The Federal Department of Health and Aged Care will publish COVID-19 vaccination rates at individual aged care homes from 1 August as cases continue to rise.
In a webinar attended by more than 1,000 providers to discuss the Federal Government’s Winter Plan to fight COVID in aged care homes, Aged Care Minister Anika Wells (pictured) said this move would help drive u
p vaccination rates and reduce the incidence of severe illness and death.
“Since Minister Butler and I wrote to aged care providers in our first week in office, we have seen a swift uptick in the fourth dose vaccination rates for residents – more than 15 per cent.
“I am extremely grateful to providers for heeding this call. But we can do more,” she said.
The Minister assured providers that the Government would do everything it could to help aged care homes manage COVID, with antiviral access recently expanded under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
“During the height of January’s wave, a provider told me they felt like they were fighting a war, and I can think of dozens who have said something similar in recent weeks.
“I want to assure workers, residents, and families that the Albanese Labor Government is standing shoulder to shoulder with you.
“I am leaving no stone unturned in our response to this wave. The health and medical advice is clear – our best defence in this fight is vaccines and the swift deployment of antiviral treatments,” she said.
