In winter months, respiratory illness increases in the community. Influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are common respiratory viruses that increase in winter.
These viruses, as well as other respiratory viruses, can cause severe disease, particularly in adults aged 65 and older and people with underlying medical conditions such as heart and lung conditions.
Residential care facilities can protect residents and staff by preparing for the winter season. Vaccinations are the best way to protect residents and staff. Facilities should also ensure that outbreak management plans are up to date and that they have timely access to antiviral medications. Winter preparedness messages can also be shared with residents’ GPs and families.
Vaccinations are the best way to protect residents and staff against respiratory viruses and their complications. COVID-19, influenza and RSV reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and death from these infections.
Protection offered by COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations wanes over time, meaning that regular vaccinations are needed to maintain protection. Residential aged care facilities are responsible for ensuring residents have access to the recommended vaccinations as soon as they are eligible. Staff should also be encouraged to keep up to date with vaccines.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines are available on the private market for older adults and those at risk of severe disease. Currently a single dose of vaccine is recommended.
Vaccines are usually administered in residential care facilities by primary care providers such as general practitioners and pharmacists. Facilities should contact their usual vaccination provider to arrange vaccinations.
COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines can be administered at the same time. All vaccines need to be reported to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
| Vaccine | Recommendation |
| COVID-19 |
|
| Influenza
|
|
| RSV (available for private purchase) |
|
We also recommend facilities and clinicians review vaccine recommendations for other diseases including pneumococcal disease and pertussis (whooping cough).
Further information is available at:
Australian Immunisation Handbook – COVID-19
Australian Immunisation Handbook – Influenza
COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are common respiratory illnesses that can cause illness and lead to respiratory outbreaks in residential care facilities. Outbreaks can also be caused by other respiratory pathogens.
Residential care facilities should put in place measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory illnesses entering the facility.
Facilities should ensure their outbreak management plans are up to date and locally tailored, and that all staff are familiar with outbreak management plans, including infection prevention and control practices.
Outbreak preparedness activities include:
- Optimising resident and staff vaccination levels (see above)
- Workforce planning
- Ensuring adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), test kits, hand hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and waste disposal supplies
- Planning for timely access to antiviral treatment and prophylaxis (see below)
- Developing air quality and ventilation strategies
- Updating communications plans for residents, staff and families
- Providing ongoing staff education and training on infection prevention and control
- Updating outbreak management plans
Guidelines for managing respiratory outbreaks, including outbreak prevention and preparedness, are available from the Victorian Department of Health:
Management of acute respiratory infection outbreaks in residential care facilities
Further guidance is available about infection prevention and control (IPC) measures required to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines | health.vic.gov.au
To notify a respiratory outbreak or discuss a concern regarding a possible respiratory outbreak, please contact BSWPHU via (03) 4215 3531 or email [email protected]. For urgent after hours advice, you can contact BSWPHU through the Department of Health’s 24 hour hotline on 1300 651 160.
The below resources for residential care facilities can be found on the Department of Health website: Acute respiratory infection management in residential care facilities | health.vic.gov.au
- Outbreak management checklist
- GP letter – outbreak in facility
- Signage – droplet precautions sign for resident rooms
- Signage – airborne and contact precautions for resident rooms
- Hand hygiene posters
Instructions for collecting nose and throat swabs
Oral antiviral treatments are available for COVID-19 and influenza to reduce the risk of severe disease and reduce transmission.
Treatments are most effective if started early.
Residential care facilities should have pathways in place to ensure residents have rapid access to medication, when indicated, for COVID-19 (early therapy only) or influenza (prophylaxis or early therapy).
A treatment plan can be developed in advance for residents by their clinicians, so that they can quickly access the best available treatments should they become unwell.
Oral medications for COVID-19 and influenza are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Further information is available at:
Medications for patients with COVID-19 | health.vic.gov.au
The Department of Health have developed a resource for general practitioners (GPs) who support residential care facilities during respiratory virus season. It outlines information about vaccinations, antiviral medications and provides links to clinical guidelines and resources.
We recommend that you share this resource with GPs that provide care to your residents.
A fact sheet is available on the Department of Health website that can be provided to families and visitors. It contains information on how they can protect loved ones in residential care this winter.
We recommend sharing this fact sheet with your residents’ families and carers.
The Department of Health’s Victorian respiratory surveillance report is a fortnightly online report released on Fridays. It summarises the current local situation of COVID-19, influenza and RSV.