Australia’s largest ever national immunisation program kicked off in Western Australia this week, with Aegis resident, Patricia Beames being one of the first aged care residents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
In total, 28 residential aged care facilities across metropolitan Perth and regional Western Australia are included in the initial schedule, with more than 2,000 residents expected to receive their first of two vaccinations this week.
Aged care residents are a priority group as part of Phase 1a of the national rollout, along with aged care staff, disability care residents and staff, front line health care workers, and quarantine and border staff.
Ms Beames, said it had been a tough year, with lots of lock ins and that it would be nice to get back to normal again.
“I’m happy to be one of the first people to get the vaccine in WA. I’m looking forward to be able to go out walking and shopping,” Ms Beames said.
WA Primary Health Alliance and PHNs across Australia are assisting in the coordination, planning and delivery of the vaccine rollout, including in residential aged care facilities.
WA Primary Health Alliance General Manager Primary Care Innovation and Development, Bernadette Kenny said she and her team were excited to support the vaccine rollout in WA.
“Our team has worked with the Australian Government Department of Health, residential aged care facilities and the vaccine workforce provider to carry out what is a highly complex logistical exercise in a very short timeframe,” Ms Kenny said.
“This is a fabulous achievement and one all involved should be proud of. I look forward to seeing the remaining residential aged care residents receive their vaccinations in the coming weeks.”
Two extensively tested, safe, effective COVID-19 vaccinations – Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca – have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for use in Australia.
Western Australians are encouraged to take advantage of this free vaccination program to give us the protection to go about our daily lives.
WA Primary Health Alliance is working hard to ensure general practices and primary care providers can access up-to-date, locally relevant information about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
We are also supporting the Australian Government’s Expression of Interest process for general practices to nominate to provide the COVID-19 vaccine during the Phase 1b rollout.
Find out more about what WA Primary Health Alliance is doing to support general practice, pharmacies, its funded service providers and the community in response to COVID-19.
Information on the COVID-19 vaccine is available from the Australian Government Department of Health.