To protect Victorians working in high-risk settings and their patients, flu vaccination requirements for healthcare workers are set to move into line with those of New South Wales and the ACT from Friday.
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Flu vaccination became a requirement for Victorian healthcare workers in 2020 - however the implementation was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and to allow staff to focus on COVID-19 vaccinations.
Deputy Chief Health Officer Deborah Friedman said the new settings would formalise a practice that had already seen the rate of flu vaccination across health services reach 93 per cent in 2020.
"Victorian health services have had to meet staff vaccination targets set by the Department of Health since 2014," she said.
"However, these flu vaccine requirements will improve their ability to protect their staff and their patients, and reduce strain on the healthcare system.
"After two years of reduced movement and interaction, we are expecting the 2022 flu season to be more challenging.
"I encourage all Victorians to get their seasonal flu shot from their chemist or GP as soon as possible."
Healthcare staff in public and private hospitals, ambulance services and public residential aged care services will now have until August 15 each year to renew their flu vaccination.
OTHER STORIES:
Under the legislation, currently employed workers who aren't vaccinated by that date may face work restrictions or be redeployed to other parts of the health service.
Risk management strategies for unvaccinated workers include redeployment, alternative duties, or additional personal protective equipment requirements.
Termination of employment may also be considered.
Prospective healthcare workers who aren't vaccinated by the deadline won't be eligible to take up a new role in a health service.
The Health Services Amendment (Mandatory Vaccination of Healthcare Workers) Act 2020 applies to Category A and Category B healthcare workers.
They are workers who have direct physical contact with patients, clients, body substances, infectious materials or surfaces and deceased patients, and those who work in a clinical area where they may be exposed to infections spread by droplets.
Category C workers, who do not interact with patients or access patient treatment areas, will be strongly encouraged to have the flu shot.
Most health services offer a free annual employee flu vaccination program, and we encourage all healthcare workers to access those programs to protect themselves, and their patients.
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