Flu vaccination compulsory for staff and visitors

The continuously evolving scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic around the world and in Australia have seen a lot of major changes on the way we do things.

With the flu season coming, we would like to ensure that we are able to minimise the risk of our vulnerable elderly clients from contracting the flu. The most recent announcement from the Department of Health and Human Services requires all staff working in aged care to have the flu vaccination, Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital is making its commitment in protecting our residents in the facility and the wider community by abiding with this guideline.

 Our new laws will mean healthcare workers must be fully immunized to protect themselves and patients against the flu each year, as well as whooping cough, measles, chicken pox and hepatitis B.

All healthcare workers in public and private hospitals with direct patient contact will be required to be vaccinated, this includes doctors, nurses, paramedics, dentists, orderlies, cleaners and staff.

We, together with the Department, are taking the fight against the flu and other preventable diseases further by making vaccination compulsory for all of our staff members from May 1, 2020.

We are not just limiting this requirement to all staff working in EDMH but to anyone visiting their loved ones especially in our aged care facilities.

We will be requiring any visitors to present a proof of their flu vaccination prior to entering the facility. Failure to do so, may lead to restriction of the visit.  This requirement for visiting families will come into full effect from May 1, 2020.

We've been able to maintain a high flu vaccination rate for our staff members and residents for the past few years and we would like to thank all of our staff for the dedication they have shown in supporting this initiative.