COVID-19 Vaccination

Mar 24, 2021Being healthy, Community, Uncategorized

COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout – latest updates & phases

As we’ve all heard, Australia is ramping up the COVID-19 vaccination rollout following the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration approval of the new vaccines.

Protecting Australians, especially those most vulnerable, is critical. As with anything of such significance and mass distribution, an effective roll-out and public education plan is key.

The Tasmanian Government wants “as many Tasmanians as possible to get vaccinated”.

“The vaccine is free, it is safe and it’s available to everyone,” says Peter Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier).

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has advised the Australian Government on which groups should be prioritised for the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. This advice is consistent with guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).

What are the rollout phases?

In brief, here are the COVID-19 vaccine rollout phases:

Phase 1a

  • Quarantine, border and frontline health care workers
  • Aged care and disability care staff
  • Aged care and disability care residents
Phase 1b

  • Elderly adults aged 80+
  • Elderly adults aged 70-79 years
  • Other health care workers
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 55+
  • Adults with a specified medical condition
Phase 1b cont.

  • Adults with a disability (who have a specified underlying medical condition)
  • Critical and high-risk workers, including defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing
Phase 2a

  • Adults aged 60-69 years
  • Adults aged 50-59 years
  • Continue vaccinating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults
  • Other critical and high-risk workers
Phase 2b

  • The general adult population
  • Catching up any unvaccinated Australians from previous phases 1 & 2
Phase 3

  • Children under 16 years of age (if recommended)

PLEASE NOTE:

The ATAGI is regularly reviewing data and evidence for COVID-19 vaccines; therefore, it may update its advice as new information becomes available. Click here for the latest COVID-19 vaccination news and advice.

Why are Phase 1a and 1b groups prioritised?

There is significant demand for safe and effective vaccines to end the COVID-19 pandemic.

As vaccines become available, they will go to people in higher risk groups.

Priority groups are identified by considering current public health, medical and epidemiological evidence on who would be most affected if they contracted COVID-19.

For example, health and aged care workers are a priority group because they are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 due to their frequent contact with many people. They are also more likely to transmit the virus to vulnerable people through their work in hospitals and aged care facilities. It is for everyone’s benefit that this group is prioritised for vaccination, so they can continue providing essential care.

When will I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Use the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker to find out if you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine now, or register your details to be notified when you can access the vaccine.

What to do in the meantime to prepare for a vaccination?

Whether you are vaccinated or not, there are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and others from COVID-19.

Continue to…

To find out more on what you can do to be ready for your COVID-19 vaccine, visit health.gov.au.

National COVID-19 Helpline:

If you need information about COVID-19, vaccines, or help with the COVIDSafe app, call 1800 020 080.

If you would like to make a vaccine enquiry, or need assistance with booking a vaccine appointment, lodge an enquiry here*.

*Please note, the COVID-19 call centre is unable to actually book appointments on your behalf.

Check out this short video explaining the vaccine rollout and who will be first!