As an occupational group, nurses and midwives are at the front line of healthcare and are at increased risk of vaccine-preventable disease if not vaccinated. Additionally, if not vaccinated, healthcare workers may pose an increased risk of disease transmission to other workers and patients and our loved ones.
Influenza infections have increased at the same time that the Omicron variant causes a fourth COVID wave, sparking “Flurona” concerns. After a 2020-2021 flu season that saw an unprecedented decline in yearly cases, influenza cases have rebounded in 2021-22, spawning concerns of a COVID-19 and flu “twindemic.”
The introduction of mandatory vaccination of the influenza vaccination for Category A and Category B healthcare workers was recently announced by the Department of Health, and from 2022 will be on ongoing requirement.
Category A healthcare workers are those that have direct physical contact with patients, clients, deceased persons or body parts, blood, body substances, infectious material or surfaces or equipment that might contain these; or contact that might allow respiratory infections to be acquired or transmitted, for example workers with prolonged face-to-face contact with patients or clients or where their normal work is in a clinical area. Most Western Health nurses and midwives are in Category A.
Category B healthcare workers are those that work in patient areas who rarely have direct contact with blood or body substances. These employees may be exposed to infections spread by droplets, such as influenza.
Category A and B healthcare workers (current and newly commencing) are required to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza by 15 August 2022 and annually by 15 August each year following.
Western Health’s Flu Vax program:
All Western Health staff are eligible to get free Influenza Immuniation. Fixed and roaming immunisation clinics are occurring at all sites and the session times can be found on the Infection Prevention Calendar on the intranet webpage. Don’t forget have your Medicare card number handy.
If you’ve been vaccinated at another hospital, by your GP or elsewhere, please complete a quick Redcap survey, attach your immunisation certificate or alternatively, you can consent for us to check your AIR immunisation record.
Category C staff who want to decline the vaccination must complete their declaration on this Redcap survey.
Staff who have evidence indicating that receiving the influenza vaccine is contraindicated MUST complete a Redcap survey, complete and attach the medical certificate from a medical practitioner.
Make sure you receive a sticker and attach it to your name badge to indicate that you have been vaccinated.