This information has been superseded by new ATAGI advice for early 2023 COVID-19 booster doses and will be updated shortly.
Why is vaccination important for senior Australians?
COVID-19 vaccination, including booster doses, is voluntary but strongly encouraged for senior Australians.
Vaccination remains the most effective protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19.
If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, it is important to get vaccinated as quickly and safely as possible.
Vaccination
Vaccination continues to be important in managing the risk related to COVID-19. Aged care and disability support workers are strongly encouraged to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination to aid protection against both infection and severe disease for themselves and the people they support.
In-home and community aged care recipients and workers can get vaccinated at a GP clinic, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service or participating pharmacy.
People with mobility challenges are encouraged to contact their GP or pharmacist to discuss options for a home visit to receive a vaccination.
You can book an appointment for any COVID-19 vaccination dose through the COVID-19 health Service Finder.
Resources to support informed decision-making
It is normal to have questions about COVID-19 vaccines and to possibly feel hesitant about getting the vaccine.
Throughout the pandemic, the Australian Government continues to follow expert medical advice. Your safety is the number one priority.
You may choose to talk to a health professional about the benefits and risks of vaccination. This will help you decide if vaccination is suitable for you.
The following resources are available to assist you:
- Who can get vaccinated
- Safety of COVID-19 vaccines
- Find out the facts about COVID-19 vaccines
- Decision guide to help people who are frail or very old
This information is available in several languages.
Is vaccination mandatory for workers?
Some jurisdictions have requirements in relation to worker COVID-19 vaccinations. Aged care workers and providers should stay up to date with the settings in place in their jurisdiction and note that these settings do change.
Workers may be required to show proof of vaccination status to their employer.
Providers are encouraged to print and display posters in staff areas to promote the importance of being up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster doses.
How can providers support care recipients and workers to get vaccinated?
In-home and community aged care service providers have an important role in supporting their clients and workforce during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
Providers can assist their care recipients and workforce to understand how they can access a COVID-19 booster vaccination, or other required doses:
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Sharing the fact sheets for care recipients and for workers with:
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care recipients
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families
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representatives
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volunteers
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workers.
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Providing information through established communication channels, including through check-in calls or regular services.
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Advising recipients of the importance of having a family member or other person aware of when they are receiving a vaccination so they can be monitored post-vaccination.
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Providing workers and volunteers with a letter confirming their employment in the aged care sector to take to their vaccination appointment. Other forms of identification can also be used.
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Guiding staff and volunteers to encourage a care recipient to see a GP if they observe any noticeable changes in their wellbeing.
Do workforce vaccinations need to be reported?
It is mandatory for all in-home and community aged care providers to keep records on the COVID-19 vaccination status of their workforce, including booster doses.
Worker vaccination rates by provider are published on the department's website.
Home care workforce COVID-19 vaccination rates by provider are available in a downloadable table format.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme workforce COVID-19 vaccination rates are also available in a downloadable table format.