Hello and welcome to your latest Covid Vaccination Hub Bulletin.
On behalf of our CEO Russell Harrison, our Board, our Executive and our leadership team, I would like to acknowledge the tragic COVID crisis in India. I know a lot of our staff and volunteers at Western Health and other health services are directly impacted by these events and we recognise this may be an incredibly difficult time for you. There are plans in place to assist staff during this distressing time and we encourage you to access this support.
As you may be aware, there have been locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in Sydney over the past 36 hours. This is a stark reminder that outbreaks can and will continue to occur. Getting vaccinated now while case numbers are low, is the best way to lessen the impact of any future outbreaks.
We are tracking well with our vaccination rates, with over 55,000 doses of the vaccine administered across our hubs and sub-hubs. Western Health is offering lots of services across the region, including a service at Werribee Mercy, open to the public for booked appointments and the opening of the Melbourne Showgrounds Vaccination Hub on May 17, also open to the public. We are also excited to offer extended hours at the Sunshine hub on Thursday and Friday evenings, so there plenty of opportunities get the #jabdone.
We continue to have Pfizer vaccine available and are prioritising people eligible under Phase 1a and 1b who are aged under 50 years to have this vaccine. We encourage those of you who are eligible to take the opportunity to get the #jabdone now, as we cannot guarantee Pfizer availability in the future.
On Monday, May 3, all people aged 50 years and over became eligible to receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. This is an exciting step in the vaccine rollout and saw 4,350 vaccines administered at the high-volume vaccination sites at the Melbourne Conference & Exhibition Centre and Sunshine Hospital. This has resulted in some occasional queues forming but we are working to get people through quickly.
Please encourage your family and friends who are eligible for the vaccine to seek support for bookings and advice via the Western Health Internet. Alternatively they can call the Victoria Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or book here. As always, staff and volunteers are welcome to book or walk in for an appointment.
It is natural if you, your colleagues or your loved ones have concerns or questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. We are listening and are here to provide support and advice. We encourage anyone to attend the Hub to talk to our experienced nursing and medical staff who can assist you with your decision making. Western Health’s Dr Marion Kainer spoke to Dr Norman Swan on the ABC’s 7:30 program last night on the risk versus benefit when it comes to vaccines. In addition, for those staff who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy, they can also access up to date reputable advice here.
Thanks to all of you as we move closer towards our goal of getting the #jabdone.
Regards,
Shane Crowe
Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery
Vaccination Hub Webinar
Staff joined Shane Crowe, Dr Marion Kainer and Lisa Smith on Wednesday for a question-and-answer session on COVID vaccination, as well as an update on the vaccination program.
Click here or on the image to view the Webinar. Please go to the 3 minute mark of the recording to see the start of the Webinar.
Vaccination Intention Survey
All Western Health staff currently on our records as not having received the COVID-19 vaccine will be a receiving an SMS shortly asking them to complete a very brief single-question survey on their intentions relating to the COVID-19 vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccination program is voluntary. This survey will be utilised to:
- help us plan and ensure priority access to the Pfizer vaccine for all eligible health care workers,
- gain valuable insights into staff intentions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine,
- inform targeted communication, education and engagement strategies to support all healthcare workers to access vaccination; whilst respecting employee choices relating to the program.
Opening up vaccination to people aged 50 years and over
The opening up of vaccination hubs across Victoria to all people aged 50 years and over to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine generated a lot of media interest.
Click here or on the image to read about media visits and discussions with staff at the Sunshine Vaccination Hub.
Looking for concise information in one place about what over 50’s need to know about getting the AstraZeneca vaccine? Click here for a concise and informative article to read yourself and share with family and friends.
Flu Vaccination
The 2021 influenza vaccination is vital to help protect our staff, patients, families and our community against influenza. Click here for more information on the importance of the influenza campaign.
Timing with COVID-19 Vaccine: Vaccination experts recommend two weeks between COVID-19 vaccination and influenza vaccination. For more information on the latest advice click here.
Medicare card and Employee number: For the first time, all flu vaccinations are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). Staff are required to have their Medicare card details and employee number with them when presenting for vaccination.
Staff who weren’t eligible to receive their flu vaccination at the launch clinics will have the opportunity to visit drop-in clinics at Sunshine, Footscray and Williamstown. Click here for more details.
Top 3 Questions
In this week’s Commonwealth Department of Health video, Dr Lucas De Toca answers the following questions:
- Why can’t I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?
- I’m pretty sure I just have a cold, so why should I still get a COVID-19 test?
- If I have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, how long will symptoms take to appear if I have the virus?