Vaccination

COVID-19

As of 10 February 2022, you must have received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine or have a valid medical exemption from an authorised medical practitioner by 12 March 2022 to be able to work in a healthcare setting.

This was an extension of the initial 12 February 2022 deadline.

View current Government guidance on worker vaccination requirements, including for healthcare workers.

Influenza

As of 8 April 2022, you must receive or have received an influenza vaccine or have a valid medical exemption from an authorised medical practitioner by 15 August 2022 to be able to work in a healthcare setting. After 15 August 2022, healthcare workers will be required to receive an annual influenza vaccination.

This mandate has been in effect since 25 March 2020, in accordance with the Health Services (Mandatory Vaccination of Healthcare Workers) Act 2020.

This requirement applies to healthcare workers in the following locations:

• Public health services
• Public, denominational, and private hospitals
• Day centres
• Ambulance services
• Patient transport services engaged or contracted by a health service or by Ambulance Victoria
• Residential aged care services operated by public health services

The influenza vaccination is required for healthcare workers whose role requires direct physical contact with patients/clients, deceased persons or body parts, body substances, blood, infectious material, surfaces, any equipment that may contain any of these, or whose role requires them to work in a clinical area where they may be exposed to infection spread via droplets.

The influenza vaccination requirements are outlined on the Department of Health page regarding vaccination for healthcare workers.