The Emergency Management (Healthcare Setting Workers Vaccination) (COVID-19) Direction 2021 has been created. This Direction came into effect at 5.00pm on Thursday, 7 October 2021.
From 12.01am on Monday, 1 November 2021 a person who engages in work or performs duties in a healthcare setting (public or private hospital) must have:
- Received at least one dose of a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccination,
- Received or has evidence of a booking to receive a second dose of a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine within one month of the first dose.
- Provided the operator of the health care setting with proof of their vaccination status upon request.
This direction applies to all persons engaging in work or duties at a healthcare setting including clinicians, ambulance workers, allied health workers, cleaners, administrative and executive staff and students undertaking placement, regardless of whether they work in a patient or a non-patient area.
A healthcare worker is not required to have evidence of a COVID-19 vaccination if:
- They have a medical certificate:
- from a legally qualified medical practitioner in accordance with guidelines published by ATAGI.
- The certificate specifies the nature of the exemption and the basis on which it applies; and
- They produce the certificate on request by an authorised officer.
- Or, the person is responding to a non-medical emergency or urgent maintenance task.
For more information on vaccination exemptions go to https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restrictions-and-responsibilities/travel-restrictions/essential-travellers
The information above only highlights key areas of the Direction and does not reflect all requirements. Members of the public are encouraged to see the full Direction for further information.
All existing directions, frequently asked questions and other information can be found here: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/emergency-declarations
If you require further information you can call the SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787 between the hours of 9am to 5pm 7 days per week or go to the SA Health website at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au or www.sa.gov.au/covid-19
