Page 4 - Lansdowne Gardens Autumn 2021 Newsletter

4 LANSDOWNE NEWS, AUTUMN 2021

Health & Wellbeing

COVID-19 Vaccine

We are very pleased that the COVID-19 vaccine is Australians are encouraged to rely on reputable
starting to roll out to aged care residents in the sources of information to help them make
coming weeks. informed choices about the vaccines and stay up
to date. Information is being communicated
As you may know, residential aged care staff and through the Australian Government, NSW Health
residents will be among the first people to receive and the health sector. When researching about the
the vaccine in the first roll out phase, which COVID-19 vaccines, there is a lot of information
commenced in late-February 2021. The Australian available, and we ask that you seek reputable
Government and Australian Health Protection sources. There is a range of information available
Principal Committee (AHPPC) strongly encourage on Government websites.
our residents, families and staff to be vaccinated as
vaccination will generate an immune response to Reputable information about vaccines is available
COVID-19. The Australian Government has a from:
strategy to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to everyone • Therapeutic Goods Administration
living in Australia. • Australian Academy of Science
• World Health Organisation
Residential aged care staff and residents will be • National Centre for Immunisation Research and
among the first people to receive the vaccine in Surveillance
the first roll-out phase (Phase 1a).
The COVID-19 vaccine is just one part of keeping
The Australian Government has invested $363 the community safe and healthy. It is important for
million to support research and development, to everyone to continue COVID Safe practises such
contribute to the global effort to find successful hand hygiene, physical distancing and wearing
vaccines and treatments to stop the spread of masks when required, particularly in residential
COVID-19. Australia has invested more than $3.3 aged care residences.
billion in promising vaccine candidates, and
currently has four separate agreements for the If you have any questions that are specific to your
supply of COVID-19 vaccines. Two of those loved one and the vaccination program, please
vaccines the Pfizer and Astrazeneca vaccines have contact their Private Treating Doctor or your
been approved for use in Australia by the Director of Care Services. We will continue to keep
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). you updated on the roll out of the vaccine program
when information is available.

By Kerry Mann, CEO, Cranbrook Care