4 March 2022
This week, it was mandated that all aged care employees in NSW are required to have the booster vaccine by 12 April.
This is following National Cabinet’s recent endorsement of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee’s (AHPPC) recommendation to mandate COVID-19 booster vaccinations in residential aged care facilities. As such, all Whiddon employees must have their booster vaccine, regardless of their role or location.
To help us reach the mandatory requirements, until 12 April, every employee who has, or does, provide evidence of their COVID vaccination to payroll@whiddon.com.au will go into the draw to win one of three weekly $100 vouchers. All you need to do is send evidence of your vaccine booster to Payroll to go into the draw. Winners will be contacted each week with the good news and we’ll share regular updates on our MyStaffroom page.
What does the mandate for NSW mean?
All employees, health practitioners and students entering a residential aged care facility must have three does of a COVID-19 vaccine, unless the person has received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and it is not after the later of the following:
- 12 April 2022 or
- 6 weeks from the due date of the persons third dose (due date is 13 weeks after the persons second dose)
On very rare occasions, there may be a medical contraindication to COVID-19 vaccination. A COVID-19 medical contraindication certificate is required in this circumstance.
What does this mean if I’m in Queensland?
For employees in Queensland, we ask that you have your booster vaccine, if eligible, as soon as possible, to ensure that you are fully vaccinated. We await further advice from Queensland Health regarding the booster dose deadlines.
Who is eligible?
Booster shots are recommended for anyone who has completed their primary dose course of COVID-19 vaccination at least 3 months ago.
What are the benefits of having 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.
How do I access a booster shot?
Find a location near you here: Vaccine Finder
Whiddon Easton Park is hosting a clinic next Thursday 9 March. Easton Park employees have been sent the details of how to book into this clinic.
We will be arranging additional clinics and will provide another update soon, once we have further information on this – so please keep an eye out for these dates.
Don’t forget – once you have received your vaccine, please send your evidence to payroll@whiddon.com.au as soon as possible to be in the running to win a $100 voucher!
We thank you for your support, ongoing efforts and dedication in keeping residents, clients and each other, safe.