The Department of Health has issued a warning to providers that they must make sure all residential aged care staff, GPs, visitors and volunteers have been vaccinated against the flu for the 2020 season by 1 May – or face penalties including fines.
“Residential aged care providers should work to have all staff vaccinated prior to 1 May 2020,” the letter states. “If staff are not able to be vaccinated before 1 May 2020, then in line with the state and territory directions, staff should seek to have an up-to-date vaccination against influenza, as soon as such a vaccination is available to them.”
These requirements do vary from state to state – both Tasmania and New South Wales allow some exemptions.
But the Department emphasises that it is the provider’s responsibility to ensure people are vaccinated – and that could include demanding proof of immunisation.
“Appropriate evidence may be a statement or record from a health practitioner; or an immunisation history statement available from Medicare online or the Express Plus Medicare mobile app. Approved providers may also consider maintaining records to support effective administration and to substantiate their compliance with this requirement.”
“State and territory law enforcement agencies will enforce these directions. Persons who fail to comply with any of the directions could face penalties including fines for individuals and for bodies corporate.”
You can find the directions for each state and territory below:
