HEALTH authorities have flagged a "major ramp up" of Pfizer vaccine delivery ahead of a deadline for aged care workers to receive at least one dose.
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It comes after the Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday a requirement that all aged care staff receive at least one vaccine shot by September.
Mr Morrison also announced under 40s would be able to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, a move which met with medical backlash.
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Health Minister Greg Hunt later confirmed that the AstraZeneca vaccine was not recommended for anyone under 60.
A federal health department spokesperson said the number of clinics - including general practices - offering Pfizer vaccinations from next week.
They said this would enable access to Pfizer for aged care workers under 60 ahead of the vaccine requirement date.
Mandating vaccines for aged care workers was welcomed by aged care providers. But they've raised concerns about access and supply issues.
Aged and Community Services Australia chief executive Patricia Sparrow attributed supply issues as the cause of low vaccine rates among aged care workers.
"The best way to improve vaccination rates is to make it as easy as possible for aged care workers, including through on-site workplace vaccination," she said.
"We simply have not seen the level of urgency, planning or clear communication needed from the federal government and this must be corrected urgently."
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Unions have voiced concerns that the government is not offering enough support for workers.
The federal Health Department spokesperson said an $11 million scheme would support residential aged care workers to receive their vaccine, through off-side centres and general practices.
They said under the support grant, residential aged care facilities would receive: an $80 flat fee per casual staff member going off-side for vaccination, per dose; paid leave for casual staff who became unwell after vaccination and did not have other leave entitlements; up to $500 per side for "flexible vaccination facilitation costs", which could be used for spending such as transport.
The spokesperson said aged care workers have had access to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination at in-reach clinics where doses were available after the vaccination of residents.
Are you a central Victorian aged care worker who has been unable to access a COVID-19 vaccine? Contact addynews@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
With AAP.
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