The Tasmanian Government has confirmed COVID-19 vaccinations will become mandatory for aged care workers from September 17.
On Saturday the State Government said it had signed a public health direction confirming workers will not be allowed to enter an aged care premises unless sufficiently vaccinated against coronavirus.
“As has been consistently seen interstate and across the world, aged care homes are especially vulnerable to the serious impacts of COVID-19,” Premier Peter Gutwein said in a statement.
“It is imperative that we do all we can to ensure as many people, both staff and patients, are vaccinated as quickly as possible.”
Aged care workers must have received at least one dose of the vaccine and have made a booking for their second by September 17.
The direction will apply to anyone employed or engaged by a residential aged care facility, paid or unpaid, including clinical placements, those on work experience and workers providing maintenance, like gardeners or tradespeople.
Workers who are unable to access the vaccine due to medical conditions or ineligibility will be exempt from the direction.
Owners and operators of aged care facilities will be required to keep records of all vaccinated workers, as well as those who are exempt.
The move comes after state and territory leaders endorsed mandatory jabs for aged care workers at National Cabinet at the end of June.
