NCN Health chief executive Jacque Phillips has some of the answers.
Who is eligible locally for the COVID-19 vaccine in the first phase?
Front-line health care workers and public aged care residents will be among the first people who can choose to receive the vaccine in the first roll out phase.
For NCN Health, this includes aged care, urgent care and emergency staff and aged care residents.
Is the vaccine voluntary for everyone?
Yes.COVID-19 vaccines will be voluntary and free for everyone living in Australia.
NCN Health strongly encourages the COVID-19 vaccination, however it is not mandatory.
How do we know the vaccine is safe?
All vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety before they are approved for use in Australia.
This includes careful analysis of clinical trial data, ingredients, chemistry, manufacturing and other factors.
You can talk to your GP or a health professional about the COVID-19 vaccines and why vaccination is an important part of keeping the community safe and healthy.
What about in frail and elderly people?
Specific advice for frail elderly people on receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will be provided by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation.
The TGA have advised the potential benefits of vaccination versus the potential risk of even very mild side effects in the elderly should be assessed on a case by case basis.
NCN Health will work with staff, residents and community members individually who choose to have the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure it is in the best interests of their health and wellbeing.
Are there any side effects of the vaccine?
The Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines prevent people from becoming sick with COVID-19, it does not contain a live virus and it cannot give you COVID-19.
Most people will have no side effects from vaccination, some people experience minor side effects following vaccination.Most side effects last no more than a couple of days and you will recover without any problems.Common reactions to vaccination include:● pain, redness and/or swelling where you received the needle● mild fever● headache.
Where will residents and staff receive their vaccination in the first phase?
Staff and residents will be able to receive their vaccine locally.GV Health will operate a vaccine hub in Shepparton which will deliver the vaccines to health services in surrounding areas such as Nathalia, Cobram and Numurkah.
When will the rest of the community be offered a COVID-19 vaccination?
The second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination program is expected to start in April.
However, this depends on vaccine availability and access to staff and resources.
NCN Health will work with GV Health to get this information out to the community when it becomes available.
Will children be vaccinated?
The research has shown that young children are less likely to have severe illness from the virus.
If evidence supports the decision and vaccines are approved for younger people they would then be able to access the vaccine.
At this stage the program is only aimed at people aged 16 and older.
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