2021 influenza (flu) vaccine requirements for visitors and staff from 1st June

NEWS
12 May, 2021

Dear consumers, families and friends,

In an effort to prevent, control and minimise influenza infection, Aged Care providers have been advised by NSW Health that all visitors and staff are required to provide documented evidence that they have received the 2021 influenza vaccine to enter a residential aged care facility. This is effective as of Tuesday 1st June.

St. Basil’s Homes NSW/ACT will be requesting evidence of the flu vaccine at the time or prior to visitors entering our facilities.

Visitors are permitted to enter a facility if their influenza vaccine is delayed due to receiving COVID-19 vaccinations provided additional precautions are applied. In addition, the attached Influenza Vaccine Medical Contraindication Formwill need to be completed by a medical officer and presented on entry to the facility (or beforehand if practicable). In exceptional or special circumstances, it may be possible to enter the facility where the visitor is providing essential care, or for compassionate reasons.

For support in obtaining your immunisation history statement as evidence of vaccinations, visit Service Australia’s fact sheet on their website. I thank you for your cooperation in keeping our workplace and consumers safe and healthy through the winter season ahead.

You can find more information about the influenza vaccine, including in other languages, at Australian Department of Health’s website – https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/flu-influenza

Yours sincerely,

Spiro Stavis
Chief Executive Officer