SA aged-care staff must be vaccinated against coronavirus by September

Aged-care staff in South Australia must have at least one vaccination dose by next month under new directions signed on Tuesday afternoon.

A date has been set whereby all aged-care staff and volunteers in South Australia must be vaccinated against Covid-19.

State emergency co-ordinator, and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens signed directions just before 5pm Tuesday, requiring the industry workers to have a minimum first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination by September 17.

The requirements are in-line with Federal Government mandated rules, which outline all residential aged care workers must have received a minimum first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine the same date.

The new directions emerged after the Human Services Department clinic for disability and aged-care workers sparked a frenzy when it mistakenly offered Pfizer vaccines to anyone under 40.

The Highgate Park Clinic, a dedicated vaccination hub for disability and aged care workers, was inundated with calls earlier this week after they opened Pfizer bookings to anyone aged 18 and over.

Highgate Park Clinic. Picture Dean Martin

A Department of Human Services spokeswoman said an error on Monday allowed anyone over 18 to make a booking for Pfizer dose for a few hours.

“All bookings made for this week will be honoured, including those … requiring a second dose,” she said.

An SA Health statement said dedicated vaccination clinics had been set up to provide Pfizer vaccinations to disability and aged-care staff regardless of age.

“Anyone with a booking should provide evidence of their employment by way of pay slip, work identification, or a letter from their employer,” the statement said.

Premier Steven Marshall blamed human error for the blunder, while chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier said she was “stoked” young people were so keen for a jab.

Australian Services Union state secretary Abbie Spencer said mixed federal government messaging on the AstraZeneca jab had resulted in vaccine hesitancy among some staff. “(And) despite SA Health announcing all disability workers can now access Pfizer, regardless of age, members are telling us that simply isn’t true. (Those) over 60 are finding it impossible to (get Pfizer).” But SA Health reinforced age was not a factor.

Earlier this month Mr Stevens signed off on directions requiring all workers in red zones – including some hospital wards, airports and medi-hotels – to have their first vaccination by August 4, or they would not be eligible to work in the red zone.