Have you had your influenza vaccination? We will require proof of this being done and you will be required to have evidence on you at every shift. Every facility is monitoring this differently however, all have stated that they may require you to produce evidence of having had this prior to allowing you to commence work. As an agency we will not be able to provide you with any work at all post 1st May if you have not had this done and are not able to evidence so.
It is particularly important this year as the healthcare system faces the COVID-19 global pandemic and cases of flu can increase the burden on the health system. While the flu vaccine cannot protect against COVID-19, it is possible to become ill with both influenza and COVID-19, which has the potential to cause severe outcomes including hospitalisation.
How will aged care providers know whether persons seeking to enter a service on an ad hoc basis have been vaccinated against the flu?
Approved providers should seek appropriate evidence of immunisation status from individuals seeking to enter the residential aged care facility. Appropriate evidence may be a statement or record from a health practitioner; or an immunisation history statement available from Medicare online or the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.
Who can administer a flu vaccination?
Flu vaccinations prescribed by an authorised prescriber can be administered by the prescriber or a number of other health professionals including nurses, doctors or Aboriginal health professionals. In some circumstances, flu vaccinations can also be administered by pharmacists where they have undertaken the appropriate education and training and are authorised to do so. All health professionals are required to practise in accordance with state/territory legislation and relevant policy.
For further information, please refer to:
https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/flu-influenza
http://ncirs.org.au/ncirs-fact-sheets-faqs/influenza-vaccines-australians-faqs
http://ncirs.org.au/sites/default/files/2020-04/Influenza-fact-sheet_March%202020_Final.pdf
