Immunisation in a RACH

Residential aged care home residents may have a higher risk of severe illness if they develop COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or other infections. Aged care home providers need to balance their responsibilities to reduce the risk of infections entering facilities, while meeting the physical, emotional and social needs of residents.

Residents

Keeping residents up to date with vaccinations, is an important strategy to reduce the risk of severe illness to older adults living in homes.

There are currently five funded vaccines for older adults:

COVID-19
Influenza
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Pneumococcal, and
Shingles.

Vaccination fact sheets for residents are available in English and 11 other languages to support RACH staff in promoting these vaccinations for residents.

For more information on vaccine recommendations, visit the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

Ordering vaccines

If they have a Vaccine Account Number (VAN), RACHs can order their own COVID-19, influenza, RSV, shingles and pneumococcal vaccines through the State Vaccine Centre.

To apply for a VAN, complete the new vaccine ordering account online form or call the NSW Vaccine Centre on 1300 656 132.

Managing Adverse Events following Immunisation (AEFI)

An AEFI is any negative reaction that happens after a vaccination. It does not necessarily mean the vaccine caused the reaction.

Expected side effects of vaccines, that are generally mild and last 2-3 days, include:

Pain, redness, itching or swelling at the injection site
Low-grade fever, body ache and tiredness.

Inform the resident of the expected side effects and how to manage them, for example, paracetamol for fever and pain, cool compress for injection site reactions, encourage fluid intake and rest.

Seek medical advice for a severe AEFI or if you are concerned about a resident following immunisation.

To report a suspected AEFI, complete the National Adverse Events Following Immunisation Reporting Form and contact the Public Health Unit (PHU) on 02 9382 8333.

The adverse event will be investigated, and if needed, the resident will be advised on what to do regarding future vaccinations.

Cold chain maintenance and cold chain breaches

RACHs must store vaccines in a purpose-built vaccine fridge to comply with the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines: Strive for 5.

Refer to Immunisation Information for Health Professionals for further information on cold chain maintenance and cold chain breaches.

Useful links

To contact the Public Health Unit email or phone 02 9382 8333.

For urgent after-hours advice, call Prince of Wales Hospital switchboard on 02 9382 2222