendation from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is for people over the age of 75 years or older to receive an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose if six months has passed since their last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
Those aged 65 to 75 years should consider an additional 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose if six months has passed since their last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
The latest COVID vaccination data published in December 2023 by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care indicates declining rates of COVID-19 vaccinations, with booster vaccination rates for over 75s sitting at 27.8 per cent.
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is not just about protecting yourself from getting sick. It also ensures that we have high rates of immunity as a population, which helps protect those most at risk, particularly older people who can suffer very poor outcomes if they get do catch COVID-19.
All providers accredited under the Aged Care Quality Standards determined by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission are required to ensure that all residents are offered vaccination and are supported to be vaccinated. This also includes a requirement for facilities to have Outbreak Management and Prevention Plans.
Country to Coast, Qld’s Healthy Ageing Coordinators are ready to support all local RACHs in their vaccination program. Our aim is to prioritise those homes with lower rates of vaccination to help them identify any barriers to vaccine access and ensure those facilities have vaccine provider support.
Resources from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged care are available: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/aged-care/managing-covid-19/government-support
Learn more about accessing COVID vaccinations: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/information-for-aged-care-providers-workers-and-residents-about-covid-19-vaccines/residential-aged-care-service-providers