Booster vaccine recommendation
It can be hard to keep up with all the updates on the COVID-19 Booster shot and when it is recommended we receive it. This communication aims to assist you to better understand when you may be eligible to receive yours, and to update you on recent announcements and recommendations for those working in Aged Care.
As you know, the COVID-19 Vaccine has been mandated for those working in Aged Care for some time. Importantly, the mandate requires workers to be`fully’ vaccinated. At this stage, that means two vaccines. On 15 February 2022, the Department of Health published a media release indicating that ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisations) have now advised that three doses of the vaccine are now required to be considered ‘fully’ vaccinated.
In short, a recommendation has been sent to National Cabinet to mandate that the residential aged care workforce receive a third (booster) dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of working in a residential aged care facility.
What does that means for you?
We recommend that you book your booster now, rather than wait for a mandate to come into effect. What we know from previous mandates is that generally, there is little time to comply. If you are eligible, book in your booster as soon as possible to avoid the rush, and disruption that a mandate could cause to being able to come to work.
Who is eligible?
Booster shots are recommended for anyone who completed their primary dose course of COVID-19 vaccination at least 3 months ago.
Benefits of the booster dose:
A booster dose will make sure the protection from the first two doses is even stronger and longer lasting, to help prevent the spread of the virus.
A booster dose increases your protection against:
- infection with the virus that causes COVID-19
- severe disease
- dying from COVID-19
- A booster dose will continue to protect you, your loved ones and your community against COVID-19.
Booster doses are free for everyone.
Booking your booster dose:
Find a location near you from here: Vaccine Finder
We also have the following onsite clinics:
- Whiddon Easton Park: 21 February 10am – 2pm, 25 February 10am – 2pm and 3 March from 10am – 2pm
- Whiddon Mudgee Pioneer: 24 February, 11am- 4pm
- Whiddon Redhead: 3 March, 10am – 2pm
- Whiddon Kyogle: 4 March 10am – 1pm
- Whiddon Casino: 4 March 3pm – 6pm
To register for your booster dose, please click on https://portal.companymedicalservices.com.au/onsiteregistration/whiddon and use the Referral code: whid123
Once you have received your vaccine, please send your evidence to payroll@whiddon.com.au as soon as possible.
We thank you for your support and ongoing efforts and dedication to keeping residents, clients and each other, safe.