This week at the employee forum, Professor Rhonda Stuart addressed some of your frequently asked questions concerning the COVID-19 vaccination.
In her presentation, Professor Stuart provided some valuable insight into the benefits of the vaccine and evidence of vaccination efficacy.
What are the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccination?
Professor Stuart explained the many benefits of the COVID-19 vaccination and the importance of getting vaccinated to protect yourself, your loved ones and the communities that we care for. There are six main benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine. They include:
- Decreases the acquisition of COVID-19
- Decreases the transmission of COVID-19
- Decreases long COVID and the associated ongoing symptoms
- Decreases hospitalisations from COVID-19
- Decreases death from COVID-19
- There are fewer adverse events from the vaccine than they are from contracting COVID-19
How effective are the COVID-19 vaccinations?
Professor Stuart reiterated that all COVID-19 vaccinations offer high protection against COVID-19 and outlined their level of effectiveness in doing so:
- More than 97% effective against COVID-19 related deaths
- More than 95% effective against hospitalisation from COVID-19
- More than 70% effective against infection from any strain of COVID-19
Are there any studies to show the effectiveness of vaccines in healthcare workers?
Professor Stuart presented the findings of a study undertaken of healthcare workers in Texas. In the study, 8,000 healthcare workers were vaccinated and only 4 employees acquired COVID-19 in the community or whilst working and presented very mild symptoms.
Are COVID-19 vaccinations supported by faith and religious leaders?
Professor Stuart confirmed that COVID-19 vaccination is supported by a range of faiths and religious leaders globally. The vaccines are Halal and do not contain any human or animal tissue or cells derived from human or animal tissue. For more information, you can view the statement from the Australian Fatwa Council.
Are COVID-19 vaccinations safe for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
For women planning pregnancy, Professor Stuart shared that there is no evidence of pregnancy complications and COVID-19 vaccines have no effect on fertility.
For women who are breastfeeding, Professor Stuart reiterated that it is safe to continue breastfeeding before and after the COVID-19 vaccination. There is no evidence of any side effects and the antibodies that the mother develops will protect the baby as well, through the delivery of breast milk.
For women who are pregnant, Professor Stuart shared that the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZOG) and ATAGI released a joint statement recommending that pregnant women be routinely offered the Pfizer vaccine at any stage of pregnancy. There are no safety concerns for the women or the baby.
For more information, you can download Professor Stuart’s presentation slides.
You can also watch Professor Stuart’s full presentation below, following the introduction from Chief Executive Andrew Stripp.
Approved by Professor Rhonda Stuart.