Tamworth COVID-19 pandemic: aged care homes prepare for vaccine rollout as local GPs find out if they will give jabs

Tamworth Masonic Village general manager Elizabeth Diebold told the Leader there is an air of "excitement" at the home, knowing the jab is on the way.

"The residents have been hearing about it for so long and now all of a sudden, it's almost here," she said.

Although the confirmation call has not yet been made, Mrs Diebold said the facility was preparing and "hoping" for the vaccine to arrive late next week.

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The aged care facility has been busy preparing for go-time, making sure consent forms are ticked off and that all residents, carers and staff have been well informed.

"We're getting ready to rock and roll, we have the space set up, the recovery area set up, we'll be ready when we get that call to say 'we'll be there tomorrow'," Mrs Diebold said.

She said it had been a tough year for older people, and there was a feeling of hope knowing the vaccine would add an "extra layer" of security.

"The residents have been so patient ... during the whole pandemic they have felt safe and secure with the interventions we have in place," she said.

"But it has been tough at times, for everyone .. I think it will be quite a relief."

All staff and residents have a choice when it comes to getting the jab, but Mrs Diebold said there had been an overwhelmingly positive response.

Aged care homes - along with frontline healthcare and quarantine workers - are the first in line for the vaccine, in the phased rollout.

Primary Health Network (PHN) executive manager John Baillie confirmed to the Leader doses of the COVID-19 vaccine would be on the way to Tamworth soon.

He said the PHN was informing GP practices about whether they would give people the jab, after about 50 expressions of interest were submitted by local surgeries.

"It indicates a willingness to support the community through what is a global pandemic," Mr Baillie said.

He said most local surgeries to put their hand up would be giving the jab, once supplies are finalised.

Doctors are expected to find out a start date within the next week.

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