14th July 2022 

Update #168 - It's time for your COVID 19 booster and flu injection. Now. 

Good morning team PGMG

Have you had your COVID19 booster dose yet?

If not, please consider doing so as soon as possible. Read more here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated/boosters

Don’t have time to get it? Yes you do!

• We will help you with time if you need it!*
• We will provide you with up to 3 hours (total) of additional special personal leave, (on top of what you have accrued) to have either or both of your COVID19 booster or 2022 flu vaccination during the period from today, 13 July 2022 through 5pm on 31 July 2022.
• To claim the additional time, you must provide supporting evidence by uploading into TNA your flu and/or your covid vaccination certificate (as appropriate). Date of injection must be clear.
• Don’t delay. Speak to your Manager today about what is involved and to arrange a suitable time to go and have your booster and/or flu injection today.

* This is available only to full time and permanent part time staff and contract apprentices placed at PGMG.

Why do I need a COVID 19 booster?

• COVID is still circulating amongst us. The threat remains real and has not passed.
• The Federal Health Minister says that it is “likely over the coming weeks that millions of Australians will catch COVID 19”. The PM and Federal Health Minister are urging all Australian who are eligible for their third or fourth COVID19 vaccination dose not to hesitate. [Read the article here: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/government-rules-out-extending-free-rat-scheme-pm-says-stock-up-before-it-ends/news-story/1b58271f89e2e09b3f05435dd9d90692
• Cases in NSW, including serious cases requiring hospitalization are on the rise. See data from https://covidlive.com.au/nsw. 113 people have died from COVID 19 in NSW in the past week.
• If you contract COVID19 you are legally required to self-isolate for 7 days. How will this affect you and your family? Do you have accrued leave to access? Could you access government support? You can access information and assess your eligibility for government assistance here: https://disasterassistance.service.nsw.gov.au/covid Or find out more information on the pandemic leave disaster payment here
• We each need to take responsibility for protecting ourselves and our family, friends and colleagues. If you feel unwell, please do a RAT test before you come to work. If you are at work and feel unwell, ask your Manager for a RAT test. We have stock and will supply you with one.

Make a plan and set a date for your booster dose today;

• Just walk into Blacktown Hospital vaccination clinic, open 8am-6pm daily or book here: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-vaccine-clinic-finder
• The Granville Centre WSLHD Vaccination Clinic is providing first, second, third and booster COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible people, 2 days a week. Check here for opening dates and times. https://www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19-Vaccination/covid-19-vaccination
• Check out these other places where you can book your booster appointment;
  • NSW Health Vaccination portal here:  https://nswhvam.health.nsw.gov.au/vam?vaccine_center=3077594P
  • NSW Health clinic details, including “walk in” clinics here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated/nsw-health-vaccination-clinics#toc-sydney-clinics
  • Local clinics using this link: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/
  • Priceline Pharmacy network here: https://www.priceline.com.au/pharmacy-services/vaccines/covid-19-vaccination
  • Terry White Pharmacy network here: https://terrywhitechemmart.com.au/health-services/covid-19-vaccination
  • Other local pharmacies here: https://www.findapharmacy.com.au/our-services/vaccination-services-covid-19

What about the flu vaccine?

• If you have not done so, please consider getting a flu vaccine. NSW Health advises that the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given together, at the same time.
• Flu shots are available free of charge until 17 July 2022. Don’t miss out. Get more information here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/Influenza/Pages/default.aspx Or contact your local GP or pharmacy.

Any questions or need to let us know?

• If you, or someone in your household, are diagnosed with COVID 19, please contact one of us, by phone, straight away. Do not come on site. We will do our best to help and support you and work to protect your colleagues.
• For any questions, or if you need help, please feel free to reach out. Our contact details are below or email hr@philgilbert.com.au