25 May 2021
Requirement for visitors to have had the 2021 influenza vaccination
As advised earlier this month, NSW Health have provided a directive that from 1 June to 30 September 2021, all visitors and staff entering a residential aged care facility in NSW are required to provide evidence that they received a dose of the 2021 influenza vaccination.
This means that if you visit a Whiddon care home from 1 June until 30 September, you will be required to bring evidence of your 2021 influenza vaccination to the care home. There are some exemptions to this which are outlined in the influenza vaccine medical contraindication form.
Whiddon vaccination record cards
Like last year, we will provide you with your own Whiddon vaccination record card that is signed by one of our team members, confirming they have sighted your relevant documentation. This will alleviate the need to show your documentation on each visit, making this more convenient for you. Please note that a copy of the evidence of your vaccination may be kept for administrative purposes to validate compliance with the government requirements.
This year’s vaccination record card also includes the date when a 2nd Covid-19 vaccine may have been administered. This is not a mandatory requirement, but as we are endeavouring to protect your vulnerable loved ones, we do encourage you to consider having the relevant Covid vaccine as determined by the Department of Health.
The Whiddon vaccination record card is valid 12 months from the date of your vaccination, and you will need to show this card on subsequent visits to the care home. Having this card will mean that you will not have to bring the evidence of your vaccine with you each time you visit, you will only need to bring the card with you. It folds to a business sized card so it is easy to take with you.
We encourage you to speak with the Care Manager if you have any questions.