Annual vaccination program a success

Hall & Prior’s 2018 staff vaccination program has once again worked to reduce the risk of influenza in our homes. This annual initiative saw eight of our homes achieve a coverage rate of over 90%.

This year the program also included staff from our Perth home care organisation White Oak Home Care Services for the first time. Medication and Lifestyle Coordinator Kath Whisson coordinates the initiative, and said White Oak’s 43% coverage rate is better than most hospitals achieve.

“It was great to have White Oak come on board to the program this year,” she said.

“Their staff are caring for people in their homes and interacting with many people daily, so it is important to minimise the risk of spreading influenza. Getting the vaccination is important for the health of the individual, but also the health of everyone around them.”

In an aged care home, an influenza outbreak can have serious consequences, as our residents who have existing health conditions may be particularly vulnerable to falling ill.

For the past six years, we have increased our rates of staff vaccination in order to make our homes safer for those we care for. Through a program that addresses the benefits of vaccinations, as well as free clinic set-ups in our homes, we are working to keep our staff, residents and their families safer each flu season.

Keeping the flu bug out of our homes also means less disruption to normal routines, because less staff take time off due to illness. Information regarding correct handwashing procedures and preventing the spread of germs is also delivered to staff as part of the initiative.

https://www.whiteoak.com.au/