Health, Safety & Wellbeing (HSW) Team Talk - March 2023

Heads up - Flu vaccination vouchers Housing Choices will again partner with Vitality Works to roll out our pre-winter Flu Vaccination program. This year, our program will provide pharmacy vouchers to staff that can be downloaded via an online portal giving you the flexibility to organise where and when you want to receive your vaccination. The Therapeutic Good Administration is expected to approve the vaccine in the last week of March. Pharmacies should have stock in the first week of April. Vouchers should be available late March, once we receive access to the portal. Stay tuned for further communications in the coming weeks! New COVID-19 boosters available – extra protection heading into the winter months. From February 20, anyone who has not had a COVID vaccination or confirmed infection in the past six months is eligible for a booster. This is irrespective of how many prior doses a person has received. The national eligibility change follows advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). For those not infected or vaccinated in the past six months, a 2023 booster is recommended for: • All adults aged 65 years and over • Adults 18-64 years who have medical comorbidities or disability with significant or complex health needs For those not infected or vaccinated in the past six months, a 2023 booster should be considered for: • Adults 18-64 with no risk factors for severe COVID • Children and adolescents aged 5-17 who have medical comorbidities or disability with significant or complex health needs ATAGI’s full advice and recommendations can be found online. A free booster appointment can be booked through a local GP or pharmacy. You can find your nearest vaccination provider through the Vaccine Clinic Finder. Employee Assistant Program Updates Our Employee Assistance Program provides specialist support lines and have recently added two new services: the First Nations Connect Line and The Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Connect Line are in addition to the existing LGBTIQA+ Connect Line. Further information about these vital specialist support services is below: First Nations Connect Line 1300 520 373 Our First Nations Connect Line provides employees and family members with culturally sensitive and informed support. We recognise the importance of First Nation individuals having the option to receive counselling and support from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander EAP Professional or a Professional with cultural awareness training and extensive experience with First Nation individuals, families, and concerns. Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Connect Line 1800 879 163 Acacia's DFV Connect Line provides individuals affected by DFV with professionals that have expertise in supporting those affected by DFV. This support is available to all individuals who have been impacted by violence and abuse, as well as users of violence and abuse, regardless of the individual's age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, or relationship status. LGBTIQA+ Connect Line 1300 214 958 Acacia's LGBTIQA+ Connect Line is designed to support people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual,

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online