West Wimmera Health Service leaders have described the significance of administering the first dose of COVID-19 vaccinations to the group’s aged-care and disability-care residents and residential aged-care and disability workers.

Chief executive Ritchie Dodds said rolling out the program at all of service’s aged-care facilities was a significant step.

“Delivering the vaccine to our aged-care residents and frontline staff is crucial to helping protect our people and the wider community,” he said.

West Wimmera Health Service worked with Ballarat Health Services’ vaccine-hub team and a Wimmera Health Care Group sub-hub team to provide the immunisations as part of the Federal Government’s staged roll-out to priority groups.

The service set up mobile clinics at each of its aged-care facilities at Kaniva, Jeparit, Rainbow, Natimuk, Rupanyup and Nhill.

Mr Dodds thanked all involved in ensuring the first phase of the vaccination program  happened efficiently and with great care.

“I cannot overstate our gratitude for the pivotal role played by our staff as well as those from our Grampians health-service partners for again responding so positively and effectively in these unprecedented times,” he said.

Mr Dodds added that it was ‘more important than ever’ the community continued the fight against COVID-19.

“The coronavirus has not yet been defeated and we’ve seen recently in Queensland how quickly it can reimpose itself on our lives,” he said.

“The sooner we are all vaccinated the better.”

West Wimmera Health Service will administer follow-up immunisations in 12 weeks.

Vaccination is free of charge.

A national health message is –

“Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will help protect people from getting sick from COVID-19. The vaccines being used in Australia are very effective at preventing serious illness and loss of life due to COVID-19.

“Vaccines are tested to ensure they are safe before they are approved for use. Before vaccines are made available in Australia they need to pass strict Australian safety standards set by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.

“A COVID-19 vaccine is just one, but a very important, part of keeping our communities safe and healthy. It is important for everyone to continue COVID-safe practices such as hand hygiene, physical distancing and wearing masks when required. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, you must get tested and stay home.”

 

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