Queensland has decided to discontinue the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers by the conclusion of this month. The move follows advice from Acting Chief Health Officer Dr. Catherine McDougall, who indicated that the mandate, implemented in 2021, was no longer deemed necessary.
Highlighting the proactive measures taken by the Queensland government to ensure public safety throughout the pandemic, Health Minister Shannon Fentiman stated that the state was transitioning towards a state of normalcy after the COVID-19 crisis. The approach to COVID-19 vaccination will align more closely with the current framework for influenza, where vaccination is not mandated but strongly recommended.
Although mandatory vaccination against diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella will persist for healthcare workers, the change reflects the increasing vaccination rates and community immunity achieved in the region. Queensland Health Director General Michael Walsh mentioned that the anticipated timeline for the mandate's removal is September 25, following a mandatory consultation period.
Walsh further extended a welcoming gesture to healthcare workers who were previously dismissed or had resigned due to vaccine requirements. They will be encouraged to reapply for positions within Queensland Health beginning at the specified time.
Since the introduction of the mandate, approximately 1200 individuals have been dismissed from Queensland Health due to non-compliance. Additionally, as of today, health workers testing positive for COVID-19 will face a reduced work exclusion period, decreasing from seven days to five days. This begins to ignite questions. Why does the government keep changing these covid-19 regulations. Do the workers dismissed get compensated for their losses?
