Health authorities have explained why the Sheoak Lodge aged care facility in Millicent has one of the nation’s lowest COVID fourth dose vaccination rates.

The 60-bed facility is attached to Millicent and District Hospital with Federal Government data showing a fourth dose uptake rate of less than 20%.

A Limestone Coast Local Health Network spokesperson said Sheoak Lodge staff work closely with residents and their families to ensure they understand the importance of COVID vaccinations and have the opportunity to receive these vaccinations.

“While vaccination for COVID is not compulsory, it is strongly encouraged and to date, 92% of our residents have had three doses of a COVID vaccine,” the spokesperson said.

“Our staff work with families to provide the health services they request, and to gain consent for any additional vaccinations.

“As well as long term residents, Sheoak Lodge cares for high numbers of respite residents who stay for short periods and therefore are not vaccinated as part of our regular vaccination program.

“We continue to work closely with residents and their families to encourage vaccination to provide the best possible protection against COVID.”

In his public comments on the low fourth COVID vaccination dose rate at Sheoak Lodge, interim Millicent Health Advisory Council presiding member Dr Kevin McGrath also said the facility had a significant number of short-term residents as this provided respite for their families over the winter months.

Dr McGrath said Sheoak Lodge staff had been emailing and phoning the families of residents to gain consent and to increase the fourth dose vaccination rate.

He said the COVID vaccinations were delivered onsite.