Corporate News

STOP PRESS . . .

WA AND NSW STAFF ARE 100% VACCINATED

Hall & Prior staff have been offered free flu vaccinations for the past 10 years - and those who are eligible are now 100% vaccinated in WA and NSW.

he Hall & Prior immunisation program for influenza starts in April each year to ensure all eligible staff are vaccinated prior to the peak of flu season.t

Protecting our residents from virus and disease is of the utmost importance.

The best way for staff to protect residents is to protect themselves, ensuring that workers in the homes don’t bring the influenza virus in from their external lives.

During 2021, the influenza vaccination program has been impacted by conflicting state and Commonwealth Government requirements related to the COVID-19 vaccination program. During 2021 only, advice from the Commonwealth has been to withhold influenza vaccines from Group 1a, which includes aged care workers, until after receipt of their second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

As of June, an impressive milestone was achieved with all NSW and WA staff receiving their free influenza vaccinations. It is suggested that residents seek advice from their GP regarding their influenza vaccinations.

“Flu shots are recommended for all consumers annually, as they are the single most important measure for reducing the risk of serious flu and preventing flu outbreaks,” said Infection, Prevention & Control Clinical Nurse Specialist, Angela Day. “Hall & Prior deliver an annual influenza vaccine program for staff in all NSW and WA homes with the sole purpose of keeping our residents safe.” In 2020 the WA and NSW’s Governments made it mandatory for all staff and visitors to residential aged care facilities to have an upto-date influenza vaccination.

Hall & Prior welcomed this mandate, which built on our proud 10-plus year history of leading the aged care sector by providing free influenza vaccinations to our staff.

Michelle Stirling, CNS Infection Prevention and Control said the vaccination rate was worth celebrating.

FLU PROTECTED Michelle Stirling (front) with Hall & Prior staff members (l-r) Svenja, Mason and Kate who have all received their flu shots. Right, NSW flu vaccinations.

“I commend all of our staff on getting their flu vaccinations at our homes and office clinics throughout Hall & Prior WA and NSW in May,” Michelle said.

“We’ve been very encouraged by the effort everyone has made to make sure that they have the current flu shot which in turn helps us keep both our residents and staff safe from this year’s flu virus.

“Having our staff make this a priority is a very important part of infection prevention and control within our homes.”

Hall & Prior requires that all staff, visitors and contractors entering our homes and offices provide evidence of a 2021 influenza vaccination from 1 June 2021.