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Friday, March 29, 2024

ACT Govt vaccine rollout won’t include aged care residents

Healthcare workers in the ACT and surrounding region who are most at risk from COVID-19 through their work will be some of the first people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine – with aged care residents not included in the rollout.

Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said the arrival of the vaccine was an important milestone in the ACT’s management of the COVID-19 virus, but one that presented significant logistical challenges for all Governments in Australia.

“It will be a process that will take time. This first, initial step is in line with the National Strategy for the vaccine rollout, prioritising the people that need it most in our community,” Mr Barr said.

He said the ACT Government had begun speaking to people who qualify for a vaccine under phase 1a of Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine national roll-out strategy in anticipation of the Pfizer vaccine arriving in Australia later this month.

This includes:

  • COVID-19 testing staff, including GP respiratory assessment clinics and Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services;
  • Quarantine workers including Border Force, airline staff, defence, police, transport, hotel staff and public health staff;
  • Emergency Department staff – Canberra Health Services, Calvary Public Hospital Bruce, Yass and Queanbeyan District Hospitals;
  • ICU and Critical Care staff – Canberra Health Services, Calvary Public Hospital Bruce, National Capital Private Hospital, Calvary John James Hospital;
  • Staff working in designated COVID-19 wards at Canberra Hospital and Calvary Public Hospital Bruce.

The Commonwealth Government will be delivering a parallel program for staff and residents in disability and aged residential care in the ACT.

“Healthcare and quarantine workers are playing a vital role in our response to COVID-19, protecting the health and safety of Canberrans throughout the pandemic. By prioritising the vaccination to these Canberrans first, we can ensure that they can maintain our public health response without putting their own health at risk,” the Chief Minister said.

“The ACT Government will continue to work in partnership with the Australian Government to deliver a safe, effective and targeted program in the ACT. We will keep the community informed as the program develops, working with community organisations and healthcare providers to ensure all Canberrans know when and how they can access the vaccine.”

It is expected all Canberrans will have access to the vaccine by the end of the year.

“In the meantime, we all have a responsibility to keep Canberra safe,” Mr Barr said.

“We must continue to follow COVID safe behaviours – keep your physical distance, stay home if you are unwell, get tested and check in using the Check In CBR app.”

For more information: www.covid19.act.gov.au

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