Similar to many health services in Victoria, we have seen an increase over the last week in both hospitalisations and furloughed staff due to COVID. As has been the case in the past we have plans to respond to this increase.
With the festive season fast approaching, I thought it was timely to provide some helpful tips for staying COVID Safe during any end-of-year gatherings.
Tips for protecting yourself and others over the festive season
Follow these tips to stay COVIDSafe while you celebrate and enjoy social events with family, friends and work colleagues this festive season:
- Take a rapid antigen test if you have symptoms or if you are meeting with vulnerable people.
- Consider wearing a high-quality face mask when indoors.
- Think about hosting multiple smaller gatherings with colleagues, rather than a large gathering involving your entire team. The greater the number of people present, the greater the chance someone could be exposed to COVID.
- Also consider an outdoor venue for your gatherings. The risk of COVID spreading outdoors is 20 times lower than indoors.
- Limit the amount of time people are meeting together. Consider a shorter gathering over a set period of time.
- Remember that people raising their voices in noisy venues will increase aerosol generation.
- Improve indoor air quality through ventilation (opening doors/windows) and/or cleaning the air using HEPA air purifiers (set on highest setting).
While being COVIDSafe remains vital, I hope everyone at Western Health finds some time to celebrate with colleagues, friends and family – and to rest and recharge after what has been a very challenging few years for our health service.
COVID Vaccine 4th dose available at Western Health Staff Clinic, Sunshine
Maintaining up-to-date vaccination against COVID continues to be an integral defence to protect us against this disease. Boosters are important to maintain this protection.
With the increased prevalence of COVID cases in the community, coupled with waning vaccine immunity, maintaining our immunity is especially important for people who work in high risk areas like healthcare.
Western Health would like to offer all eligible staff a 4th COVID booster dose.
Bookings can be made now for appointments starting Monday 5 December 2022 at Staff Clinic, Level 2, Sunshine Campus, opposite lifts 5 and 6. COVID vaccines will only be offered at Sunshine Campus for all Western Health staff.
Appointments available: Mondays 08.00-12.00 and 13.00-15.30 or Thursdays 12.30-15.30.
Please use the Eventbrite link to make your appointment.
Staff Clinic have supplies of both Moderna Bilvant vaccine or Novavax vaccine for those who are unable to receive a mRNA based vaccine. People who have had recent COVID disease need to wait 3 months before receiving a 4th vaccine dose. Equally, people must wait 3 months following their last COVID vaccine.
For further information please refer to the ATAGI Link: https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-update-on-boosters-following-covid-19-meeting-on-11-november-2022
Regards
John Ferraro
Chief Operating Officer