As at 21 September, 98% of residential aged care workers nationally are reported as having received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. 80% of workers are fully vaccinated.
The Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, New South Wales, Western Australia, Northern Territory are currently at 99% first dose vaccination rates for workers. South Australia, Victoria and Queensland are currently at 98% first dose vaccinations.
Providers are reminded that workforce COVID-19 vaccination and exemption data must be reported via the My Aged Care portal today.
Data entered into the My Aged Care portal will be used by the Department to monitor compliance of providers and facilities, commencing from tomorrow, Wednesday 22 September. Accurate and timely reporting is critical to ensuring compliance with your State or Territory’s public health order.
Residential aged care workers lead the nation in vaccination uptake
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, has thanked residential aged care workers across Australia for their extraordinary commitment to protect themselves and those they care for by getting vaccinated.
Please share the video message with your workforce.
Minister Colbeck acknowledged the huge coordination task undertaken by providers to help workers access a vaccination before the mandate came into effect on 17 September.
Minister Colbeck recognised and thanked the unions and peaks for the important role they played in providing support and encouraging vaccination amongst workers.
This special video message follows a media release issued on 17 September by the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Greg Hunt MP and Minister Colbeck, which recognised the leadership of the sector in driving increased vaccination rates across Australia.
“Residential aged care workers are leading the nation’s overall vaccination rates,” Minister Hunt said. “It is encouraging that almost all residential aged care workers have taken action to protect themselves, their communities and the senior Australians in their care.
“It is a reflection of the commitment of the workforce and the partnership between the Government, aged care peaks and unions in supporting the mandatory vaccination order.”
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, expressed his thanks to the aged care workforce, providers, provider peak bodies and worker representatives for their efforts.
“It has been a significant effort from all concerned,” Minister Colbeck said. “I thank them and congratulate them.”