8 April 2021

Hi everyone

The Australian Government’s phased national COVID-19 vaccination rollout strategy is now underway.

Australia’s COVID-19 vaccines will be available to specific groups of people prioritised according to those in most need of protection first, identified based on expert medical data and evidence.

All CFA members (all volunteers, PTA staff, executive and those seconded to CFA from FRV) are included as part of phase 1B as critical emergency service workers/volunteers. Those who wish to receive the vaccine now have the opportunity through the Victorian Department of Health.

The COVID-19 vaccine is not compulsory for members of CFA or FRV staff seconded to CFA – we recognise and respect that it is each members’ personal choice as to whether they receive the vaccine.  

CFA will also not have access to any information about who has or hasn’t received the vaccine.

Priority for vaccine rollout

There is significant demand for COVID-19 vaccines, and this means initial available doses must be allocated to priority groups at greatest risk of COVID-19 infection and serious illness.

Members who wish to receive the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to access the vaccine in the following priority order to ensure those most at risk of exposure to COVID-19 have the opportunity to be vaccinated as part of the 1B rollout.

While the priority order will not be enforced, brigades and workplaces are encouraged to speak to their members and use it as a guide to ensure those most at risk access the vaccine first.

Tier 1

• EMR (Emergency Medical Response) and RAR (Road Accident Rescue) trained volunteers

Tier 2

• All operational volunteers from Class 4 and 5 brigades (brigades with higher turnouts and located in higher density areas)
• All Level 3 endorsed IMT personnel
• Roles critical to business continuity

Tier 3

• All remaining operational volunteers
• All non-operational volunteers
• All remaining staff

How to access the vaccine

There are three ways to access the COVID-19 vaccine.

1.      Making an appointment through the Department of Health

The Victorian Department of Health has established two high-volume vaccination centres for workers (including all CFA members) currently eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccination.

The two sites are located at:

• Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006. 8:30 am – 4 pm, 7 days Monday – Sunday
• Royal Exhibition Building 9 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053. 8:30 am – 4 pm, 6 days Monday – Saturday

Members can book their vaccination by calling the vaccine booking hotline on 1800 675 398 (dial 3, 2, 2).

2.     Booking an appointment through your GP

Members who live in areas where 1B vaccines are being offered through their local GP or a regional health hub can book their appointment independently if they wish.

3.    Ad-hoc availability through regional opportunities

As has been the case during the 1A vaccine rollout, there may be opportunity for volunteer members to access the vaccine independently through regional health hubs on a first-come-first-served basis if supplies allow.

The Department of Health’s Regional Health Units have been provided with a direct point of contact for each CFA region, and members will be advised accordingly when the vaccines become available locally.

For all vaccination appointment options, members will need to take photo ID (e.g. drivers licence or passport), their Medicare card and CFA ID.

Members who don’t have a CFA ID can complete the vaccination eligibility declaration form, available to download and print from the Australian Government Department of Health website.

It’s important to note:

• Any members who are unable to access the vaccine as part of phase 1B will have a further opportunity as part of the 2A and 2B rollout and beyond.
• Two doses are required of both vaccines being administered in Australia: Pfizer (three weeks apart) and AstraZeneca (4-12 weeks apart).
• You should allow a 14-day interval between receiving the influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of the type of COVID-19 vaccine you receive.
• Members should follow the direction of their health care provider following their vaccination and present to their GP or emergency department if they experience serious side effects.
• You should collect and store your vaccination information – vaccination certificates won’t be stored by CFA.
• CFA does not need to be informed if you have received the vaccination or not.

Brigade operational and staffing considerations

There is potential for people to experience side effects including mild cold symptoms after receiving the vaccine. 

Brigades and teams should consider the impact on their operational and business capacity, ensuring multiple members aren’t vaccinated at the same time and/or ensuring coverage for vaccinated members in case they experience any side effects.

Please contact your District ACFO for further advice on operational response considerations and prioritising access

Why get vaccinated?

Getting vaccinated is one of the many steps you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, and it is a critical step in Australia’s fight against COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, free, and have so far been administered to tens of millions of people globally. Protection from COVID-19 is critical because, for some people, it can cause severe illness or death.

We encourage you to contact your doctor for specific medical advice about your personal circumstances and whether receiving the COVID-19 vaccination is right for you.

More information on the COVID-19 vaccine and the benefits of being vaccinated is available from the Department of Health website. 

We continue to work with EMV and our emergency services partners on the phase 1B rollout and we will provide you with further information as it is confirmed.

Maintaining a commitment to our health

Whilst the Coronavirus risk in Victoria remains low at present, it’s vital we remain vigilant as a courtesy and commitment to each other’s health and wellbeing.

This includes following guidance in relation to physical distancing, personal hygiene and density limits.

If you are experiencing any cold or flu like symptoms or new gastrointestinal illness, you must not attend your CFA work location or station.

You are encouraged to get a COVID-19 test in line with Victorian Government health guidelines and isolate until you receive a negative result. Even if your test comes back negative, you should wait until all of your symptoms have cleared before returning to your office or brigade.

Let’s work together to keep each other and our communities safe.

For information on CFA’s response to Coronavirus including guidance and previous updates visit Members Online.

Stay safe

Pandemic Management Team

This email is sent directly to addresses registered with CFA. CFA members can update their contact details via Brigades Online, by phoning FIRS on 1800 62 88 44, or by emailing rmsadmin@cfa.vic.gov.au

You can unsubscribe / manage your subscriptions or unsubscribe from all CFA emails (except critical safety updates) below.