Hi, my name is Alison McMillan and I am the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer of the Commonwealth and welcome to the top 3 this morning. My greetings this morning to the healthcare workers and the staff who work in our COVID test clinics. It’s really important if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, despite our amazing vaccination rates, that you get tested. The health care workers and staff at these clinics are there for you and the good of the community. Also to protect your friends and family, of course. So today I thank you for the great job you have done during this pandemic. I have a couple of questions today and we’re going to cover each of them individually.

The first is a great question, of course. If I am traveling during the holiday season, what should I consider in order to stay COVIDSafe? I find it really exciting that we all know we can travel more now. This will help us catch up with family and friends and a change of scenery, I think this will be great for all of us. It is really important that we continue to be COVIDSafe and do the things we have been doing for over 18 months. Keep practicing good hand hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. If you do use hand sanitizer, keep in mind that you will need to use it on both sides of your hands and rub it in for 20 seconds until it is dry. Keep practicing social distancing, so stay 1.5 meters if possible. Especially in the public sector in local public transport. There may be some places you are where a mask is still required in certain places. Even if it’s not mandatory, it’s okay to wear a mask in crowded places. Use this mask properly and appropriately. Keeping a mask on if it makes you feel more comfortable is not a problem. Again, to remind you that if you have any cold or flu symptoms at all, it is really important that you get tested as soon as possible. Through these numerous testing clinics available across the country and stay at home until you get your result. When traveling, it is very important to research the requirements of the place you are going to travel to. So that you know what the rules are. When traveling abroad, there may be special requirements regarding pre-departure tests or certain restrictions or requirements upon arrival. So take the time to make sure what you need to do and have a good vacation.

The second question is when do I have to prove that I have received two doses that I have been vaccinated against COVID-19? It really depends on which Australia you are in, when and how you need to prove your vaccination status. The states and territories have very clear instructions about the requirements on their websites. Most of them have a phone number that you can also call so they can inform you of the requirements of your travel destination. Remember, vaccination protects you from the possibility of serious illness, hospitalization, and protects others as well. You can check your vaccination record in your Medicare account. Via the Express Plus Medicare app or myGov. You need to link your myGov account to Medicare. You can also save a digital certificate in Apple Wallet or Google Pay. You can find which suits you or your digital certificate in my My Health Record. There are ways to prove your vaccination status even if you don’t have a Medicare card. If this all sounds too complicated, head over to Services Australia for step-by-step information in multiple languages. It will help you orientate yourself on how to get your vaccination status certificate and proof of your vaccination status. The important thing is that when fully vaccinated, there are two doses of an Australian approved vaccine, two doses.

Third question, what should I ask my GP if I’m not sure if I need a refresher? If you have any concerns about a booster vaccination, speak to a doctor, general practitioner or pharmacist about your concerns and when and whether you are eligible for your booster vaccination now. A booster dose will be given six months after your second dose and will help keep you protected from COVID-19. It strengthens your immune system and contributes to the longevity of this protection. You are entitled to a COVID-19 booster if you are 18 years of age or older or, as I say, more than six months have passed since your second dose of your vaccine. The booster dose may be a different brand of vaccine than your first two doses, and that’s fine. This is now approved for the booster program and it is very safe. As with the COVID-19 vaccines before, the booster is free for everyone and, as I said, six months after your second dose. Receiving it will ensure that people have permanent protection from COVID-19 that will provide longer lasting protection and prevent the virus from spreading.

Thank you for your time today and I hope you have found this information helpful.

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