Staff Update – COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout - March 2021
A message from the Edmen Community Staffing Solutions Team
Hi there!
You might have heard the first phase of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is now underway. Understandably, you may have some questions about what this means for you as an Edmen employee.
Below are some FAQs about the vaccine rollout process and what we are doing to keep you safe.
What are we doing at Edmen to keep you safe?
Here at Edmen, the safety of our workforce is top priority, and we are committed to doing everything we can to provide a safe working environment. This includes working closely with our community service partners to ensure our workforce has access to the latest government information about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout process.
Who is eligible for the first phase of the vaccine?
Now that the first stage (Phase 1a) of the vaccine rollout has started, paid workers providing support to people living in residential accommodation (in settings with two or more people with disability only) are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. But as with all vaccinations, it is a choice to get the vaccine.
How can you find out when you can get the vaccine?
Your eligibility and vaccination day will depend on the Australian Government rollout timeline. Use the Australian Government COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker to find out when you can receive your COVID-19 vaccine.
I am unsure if I will get the vaccine. Who should I speak to so I can make an informed decision?
If you are unsure, we strongly recommend speaking to your doctor or GP about the benefits and risks of the vaccine.
Will I be refused shifts if I don’t get the vaccine?
Vaccines are voluntary so this means you have the right to decide whether you get vaccinated or not. Edmen will not discriminate against people who decide not to get the vaccine, however, some organisations are restricted under state or territory government public health directions, which means your host organisation may have its own policy.
Edmen is working closely with our community service providers to ensure we continue to provide a safe working environment in line with the advice from the Australian Government authorities.
Will it cost to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
No, the vaccine is free for all people living in Australia.
Who can I contact about my concerns or questions during the vaccine rollout period?
If you have concerns or questions about your workplace safety or the COVID-19 vaccine, we are here for you. Please get in touch with your Service Coordinator.
Where can I go for further information about the COVID-19 vaccine?
Department of Health vaccine website contains up-to-date information about the COVID-19 vaccine. Edmen will continue to update you with information as it becomes available.
What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. Symptoms range from a mild cough to pneumonia. Some people recover easily, others may get very sick very quickly. There is evidence that it spreads from person to person. Good hygiene can prevent infection.
Find out more about Coronavirus Health Alerts- https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
Contact Tracing [Update for Staff]
If you have been to any of the locations listed on the Queensland Government website at the times stated, you should monitor your health and, if you develop even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms, get tested. If you have been to one of the locations listed, please complete the contract tracing self assessment and inform your Edmen Service Coordinator immediately.
See all current contact tracing alerts here - https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/contact-tracing
Symptoms
Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. People with coronavirus may experience:
fever
flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue
shortness of breath
If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical help.
When to get tested
If you develop symptoms within 14 days of last contact with a confirmed case or of returning to Australia, you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will tell you if you need to get tested.
How to isolate yourself
Do not go to public places, such as work, school, shopping centres, childcare or university. If possible, ask other people to get food and other necessities for you and leave them at your front door.
Only people who usually live with you should be in your home. Do not let in visitors.
You do not need to wear a mask in your home.
If you need to leave home to seek medical attention, wear a surgical mask (if you have one) to protect others.
How to protect yourself and others
Everyone must practise good hygiene to protect against infection and prevent the virus spreading.
Infection Prevention – Coughing and Sneezing Etiquette (Poster)
Social Distancing -
If you have a confirmed case, you need to isolate yourself to prevent it spreading to other people.
To help protect people most at risk follow the Department of Health provide advice on public gatherings and visits to vulnerable groups - https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-public-gatherings-and-visits-to-vulnerable-groups
How it spreads
There is evidence that the virus spreads from person-to-person.
The virus is most likely spread through:
close contact with an infectious person
contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze
touching objects or surfaces (like doorknobs or tables) that have cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person, and then touching your mouth or face
Who is at risk
Most cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) are in Wuhan City in Hubei Province, China.
In Australia, the people most at risk of getting the virus are those who have:
recently been in mainland China and Iran
been in close contact with someone who is a confirmed case of coronavirus
Health authorities have confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia. For the latest number, read WHO Coronavirus health alert -
If you're concerned
Call the Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.
Coronavirus Health Information Line
Call this line if you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
1800 020 080
Additional advice
Travellers
Our advice for travellers provides information on airport and in-flight biosecurity measures, travel restrictions and other arrangements that apply.
Helpful Information:
Print outs and references
World Health Organisation (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
“Rights Roles and Responsibilities of Health Workers including OHS responsibilities”https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/who-rights-roles-respon-hw-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=bcabd401_0
WHO – 3rd March 2020: Getting your Workplace Ready for “COVID19” https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/getting-workplace-ready-for-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=359a81e7_6
Australian Government of Health – Version 1 13/2/2020: “Interim Recommendations for the use of PPE – Hospital Care”
Information for residents of Residential aged Care Services, their Family members and Visitors (Version 5 4/3/2020): https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-residents-of-residential-care-services-family-members-and-visitors-coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-residents-of-residential-care-services-and-family-members.pdf
Information for Health Care and Residential Care Workers (Version 5/3/2020):https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-health-care-and-residential-care-workers_0.pdf
UPDATE 23/03/2020:https://oliver-uploads-aus.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/03/17/01/03/48/719/coronavirus-covid-19-what-you-need-to-know_2[5218].pdf