COVID-19 vaccination – What we know so far
Do you have questions about the vaccine? Here are some answers to common questions from the Australian Government. Stay tuned to the Federal Health Department website for the latest updates.
Residential aged care workers and residents will be among the first people who can choose to receive the vaccine in the first roll-out phase (Phase 1a).
More information is outlined in the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and the COVID-19 Vaccine National Rollout Strategy.
COVID-19 vaccines will be voluntary and free for everyone living in Australia.
While the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccination, at this time AHPPC has not recommended mandating COVID-19 vaccination for the aged care workforce. The AHPPC will continue to monitor the situation and update its advice accordingly.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) rigorous assessment process of potential COVID-19 vaccines will ensure approved vaccines are safe and effective.
All vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety before they are approved for use in Australia.
This includes careful analysis of clinical trial data, ingredients, chemistry, manufacturing and other factors.
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been provisionally approved by the TGA for people 16 years and older. The approval is subject to strict conditions, and Pfizer will be required to continue providing information to the TGA on the safety, efficacy and quality of the vaccine.
The University of Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has now been approved by the TGA.
You can talk to your GP or a health professional about the COVID-19 vaccines and why vaccination is an important part of keeping the community safe and healthy.
Specific advice for frail elderly people on receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will be provided by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
The TGA has advised the potential benefits of vaccination versus the potential risk and clinical impact of adverse events in the frail or elderly should be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been provisionally approved by the TGA for people 16 years and older. The approval is subject to strict conditions, and Pfizer will be required to continue providing information to the TGA on the safety, efficacy and quality of the vaccine.
The Australian Government is responsible for leading the implementation of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program to the large majority of aged care homes in consultation with peak bodies and state and territory governments. However, NSW, SA and VIC state governments will be responsible for leading the vaccine roll out to state run RACFs in their state.
Administration of the vaccine to residential aged care residents and workers will be done through an in-reach Commonwealth vaccination workforce. This means an additional skilled vaccine workforce, separate to the residential aged care facility workers, will be recruited and trained to work in partnership with and visit residential aged care facilities and administer the vaccine to facility workers and residents.
NSW, SA and VIC state governments will provide further information on the administration of COVID-19 vaccines to residents and workers in their state-run homes.
The Health Department says getting a COVID-19 vaccination helps protect you, your community and your loved ones.
Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines show they are very good at protecting against severe illness and death.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) rigorous assessment process of potential COVID-19 vaccines will ensure approved vaccines are safe and effective.
Yes, a COVID-19 vaccine is just one part of keeping the community safe and healthy.
It is important for everyone to continue COVIDSafe practises such as hand hygiene, physical distancing and wearing masks when required, particularly in residential aged care facilities.
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) agrees that all available steps should be taken to maximise influenza vaccine coverage among the aged care workforce, residents and their carers.
Giving an influenza vaccine with a COVID-19 vaccine on the same day is not currently recommended.
Advice from ATAGI is that the preferred minimum interval between administration of either the Pfizer/BioNTech or the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines and any influenza vaccine is
14 days. This is the current precautionary advice.
The Department of Health will continue to provide updates.
You can find information, including translated information, on the Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccines website.
Subscribe here to receive updates.
You can also call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080
You can ask for an interpreter, if needed.
In what has been a difficult time for so many people, National Seniors Australia is proud to be involved with the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line.
If you would like more information about the vaccine, or just want to chat to someone, please call 1800 171 866
You can also find the latest updates, resources and support on the National Seniors COVID-19 updates page.
