The current order, which was enacted on July 23, failed to encompass aged care staff working in Queensland’s private facilities, which currently account for 90% of the state’s aged care capacity.
Under the existing order, public aged care staff who have not received both jabs by October 31 will no longer be allowed to work in their facilities. This also includes staff who can’t get vaccinated for medical reasons or a lack of available vaccines.
New data reveals that 53% of Queensland’s aged care workforce is still yet to receive their first jab, despite the existing order deadline which states that public aged care staff must have had at least one COVID-19 jab by September 16.
Aged care staff are being given priority in the state’s vaccine clinics, but aged care industry peak body, LASA, has revealed that they are working closely with the government to address sector anxiety related to what happens to staff who are unvaccinated by the deadline.
Following a range of questions regarding the current loophole in the state’s aged care vaccination legislation, Queensland Health revealed to The Courier Mail that Dr Young plans to update the order to encompass all aged care staff by September 17.
Good work Dr Young, perhaps you can apply the same standard to all Queensland Health staff, all Home Care staff, all Disability Support Staff, all Corrective Services staff, all Child Protection staff and the list goes on and on. That’s because everyone who has no way to choose who has close contact with them needs the protection of compulsory vaccination.