Senior Australians in residential aged care are leading the national uptake of boosters, with 80.56% of those eligible for their third vaccine shot now having received it.
In-reach booster clinics have reached all 2541 facilities across Australia, with the program completed ahead of the original schedule as the Morrison Government responded to the updated advice on the timing of boosters by ATAGI.
The booster vaccination rate for aged care residents is well ahead of the national community figure of 55.43%.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, says it is an excellent response from residents and encourages those who may not have been eligible or originally declined a booster, to roll up their sleeves.
“We want to continue to provide increased protection for senior Australians and are returning to residential aged care facilities to provide another opportunity for both residents and workers to get their booster dose,” says Minister Hunt.
“While all facilities have now had a booster clinic, 19% of eligible residents have not yet received their booster dose, and 10% of all residents are yet to complete their first and second doses. This is a concern.”
“We are committed to supporting our senior Australians and those who care for them in aged care facilities to get protected through vaccination.”
Residential aged care facilities are responsible for ensuring the safety and protection of residents through access and support to Covid-19 vaccination.
This includes proactively arranging for residents to access a booster dose of a Covid-19 vaccine as quickly and safely as possible if they have not yet received a booster.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck says is critical for residents and workers at each residential aged care service to be strongly encouraged and supported to receive their Covid-19 booster dose.
“All residential aged care providers not actively arranging booster doses for remaining eligible residents must do so as soon as possible,” says Minister Colbeck.
The options available for booster doses, and first or second doses as required, including primary care providers, including visiting GPs and pharmacists, self-vaccination clinics or Commonwealth return clinics.
