Download the resource in the link above. For more information, visit www.health.gov.au/.
Residential aged care providers are required to offer a vaccination program for all service staff and volunteers.
Providers of residential care are required under the Quality of Care Principles 2014 and the Records Principles 2014 to have in place an influenza vaccination program which:
-
provides staff and volunteers access to a free annual flu vaccination either on site; or by making arrangements for staff to access the vaccine at a local chemist or GP
-
actively promotes the benefits of an annual vaccination for their staff and volunteers, and for the health outcomes of care recipients
-
keep a record of the number of staff that have the flu vaccination each year (whether or not under the approved provider’s flu vaccination scheme).
From 1 July 2019 the Commission will assess how organisations minimise infection-related risks under the Aged Care Quality Standards (Quality Standards). For example, under Standard 3 Requirement (3)(G), all aged care providers (to the extent relevant) will need to demonstrate the following:
Minimisation of infection-related risks through implementing:
i) standard and transmission-based precautions to prevent and control infection; and
ii) practices to promote appropriate antibiotic prescribing and use to support optimal care and reduce the risk of increasing resistance to antibiotics.
All providers are expected to assess the risk of, and take steps to prevent, detect and control the spread of infections.
All providers are expected to demonstrate that their approach to infection control aligns with best practice.
Guidance and resources for providers to support their compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards is available on the Commission’s website.
The attached practical guide (download in the link above) was developed by the Working Group on Influenza Outbreaks in Residential Care Facilities on behalf of the Communicable Diseases Network of Australia. The purpose of the document is to assist residential care services and carers by providing best practice information for the prevention and management of influenza outbreaks in residential care facilities.
rcf_guidelines.pdf (PDF 2.25 MB)
