What has changed?
On 24 December 2021, new Booster Vaccination (Restrictions on Access) Directions under the Public Health Act came into effect. All Western Australian workers covered by existing vaccine mandates are now required to have a third (booster) dose of an approved vaccine.
Who is impacted?
The existing mandates for Group 1 and Group 2 Industries and occupations, and workers required to be vaccinated to attend work in the event of a lockdown are unchanged except for the new requirement for the third (booster) vaccination.
There are medical exemptions for approved reasons – for more information visit the Services Australia website.
What is the timeframe?
The deadlines for booster vaccinations depend on the date that the affected worker received their second dose of the vaccine.
Anyone who received their second dose on or before 24 July 2021, must have their booster administered by 5 February 2022.
As of 4 January 2022, a person will become eligible for their booster vaccination 4 months from when they received their second dose and the booster must be administered within one month.
As of 31 January 2022, a person will become eligible for their booster vaccination 3 months from when they received their second dose and the booster must be administered within one month.
For example:
- If a person received their Second Dose on 7 May 2021, they would be eligible to receive a booster dose on 7 October 2021 (pre 24 December 2021) and the booster must be administered before 5 February 2022.
- If a person received their Second Dose on 7 September 2021, they would be eligible to receive a booster dose on 7 January 2022 (4 months) and the booster must be administered by 7 February 2022.
- If a person received their Second Dose on 25 November 2021, they would be eligible to receive a booster dose on 25 February 2022 (3 months) and the booster must be administered by 25 March 2022.
What does it mean for Employees?
An employee who has not provided evidence of the COVID-19 booster vaccination by the deadline must not enter or remain at their place of work. The onus is on the employees to provide their employer with the required evidence in the same way as previous evidence was provided.
What does it mean for Employers?
The employer must collect evidence of booster vaccinations in the same way as previous evidence was provided.
The employer must only roster on, or permit to work at a site, employees who meet the booster vaccination requirements or are exempt employees.
What about Medical Exemptions?
If an employee has been granted an exemption from COVID-19 vaccination for medical reasons they may be able to continue to work.
Where can workers get the booster vaccination?
West Australians can receive their third vaccine at community clinics, local GPs and pharmacies.
Visit the Roll up for WA Website for locations.
References
https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2021-12/211224-Booster-Vaccination-Restrictions-on-Access-Directions.pdf
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus/covid-19-coronavirus-mandatory-covid-19-vaccination-information
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/immunisation-medical-exemptions?context=60001
https://rollup.wa.gov.au/
Mandatory COVID-19 vaccine – WA Resources Sector FAQs
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