The State Government is poised to drop COVID-19 vaccine mandates for New South Wales Health staff.
It is understood NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant is supportive of the move.
NSW Health made the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory once it was available, sparking debate and resulting in some leaving their jobs.
Chant said before any changes are made, there will be consultation with staff, health unions, and local health districts.
“COVID-19 vaccination continues to provide strong protection against severe illness, particularly for people at higher risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions,” Chant said.
“While the latest evidence shows most people have now developed protection from serious disease due to vaccination and/or previous infection, COVID-19 remains a serious public health issue.”
Under the current work health and safety framework for infectious disease screening and vaccination, NSW Health workers are required to have had at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine unless they have a medical contraindication.
Health Minister Ryan Park told Radio 2GB that it was the right time to consult with the relevant stakeholders.
“We think it’s timely to do this,” he said.
“We know that COVID is still around but we’ve got to get back on with life.
“That means running a health service and that means looking at the measures we put in place during that period and whether they still apply.”
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
