Approved Providers would be aware that Australian health officials will shortly be commencing the largest vaccination program in Australian history and plan on vaccinating much of the Australian population this year against COVID-19. In a media release, Greg Hunt, the federal minister for Health and Aged Care outlined that aged care residents would be a priority in the vaccine rollout and that inoculations would begin this week. The below is a summary of the key points which many providers will have already implemented.  Keep an eye on the resources we’ve linked below as they may change as the vaccine rolls out.

The federal government will be responsible for the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination nationwide. However, in state-managed facilities in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria, the vaccine rollout will be run by the respective governments of those states. Relevant health authorities should contact facilities in the coming days and weeks with regards to the vaccine rollout, however Providers are encouraged to contact their Primary Health Network (PHN) for more details.

Outlined below are a number of considerations that Providers should keep in mind in preparing for the program.

Preparing your facility for vaccination day

The federal Department of Health (DoH) has released a helpful checklist for Providers in preparing for vaccination day.  The checklist covers off all of the key elements including ensuring that clear command structures are in place including identifying and liaising with key personnel such as a registered nurse clinical lead person (Clinical Lead). Providers should also make contact with their PHN and identify their PHN support person.

Providers should also understand whether there is a requirement to engage with a supported decision maker on behalf of the resident. This may require reviewing any documentation relating to enduring guardianship or powers of attorney and ensuring that the consent of the appointed substitute decision maker is obtained before the vaccine is administered.

In order to put the concerns of the resident first, Providers should give residents, their families and/or representatives all relevant information related to the COVID-19 vaccination and what will occur on the vaccination day as outlined below. Residents should be given an opportunity to raise any concerns that they have about the COVID-19 vaccination before they receive it and Providers should ensure that adequate lines of communications are established for residents to raise these concerns.

Clinical governance on the vaccination day

The DoH has also released a helpful guide for Providers in establishing clinical governance at onsite COVID-19 vaccination clinics. This includes establishing an adequate site for residents to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Among other things, Providers should ensure that they:

  • have a safe resident identification process especially where residents are unable to state their own name and date of birth;
  • are well stocked in diagnostic equipment, sphygmomanometers, oxygen saturation monitors, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and other relevant consumables; and
  • have adequate PPE materials to address relevant state and territory health directives relating to COVID-19.

On the vaccination day, the Clinical Lead should also meet and liaise with the immunisation provider upon their arrival at the facility. The Clinical Lead should provide relevant information to the immunisation provider including a list of residents who will be receiving the vaccination and information indicating that the list of residents have been assessed as suitable to receive the vaccination on the vaccination day.

Lastly, Providers should have clinical plans in place for any adverse events that may occur on the day. This includes having appropriate numbers of trained/qualified staff to monitor residents and identify, manage and report adverse events. Providers should also maintain certain equipment to manage any adverse events.

If a Provider has any concerns about clinical governance with regards to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, they are encouraged to contact their local PHN for more information and guidance.

Consent

Providers should be aware that they must gain the consent of residents and workers before they are administered any COVID-19 vaccine. The DoH has prepared a consent form which Providers can give to residents and/or their representatives with regards to the COVID-19 vaccine. Along with this, and to ensure compliance with Provider obligations pursuant to the Aged Care Quality Standards (Standards), Providers must ensure that adequate levels of information are provided before consent is given by a resident. The following documentation should be provided before a resident signs the consent form:

  • Information on COVID-19 Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine;
  • Preparing for COVID-19 vaccination;
  • What to expect on COVID-10 Vaccination Day at your Residential Aged Care Facility; and
  • After your COVID-19 vaccination.

Providers should receive these documents from relevant health authorities prior to their vaccination day but are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these documents as soon as possible.

The DoH has also provided a helpful suite of resources to help Providers communicate to residents and workers about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Summary

There are a number of practical and legal considerations that Providers need to keep in mind as the COVID-19 vaccine program approaches. In meeting the requirements of the Standards, Providers are reminded that the paramount consideration is the wellbeing of residents. With this in mind, Providers are encouraged to prioritise:

  • providing all relevant information to residents to enable them to give informed consent to receive the COVID-19 vaccination; and
  • providing residents with a safe environment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine safely and efficiently on the vaccination day.

If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, please contact a member of our national Health, Aged Care and Retirement Villages team.