All nurses, midwives and aged care personal care workers now have priority access to Pfizer vaccine at Victorian Government hubs
All nurses, midwives and aged care personal care workers, who have yet to receive their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine at a Victorian Government vaccine hub.
The new access opened on 9 July 2021 and is for anyone in the eligible 1a and 1b priority groups, aged 16 years and over.
Members are encouraged to share this information with their allied health, kitchen, cleaning, laundry, garden and office staff colleagues at their health or aged care facility as these staff are also eligible for priority access to Pfizer.
If you have already received your first AstraZeneca dose the advice is to receive the second dose of AstraZeneca.
You should wait at least seven days after the flu vaccine to receive a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
How to book a priority group COVID-19 vaccine appointment – two steps
- Read the information about the booking process and the vaccines on the Victorian Government websitethen
- Make an online booking via the Victorian Government’s website – the booking system allows you to access appointments as part of a priority group.or
- Call the Victorian Government Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 and tell the hotline operator you are part of the health care worker or aged care worker priority group.
What to bring to your appointment
You will need to prove your eligibility at your vaccination appointment. To do this you will need to complete an eligibility declaration form available or provide:
- proof of occupation (ID card, letter from employer)
- a signed proof of eligibility letter issued by the Victorian Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccination Program.
You will also need to bring:
- Your Medicare card (if you have one)
- Valid form of identification (e.g. drivers licence, proof of age card or passport)
Information about the vaccines
- Federal Government information about the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
- Federal Government information about the Pfizer vaccine
- What happens after I am vaccinated?
- Australian Academy of Science – COVID-19 facts hub
- Therapeutic Goods Administration
- World Health Organisation – vaccines explained
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance
- Australian Government translated information about COVID-19 vaccines
- On the Record – COVID-19 vaccination FAQs answered
Current restrictions
As of 11.59pm, Wednesday 14 July 2021 face masks are mandatory for anyone indoors (excluding at home).
Exposure sites
New exposure sites have been added, please check this page regularly.
Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
Please get tested even with the slightest of symptoms.
Personal protective equipment concern?
Members with concerns about PPE access, supply or level should:
- raise and submit OHS incident reports with your employer as well as speaking directly with your manager
- involve your Health and Safety Rep if you have one
- contact ANMF Member Assistance (include your report and response if applicable) for further support and advice if after you have raised your concerns they are not addressed by your employer.
How to access ANMF support
For general inquiries members are encouraged complete an online Member Assistance inquiry form.
$450 test and isolation payment
The Victorian Government provides a $450 test and isolation payment to workers required to isolate after taking a COVID-19 test who don’t have access to paid leave. This is for private aged care workers too. More information, eligibility, and applications
$1500 disaster leave payment
The Federal Government provides a $1500 disaster leave payment if you tested positive or were identified as a close contact and have to isolate for 14 days. Private aged care workers are eligible for the payment if you do not have access to paid leave during your isolation period.
Call 180 22 66 to make a claim. More information, eligibility, and applications
Emergency accommodation for healthcare workers
The Victorian Government provides the ‘frontline accommodation program’ for health care workers if they need support to quarantine or isolate safely. Private aged care nurses and personal care workers are eligible to access this program. For details
COVID-19 stressed? Take the self-care quiz
All nurses, midwives, personal care workers and nursing and midwifery students are encouraged to reflect on their current circumstances and wellbeing and fill out the Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria’s self-care plan questionnaire. You will be emailed a self-care plan.
To contact NMHPV call 9415 7551 or email admin@nmhp.org.au Find out more www.nmhp.org.au
Don’t bring it home: guide to minimise the risk of infection
The ANMF (Vic Branch) ‘Don’t bring it home’ guide is designed to assist members returning home from work after a shift.
Job Reps and HSRs are encouraged to print the poster which is part of this PDF newsflash. You can also download the ‘Protocols for entering your home and minimising the risk of infection’ A4 poster [PDF].
