Older age remains the biggest risk factor for severe COVID-19 and cases continue to occur in residential aged care homes. While immunisation is voluntary, it is strongly encouraged for aged care residents.
The current recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations are:
For people aged 75 years or older a COVID-19 vaccination is recommended every 6 months.
For people aged 65 to 74 years a COVID-19 vaccination is recommended every 12 months and can be offered every 6 months on the advice of your health care provider.
All adults are eligible to get a booster dose every 12 months.
Consent to get a COVID-19 vaccination may be written or verbal and must be recorded by the vaccination provider. Sometimes a guardian or substitute decision-maker needs to give consent for an aged care resident to get vaccinated.