COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccinations

In reply to the Hon. S.L. GAME ().28 June 2023).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Health and Wellbeing has been advised:

SA Health has a comprehensive vaccination policy that covers the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines to ensure we meet our obligations from an occupational health and safety perspective and ensuring there is an evidence-based policy to protect both staff and patients.

This policy has been in place since November 2022, following on from emergency declaration vaccination requirements in place since October 2021.

COVID-19 vaccinations are safe, effective and offer the best possible protection against serious illness from COVID-19.

SA Health staff who have not complied with emergency declaration requirements or the policy are managed in accordance with those SA Health policies, including redeployment where appropriate or terminated following robust disciplinary processes.

A total of 235 permanent SA Health employees have been terminated since October 2021 due to noncompliance with the mandatory vaccination requirements.

The Honourable President Justice Dolphin ruled the addressing vaccine preventable disease: occupational assessment, screening, and vaccination policy was a lawful and reasonable direction.