© Danielle Robertson Consulting Pty Ltd t/as DR Care Solutions
The COVID-19 vaccination rollout is taking place in phases, with each phase focussed on priority groups. This article relays information relevant to senior Australians and Australians living with a disability.
Phase 1a commenced on Sunday 21 February. This phase takes place in residential facilities, be they for aged care or disability care.
Residents will be given information on the vaccination so that they can make their own decision as to whether they wish to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
Trivia point: The name Comirnaty encapsulates the words community, immunity, mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) and COVID.
Each facility will receive a date(s) for vaccination and a specialised government-appointed team will come into the facility and conduct the first and second rounds of the vaccinations onsite.
The person receiving the vaccination will be asked to:
The person giving the vaccination will run through the answers given in the Consent form and ask questions around whether the recipient has: any allergies; an Epi Pen or has used one before; and a weakened immune system.
The vaccination will be given in the upper arm and, after receiving the jab, the recipient will be observed for a minimum of 15 minutes. The recipient will then be given the date of their second vaccination.
If you are over 70 years of age and live at home, you will be part of Phase 1b of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. The full details of this roll out will be released as more vaccinations arrive in the country.
People in this phase will receive the Pfizer / Comirnaty vaccination.
Rollout of the vaccination will take place at 30 to 50 hospital hubs around the country.
Details of how you register for the vaccination at one of the hubs are yet to be released. I will keep you tuned.
Please be aware that my comments in this blog are given as guidance only and are no substitute for professional medical advice.
For advice and assistance on how to set up the right care, support and assistance for your loved one, at the right time and in the right place, please feel free to contact me, Danielle Robertson at DR Care Solutions, for an initial discussion.
[1] COVID-19 Vaccination: What To Expect (Other Languages)
[2] COVID-19 Vaccination: Decision Guide For Frail Older People
[3] COVID-19 Vaccination: Information on Pfizer's Comirnaty Vaccine
[4] COVID-19 Vaccination: Consent Form