Based on the latest health advice, Western Australian workers who come under an existing vaccine mandate will now be required to have a third dose as part of the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy.
The third dose will be mandatory for all eligible workers in industries covered by a vaccine mandate through various Public Health Act (2016) Directions.
All employees mandated to be vaccinated for work purposes under the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy must receive a third dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine within one month of becoming eligible.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is set to make a decision on timeframes in coming days, currently it is five months between the second and third dose.
Information about industries covered by the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy is available here: https://www.wa.gov.au
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the Comirnaty (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna) vaccines as the COVID-19 booster (third) doses.
Western Australians can receive their third vaccine at State-run clinics without the need to book an appointment however people with an appointment will be prioritised.
Dates and opening hours vary depending on people’s preferred location and people are urged to visit https://www.rollupforwa.com.au to find out where they can get vaccinated as soon as possible.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“The emergence of Omicron throughout the world and on the east coast is extremely concerning – case numbers are sky-rocketing as are the number of people in hospital.
“Vaccination is our best defence against this variant of concern as we prepare to ease border controls on February 5.
“The latest health advice mandates that workers covered by the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy receive a third dose within one month of becoming eligible.
“Everyone is strongly urged to receive their third dose, when eligible, even if not covered by this policy.
“The approved vaccines for a third dose are safe and effective at reducing the effects of the Omicron variant.
“The latest research shows that a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine has the potential to raise your protection against Omicron to more than 86 per cent against symptomatic disease and more than 98 per cent against severe infection.”
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“To better protect your health, your family and your community – please get your third COVID-19 vaccination as soon as you become eligible.
“Don’t delay – do it now. This will help give you the best protection when borders ease on 5 February and COVID-19 inevitably spreads through the community.
“Western Australians have done so well together throughout the pandemic to follow the health advice and keep each other safe – we must continue to keep this up.”
Premier’s office – 6552 5000
