The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing strongly encourages people living in aged care homes to keep up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. It says vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from becoming seriously ill, going to hospital or dying from the virus.

Who’s recommended a dose, and how often

The department’s advice depends on your age and health:

Adults aged 75 and over are recommended a dose every 6 months.
Adults aged 65 to 74 are recommended a dose every 12 months, and are eligible for one every 6 months after talking to a healthcare provider.
Adults aged 18 to 64 with severe immunocompromise are recommended a dose every 12 months, and can consider one every 6 months based on their health needs.
All other adults aged 18 to 64 can consider a dose every 12 months.

The department also says you don’t have to wait 6 months after a COVID-19 infection to get vaccinated. If you’re unsure where you fit, you can answer a short set of questions in its booster eligibility checker. It says the tool isn’t a substitute for medical advice, and encourages anyone with concerns to talk to a doctor or other health professional.

Getting vaccinated at your aged care home

According to the department, your aged care home has to offer you the chance to be vaccinated. If you haven’t had a dose yet, you can ask the home to organise one. The home can arrange for a GP, pharmacist or other health provider to visit and give it to you once you’re due. How a home handles vaccination is one more thing worth asking about if you’re still comparing providers.

Questions, hesitation and consent

The department says it’s normal to have questions or feel unsure about COVID-19 vaccines. You or your substitute decision-maker can talk through the benefits and risks with staff or a health professional before deciding.

All residents must give valid consent before being vaccinated, either in writing or verbally, with staff recording verbal consent in your care notes.

If you’re consenting for someone else, the department points to your state or territory’s enduring guardianship legislation, because some have specific requirements. Who holds that authority depends on the legal documents in place and where you live. The department also has a guide to consent for older people, families and carers.

Keeping a record

Your home will talk with you about how it records your vaccination status. You can provide a vaccination certificate, or an immunisation history statement through your Medicare online account or the myGov app. The department encourages residents to provide evidence, and says homes need it to help residents get vaccinated and to plan for outbreaks.

Carers get sick too. If you’re the family member holding everything together, it’s worth planning for what happens when the caregiver gets sick. For more on vaccination itself, the department has a fact sheet for aged care residents.