General News
8 August, 2022
Aged care vaccination data released to increase uptake
COVID vaccination rates in residential aged care homes across the country — including locally — have been released in a bid to increase vaccination uptake. The release is part of the Federal Government’s winter plan to boost vaccination rates...
COVID vaccination rates in residential aged care homes across the country — including locally — have been released in a bid to increase vaccination uptake.
The release is part of the Federal Government’s winter plan to boost vaccination rates with a fourth COVID-19 dose now available to everyone over the age of 30.
The residential aged care resident COVID-19 vaccination rates map shows data on residents’ third and fourth dose vaccination rates by facility across Australia — each facility’s vaccination rate is published as a range (for example 80 to 89 percent) to protect residents’ privacy.
As of August 2, at Maryborough’s residential aged care facility Havilah, residents who have received three doses of the vaccines is at 90 to 100 percent.
Of those, 90-100 percent have also received their fourth dose.
Havilah director of care Kelsey Hooper said strong vaccination rates and infection control practices have helped reduce outbreaks at the facility.
“Residents have been very onboard with the fourth dose vaccination clinics held at Havilah, this is demonstrated by our high percentage of vaccination rates,” she said.
“High vaccination rates along with the additional infection prevention and control practices at Havilah has reduced outbreaks, such as staff performing rapid tests prior to any shift and all visitors doing a rapid test prior to visiting.
“The wearing of N95 masks and eye protection for staff has also assisted in preventing any transmission of the virus.”
At Maryborough District Health Service’s (MDHS) Wattle Rise, the statistics are the same for resident who have received a third dose, while fourth dose uptake is slightly lower at 70-79 percent.
MDHS also operates Avoca and Dunolly’s aged care facility with the map showing 80 to 100 percent of residents have had three doses, and the same for those who’ve had a fourth.
The figures are on par with vaccination rates for all residents in the Central Goldfields and Pyrenees areas, with the percentage of residents with three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine 90-100 percent and those with a fourth dose 80-89 percent.
An MDHS spokesperson said most residents have received all required vaccinations.
“Most residents at residential aged care facilities at Wattle Rise Maryborough, Avoca and Dunolly have been vaccinated to help protect them against COVID-19,” they said.
“We have certainly encouraged the fourth winter dose, and the majority of residents chose to receive their fourth dose of the vaccine as part of our COVID-19 vaccination program.
“During a recent outbreak at Wattle Rise, we found that affected residents generally experienced mild symptoms. Most had received their fourth winter dose.”
The spokesperson said the health service encourages all community members to get up-to-date with their vaccines.
“As Australia experiences another rise in transmission of COVID-19, we encourage everyone to follow public health advice and stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters where eligible,” they said.
“Vaccines are best way to protect against serious illness or death from COVID-19, particularly in older or more vulnerable individuals who are at highest risk for severe disease if they become infected.”