The Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia today called on all governments to move swiftly to implement in practice today’s decision to rapidly accelerate vaccination of all aged care workers and its “in-principle disposition” to move to mandatory vaccination requirements ASAP.
“COTA notes that National Cabinet has tasked AHPPC to provide advice on this matter as soon as possible and that National Cabinet will next meet on 9 July 2021. This needs to be resolved before then” COTA Chief Executive, Ian Yates said.
Some states like Queensland, Victoria and South Australia have prioritised access to their vaccination systems for aged care workers.
Mr Yates said, “This is about protecting our most vulnerable citizens, as last year in Victoria proved – and mandatory vaccination against the flu last year produced record low flu infection and deaths so why aren’t we doing that for COVID-19?”
Other quotes attributable to Ian Yates AM Chief Executive, COTA Australia
“The National Cabinet’s ‘in principle disposition’ towards mandating the vaccination of aged care workers should be a clear and forceful signal for all workers to be vaccinated as a matter of urgency and for all providers to help facilitate this.
“COTA welcomes the announcement that from the 15 June all aged care providers will be required to report to the Australian government on the number of aged care workers who have been vaccinated in their aged care facilities. However, we need to make sure they all are.
“This measure should be seen as an expression of a duty of care and will allow us, as a community, to move through the pandemic with a degree of confidence that our most vulnerable people will not be unnecessarily exposed to danger.
“The only guaranteed way to reduce the risk of another asymptomatic staff member carrying Covid into an aged care home is to ensure every aged care worker is vaccinated. Of course, the onus is on governments to ensure the supply and distribution of appropriate vaccines.”
Media contact: Ian Yates 0418 835 439
