Sheed urges national cabinet to prioritise aged care in vaccine rollout

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has raised concerns about the lack of vaccinations being administered in the region’s nursing homes.

Eight weeks into the Federal Government’s vaccination plan, most of the staff and residents at not- for- profit residential aged care facility, Shepparton Villages, are yet to be vaccinated.

“It was always intended that those in aged care together with health care workers would be the first vaccinated and I urge both the Victorian and Federal governments to ensure that all steps are taken to make this happen,” Ms Sheed said.

“I am astounded to learn that eight weeks into the Federal Government’s vaccination rollout, most of the staff and residents at our region’s residential aged care facilities are yet to receive their vaccinations.

“It’s simply inexplicable that those living in aged care haven’t been made a priority in this vaccine rollout,” Ms Sheed said.

“Our vulnerable aged care residents and staff should be vaccinated before the additional categories recently announced by the Prime Minister, including those over 50 years of age.

“Victoria was by far the worst hit state by this virus, and with more than 650 deaths in aged care. The Federal Government simply must do better.

“The virus has been here in our community, and Shepparton Villages actually had cases last year with two staff and resident infected with the virus. Our local aged care facilities have worked so hard to protect our most vulnerable every step of the way, only to be let down now by the delay in the vaccine rollout.

“We have seen that regional communities are not outside the reach of the virus after the two outbreaks we had in Shepparton last year. Going into winter, it would be devastating if we had another outbreak before this vaccine rollout is finally completed.

“To hear that some residents had to ask their family members to take them out in the community to be vaccinated at a GP clinic is quite shocking.

“Our most vulnerable citizens must be our highest priority and I have written to the Victorian Acting Premier, James Merlino urging him to put this item on the agenda at the next meeting of National Cabinet.

 

ENDS

Media contact: Elaine Cooney 0447 820 466│elaine.cooney@parliament.vic.gov.au