Updated advice regarding vaccines (9 April 2021)
Many of you will be aware of the COVID vaccine guidance released by the Australian Government overnight, following advice it had received from its expert panel, that at this time, it was preferable to avoid giving the AstraZeneca vaccine to those under 50.
The decision was based on a careful consideration of benefit vs risk in the context of the current Australian status of extremely low COVID case numbers.
Western Health immediately commenced an assessment of how the Australian Government’s advice would impact the vaccination program being administered through our hub and we have already implemented changes as a result.
Staff aged under 50 with current bookings and those who have bookings for the coming days, will receive the Pfizer vaccine while availability allows. Priority will be given to those in the 1a cohort.
Click here for bookings.
Staff who are booked in to receive their second dose of Pfizer will also be able to receive that as planned.
If a staff member is aged 50 years or over and has a current booking, they will receive AstraZeneca.
These plans will be in place while we await further information and confirmation of supply of Pfizer, enabling us to make further decisions. We will keep you informed.
Western Health’s Head of Infectious Diseases, Dr Marion Kainer, says the expert medical advice to the Australian Government available here reflects the fact that Australian medical authorities are paying very close attention to vaccine safety.
You can read the Victorian Government’s statement here.
Webinar
This afternoon, Friday 9 April at 2pm, we will hold a webinar for all staff of Western Health as well as staff of the health services and organisations we are supporting within our hub.
Our Head of Infectious Diseases, Dr Marion Kainer and Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery, Shane Crowe, will present the webinar and be available for questions between 2-3pm.
Here are the details of the webinar.
Topic: AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccination Update
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://westernhealth.zoom.us/j/99140499855?pwd=ZjB3Q29ueHNMcjBtQkFaUFRCTVFmUT09
Webinar ID: 991 4049 9855
Passcode: 367756
Or One tap mobile:
US: +13462487799,,99140499855#,,,,*367756# or +16699006833,,99140499855#,,,,*367756#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799
Australia: +61 2 8015 6011 or +61 3 7018 2005 or +61 7 3185 3730 or +61 8 6119 3900 or +61 8 7150 1149
New Zealand: +64 3 659 0603 or +64 4 886 0026 or +64 9 884 6780
Webinar ID: 991 4049 9855
Passcode: 367756
International numbers available: https://westernhealth.zoom.us/u/ad2pfKicii
Or an H.323/SIP room system:
H.323: zmau.us or 103.122.166.55
Meeting ID: 991 4049 9855
Passcode: 367756
SIP: 99140499855@zoomcrc.com
Passcode: 367756