FEATURE

COVID-19 Vaccination Update

The vaccination of the health workforce remains a key priority for the Department of Health including those working in the aged care sector. As a result, a snap analysis of the aged care workforce has been undertaken to determine the vaccination rate. This has included analysing 1400 aged care staff. Data used to assess the vaccination rate has been the vaccines delivered though the State clinics, those vaccines delivered via the Commonwealth roll out as well as assessing those delivered via General Practice. The department believe that this equates to a Tasmanian vaccination rate of 85% in this cohort.

A deeper dive has also been undertaken to assess one specific aged care facility in the States North. This demonstrated a 100% vaccination rate at this aged care facility.

The decision to make vaccinations mandatory for aged care workers is one the Department of Health are currently considering. The ANMF will continue to monitor this deliberation and keep members up to date on any new developments.

Additional Pfizer clinics have been brought on in the South and the North West and more GP’s will now be brought online to deliver COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in areas where there is currently no GP coverage for COVID-19 vaccination (e.g. Beaconsfield, New Norfolk).

Workforce currently continues to be the most challenging aspect of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out and will likely continue to be over the winter period. The Director of Public Health is considering authorising Pharmacists to deliver vaccines (not in the community) to relieve the pressure currently on nursing staff. Following this authorisation, Enrolled Nurses will then be considered for vaccination delivery.

The ANMF are pleased to confirm that Professional Indemnity is secured for all nurses and midwives by the ANMF for delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, the pre-education process as well as the post vaccination monitoring. The ANMF are aware that many insurers are not providing cover for any COVID-19 activities, so it is critical that any nurse or midwife who is delivering vaccines is a member of the ANMF to ensure full coverage.

Updates correct as at 10 June 2021.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary

ASSISTANCE & SUPPORT

Member Support Team: The ANMF Tasmanian Branch is 8000 plus members strong! Supporting nurses, midwives, and care workers as the only union in Tasmania employing nurses and care workers to represent members. This is why our Organisers and Member Support Team are uniquely positioned to understand your experiences, represent you in your workplace, and offer industrial advice that’s relevant to you. Please contact our Member Support Team if you need workplace support, would like to discuss any matters or raise a concern. Alternatively, you can send an email outlining your concerns to our team - membersupport@anmftas.org.au. Email is the preferred and fastest way of contacting the team, however if your matter is urgent, please phone (03) 6223 6777 or 1800 001 241 if you are outside of Hobart.

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