THE chief executive of Mallee Track Health and Community Service (MTHCS) says she is pleased the organisation is ahead of the mandated government vaccination requirements.
Last week the Victorian Government announced mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for all workers in public and private health care as well as early childhood education and care facilities, on top of the requirement for working in residential aged care.
MTHCS chief executive Lois O’Callaghan said all on-site staff at MTHCS across the Ouyen and Sea Lake residential aged-care facilities were double-dosed.
“We also have more than 80 per cent of our early-years staff across five services double-dosed,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
She said the MTHCS volunteer workforce had also stepped up to support the vaccination effort.
“Despite being stood down for now, our volunteers have come forward in large numbers to get vaccinated to ensure they are ready to return to volunteering when they’re able to,” she said.
“We have 133 registered volunteers and 117 of these volunteers have received a first, or first and second dose.”
Ms O’Callaghan said the achievements and leadership of the MTHCS workforce was something she was proud of.
“It says a lot about the quality of our staff and volunteers and the commitment they have shown to the safety of our community, particularly or vulnerable community members, all the way through this pandemic,” she said.
“As front-line workers, our staff were largely part of phase 1a and 1b of the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
“We were able to access vaccinations early in the program and our staff stepped forward willingly – our staff and volunteers are to be commended for their response.”
Ms O’Callaghan said a partnership with the Bendigo Public Health Unit had allowed two vaccination clinics at the MTHCS campuses in Ouyen and Sea Lake this year.
“We were able to offer either the AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccine to consenting MTHCS staff members and our vulnerable aged-care residents,” she said.
“In addition, MTHCS staff have been able to access the vaccine through our medical clinics in Ouyen and Sea Lake.
“This has put us in the great position that we’re now ahead of what is now a State Government-mandated requirement for health, aged-care and early childhood facilities.”
Ms O’Callaghan said with all current on-site staff in aged care now vaccinated against COVID-19, a positive spinoff appeared to also be an increased willingness among community members to roll up their sleeves as well.
“We have found that conversations with our medical clinic team and staff have helped community members overcome any fears they might have about the vaccines,” she said.
“But anyone who is still hesitant is welcome to have a chat with their doctor or our medical clinic staff about their concerns.”
