Welcome to your latest COVID-19 Vaccination Hub Bulletin.
It has been such a busy time for many staff during the planning and construction phase of the hub, it’s hard to believe we are five weeks into our vaccination program for Phase 1a and 1b staff.
We opened up additional appointment slots again last weekend due to demand across the western region. This proved to be successful with over 820 staff attending for their vaccine.
The COVID outbreak in Brisbane is a reminder of the importance of vaccination in protecting ourselves, our families and colleagues. As of Tuesday evening, the Vaccination Hubs supporting the western region have administered 10,663 vaccinations. Over 60% of Western Health staff have now been vaccinated and the number continues to climb. We are aiming to get the #jabdone for over 80% of our workforce.
We welcomed some senior staff from the Victorian Department of Health this week for a tour of the Sunshine Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Hub, including Victoria’s COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar. All who attended were extremely impressed with the Sunshine Hub on all fronts.
In amongst all of the hustle and bustle at our Hubs, we continue to support vaccination for high-risk port of entry workers with commencement of a special ‘red zone’ clinic to safely vaccinate international air crews. We will also be commencing an outreach service at the Port of Melbourne in the coming weeks.
Work has continued with local industry and other organisations to vaccinate their Phase 1b workers including meat workers, general practitioners and private pathology. The Sunshine Hub will be increasing to 40 cubicles after Easter to support the need for those who require their second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and to enable adequate access those who require their first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
Our new Western Health Specialist Immunisation Clinic, which will support the provision of ambulatory care to high-risk patient receiving or wanting to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations has commenced. This Western Health Clinic, led by Dr Katherine Langan is an important milestone in allowing people that are identified as being high risk vaccination candidates to be reviewed and have plans developed to allow them to be safely vaccinated.
A reminder to all staff that the Vaccination Hub has a phone and email hotline for advice pre and post vaccination. Email staffcovidvax@wh.org.au or call 0478 908 412 (0800 – 1630 – 7 days a week). Werribee Mercy staff can email staffcovidvax@mercy.com.au or call 03 8754 3531.
Shane Crowe
Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery
Easter Hours
The Sunshine Hub will be closed on Good Friday (2 April) and Easter Saturday (3 April). The hub will reopen on Easter Sunday (4 April) and Easter Monday (5 April). Other vaccination sub-hubs will be closed over the Easter period.
The Sunshine Hub Easter hours are a great opportunity to get the #jabdone. There is ongoing availability for both bookings and walk-in appointments.
Please click here to book your COVID vaccination at either the Sunshine Hospital or Werribee Hub.
Staff need to bring their workplace ID and Medicare Card. This offer is open to all Western Health staff (as well as all healthcare workers across the region we serve). Please do not share this booking link further.
To be prepared for your vaccination visit, please visit the Sunshine Hospital Vaccination Hub page, which includes a map and an information sheet about the vaccination process.
Timing of Second Doses
It is absolutely essential you get your second dose of your COIVID-19 vaccine to ensure you are fully protected. Over 3500 staff have now completed their second dose of the vaccine.
For those staff who received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for their first dose and plan to attend for their second dose in the coming week, please ensure it has been a minimum of 21 days between appointments. We are unable to provide staff with their second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine if it has been less than 21 days.
You will receive an email reminder for your second dose. Please do not delay making this appointment – ensure that you are protecting yourself, your family and your colleagues.
Top 3 Questions
In this week’s Commonwealth Department of Health video, Professor Michael Kidd answers the following questions:
- Should I still be using the COVID Safe app once I have been vaccinated?
- How long will the COVID-19 vaccine last once I have had two doses?
- Will the vaccines impact the effectiveness of other medication I am taking?
Click here to view the video and/or the transcript of the video.
Answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 Vaccination raised by our own staff can be sourced in the FAQs section of the Vaccination site. An updated version of our FAQs was added to the site this week.
The Importance of Credible Information
We want to ensure that every eligible employee has the opportunity to participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program and can make informed decisions.
The Commonwealth ‘Is It True’ site aims to provide accurate, evidence-based facts about COVID-19 vaccines.
Decision Guide for Women who are Pregnant, Breastfeeding or Planning Pregnancy
The Australian Government COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy is a reputable and valuable tool. You may find it helpful to learn more about the Pfizer and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines, possible benefits and risks and informed decision-making advice if pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy.