Vaccination is an important method to reduce the risk of developing infectious diseases, including COVID19, caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

Whilst public health measures and restrictions that have been implemented by the Australian government since March 2020 have been successful in helping control the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination programs are required throughout the world, including Australia.

The Bloomhill Pandemic Committee has overseen Bloomhill’s COVID response and has recently decided that all staff working at the Wellness Centre will be required to be vaccinated, as well as our volunteers at the Centre and those who provide transport, baby-sitting and buddy support. This will reduce the risk of our team becoming unwell with COVID and may assist with reducing the risk of transmission.

Many cancer organisation internationally recommend COVID-19 vaccination for people with cancer. This is because:

• People with cancer are more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and are at an increased risk of more severe infection
• Similar evidence from use of other vaccines suggests that COVID-19 vaccines may be safe and effective for people with cancer (Cancer Australia)

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommend that people who are immunocompromised should be among the priority groups to receive the COVID-19 vaccines because of their increased risk of severe illness with COVID-19.

The decision about whether to receive a COVID-19 vaccine should be made on an individual basis by the person affected by cancer, in consultation with their healthcare team. (Cancer Australia)

For more information on when you or family members are likely to receive the free vaccination check on the Vaccine Eligibility Checker

---