Aged care advocacy group sounds alarm on vaccination rates

Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), the peak advocacy group for older Australians, has expressed concern over new COVID-19 statistics from the Department of Health and Aged Care.

The Department recently reported over 2,000 active resident and staff cases on April 13, more than double the almost 800 cases reported on February 9, with infection numbers expected to grow as winter approaches.

The latest update from the Government revealed that only 33 percent (59,118) of aged care residents are estimated to have had a booster shot (or infection) in the last six months.

“These booster shot figures are alarmingly low,” said OPAN Chief Executive Craig Gear OAM.

“Vaccination remains the best form of protection against the impacts of COVID-19.

“Service providers must work with older people and their families to ensure every aged care resident is supplied with up-to-date information and access to a booster shot.”

OPAN wants the aged care residents of Australia and their families to know that stopping the spread and likelihood of infection as cases increase is through:

1. Getting their booster shot
2. Talking to their doctor about antiviral treatments
3. Remember that you can have an essential visitor, even during lockdowns

Antiviral treatments can prevent the risk of serious health impacts of COVID-19 infection for people over the age of 70.

“We encourage older people to have a conversation with their family and health team about the treatment that is right for them,” said Mr Gear.

The National COVID–19 Community Protection Framework recommends masks and for visitors to take rapid antigen tests (RAT) tests when there are high rates of infection in the community and/or outbreaks.

“We know older people are at higher risk of complications, but we also know they were disproportionately affected by the previous lockdowns.

“It’s important to balance the risk of infection with the mental and physical impacts of social isolation.”

As the flu season approaches, combination flu and COVID-19 rapid antigen tests are now available, although the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) maintains that being able to identify COVID-19 is important and that Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are still considered the most accurate test.

Further, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends people over 65 receive the 2023 booster dose if their last COVID-19 vaccine or confirmed infection was six months ago or longer. However, of those who are eligible to receive a booster, just 13.9% of Australians in aged care have done so in 2023.

Health Minister Mark Butler and Aged Care Minister Anika Wells encouraged aged care providers in February to start planning the booster roll-out before June.

The COVID-19 vaccination is free under the National Immunisation Program for people aged 65 or over, and those with certain medical conditions. Otherwise, the vaccine can cost between $20 and $30 at a pharmacy.

For information or support regarding aged care, please call the Older Persons Advocacy Network on 1800 700 600 or visit opan.org.au.