Aged care COVID-19 vaccination

Older age continues to be the biggest risk factor for severe COVID-19 illness or death.

WA Primary Health Alliance has a key role in supporting WA residential aged care homes (RACHs) and the primary health providers who in-reach to these facilities in their preparedness and response to COVID-19 general management.

The Australian Government is working with the aged care sector to ensure all residents have access to COVID-19 vaccinations. 

Residential aged care providers play an important role in ensuring vaccines are available to residents. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Information 

Regular vaccination is the best way to protect older people from COVID-19 related severe illness, hospitalisation or death. 

  • People aged 75 years and older are recommended a COVID-19 vaccination every 6 months. 
  • People aged 65 to 74 years are recommended a COVID-19 vaccination every 12 months, and can consider a dose every 6 months, based on their individual health needs. 

If it is not known when the last COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection was, it is safe to get another COVID-19 vaccine. 

The 6 month waiting period between a COVID-19 infection and vaccination is no longer required. 

COVID-19 vaccines can be administered on the same day as the annual influenza vaccine. 

Our COVID-19 role in residential aged care: 

  • Improving access to COVID-19 vaccinations. 
  • To better understand challenges of RACHs and support them to increase vaccination uptake. 
  • Data monitoring on behalf of the Department of Health and Aged Care. 
  • Providing in-reach via GPs, pharmacist and other local health care providers. 
  • Providing current advice and resources. 

In addition, WAPHA has an role in: 

  • Facilitating communication between RACHs, vaccination providers, GPs, hospitals and other local health providers, and State and Australian Government health authorities on COVID-19 vaccination within aged care. 
    • Engaging with local aged care stakeholders, providing insight to local and regional COVID-19 planning and delivery of COVID-19 vaccinations to our vulnerable populations. 

    In-reach clinics 

    We encourage RACHs to engage with us for assistance in securing a primary care vaccination provider if they do not have an existing GP or pharmacist available.

    Please get in touch with our COVID-19 team to support linking your aged care home with providers via racfvaccination@wapha.org.au. 

    Clinical advice 

    • WAPHA have delivered targeted webinars to provide important updates and information to GPs, nurse practitioners and registered nurses who in-reach to RACHs. Upcoming events will be promoted, and resources shared via our Aged Care Connect Newsletter (You can subscribe here)
    Immunisation updates and useful links

    Click to expand

    Useful links for providers

    Prepare now for your next clinic. 

    Resources for families and carers
    Further information and resources

    Resources to assist RACHs with the management of COVID-19.

    Learn more about our Aged Care Program Subscribe to Aged Care Connect

    Disclaimer

    While the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.