59-69 Ryley St, Wangaratta, Vic, 3677
Coronavirus Actions
St Catherine’s is taking every measure to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents, visitors and employees. We are committed to keeping our St Catherine’s family informed through this difficult period.
Visitor Access Program
St Catherine’s is committed to managing visitor access to ensure the utmost health and wellbeing of the residents in our care. We are closely monitoring public health directives and transmission in the community to manage visitor provisions.
Please find our latest COVID Visitor Restrictions.
COVID-19 Vaccine Latest information
St Catherine’s greatly welcomes the Australian Government’s rollout of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program for all aged care residents, employees and volunteers as a matter of priority.
Aged care employees are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 and also may spread the virus to vulnerable persons and the elderly, they have been identified as groups to be offered the vaccine first, along with aged care and disability residents.
Our Management Team is working with all stakeholders to ensure the effective roll out of the vaccine as soon as it is made available to our residents and staff. St Catherine’s continues to be guided by the official health advice from the Australian Department of Health, and we will continue to share this information with you as soon as we can.
Voluntary and free for all in aged care
As per the Department of Health’s guidance, all COVID-19 vaccines in Australia are currently completely voluntary and free, including for residents, employees and volunteers in aged care. The vaccine is an important public health initiative to reduce the health risks of the virus on our residents, staff and all older Australians. St Catherine’s will continue to assist residents, families and staff to feel fully supported to make an informed decision.
Latest health advic
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have undertaken a rigorous assessment process to ensure the approved vaccines are safe and effective. Specific health advice for people over 85 years of age is that frail older Australians should be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please speak to your GP about the appropriateness of the vaccine for yourself.
For further health advice on the vaccine for people in aged care and older Australians, please review the Department of Health’s resources for aged care residents, families and carers. We also encourage you to seek GP advice on any particular health concerns regarding the vaccine that you may have.
Ongoing Access
Please rest assured that the care and rights of all St Catherine’s residents will not be affected following their decision to receive the vaccine or not. As such, this will not impact their involvement in social events or access to communal space if they do not participate in the vaccination program.
Under current health directives, visitor access will also not be affected based on the decision to as to have the COVID-19 vaccine or not.
Vaccine rollout to St Catherine’s and consent forms
The Department of Health is managing the roll out of its vaccination program according to priority suburbs, towns and groups. St Catherine’s is following this advice to help administer this when available to our residents and staff. We will notify you as soon as we have details on this.
Please complete the Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccination Consent Form in order to receive the vaccine when it’s made available to you.
FAQs and feedback
For further information please refer to the Department of Health’s FAQs on COVID-19 vaccines in residential aged care.
If you have any further questions or feedback regarding the COVID-19 Vaccination rollout please do not hesitate to contact our Management Team.
Need to talk to someone? New COVID-19 Support for Older Australians
A number of advocates for older Australians have launched a dedicated free call service to support the mental health of older Australians affected by the spread of COVID-19. The phone line will be staffed by advisers who can offer practical help and advice and is a partnership between OPAN, COTA and National Seniors Australia.
Call 1800 171 866
The support line will operate Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm (except public holidays).