The Victorian Government has announced mandatory vaccination requirements for healthcare workers.
The directives advise that from 15 October 2021, in order to work in a healthcare setting, you must be able to provide evidence to your employer that you:
- are fully vaccinated with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, or
- haven’t received any doses but have a booking to receive your first dose by 29 October 2021, or
- have a medical exemption evidenced by an authorised medical practitioner
The Directions state that from 15 October 2021, operators of healthcare facilities must take all reasonable steps to prevent unvaccinated healthcare workers from working in their facility.
This means workers, contractors, students and anyone else working at facilities such as hospitals, community health centres, general practices, dental practices, day procedure centres, specialist and allied health clinics and pharmacies must be fully vaccinated by 15 October 2021.
If healthcare workers are not currently vaccinated they must have a booking to receive their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine by 29 October 2021. Healthcare workers must receive a second dose of vaccine by 15 December 2021.
Healthcare facility operators must also collect, record and hold vaccination information of healthcare workers scheduled to work at a healthcare facility on or after 15 October 2021 and provide that information to an Authorised Officer if requested.
For further information, please refer to the Directions issued by Victoria’s Chief Health Officer.
RWAV will continue to keep you informed and updated, however, as Government advice is subject to constant change, please refer to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria and the Directions issued by Victoria’s Chief Health Officer for up-to-date information.
Trevor Carr
RWAV Chief Executive Officer
