Flinders University consults staff, students on mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations

Flinders is set to become the first uni in SA to demand staff get vaccinated, as its boss reveals the rules for students may also toughen.

Flinders has become the first university in South Australia to move toward mandatory vaccination, telling staff the rule is likely to apply on campus from January.

“I am seriously considering the possibility of requiring staff to be double vaccinated,” vice-chancellor Colin Stirling said in a notice to all staff on Thursday.

Professor Stirling recognised some staff were opposed to vaccinations but said they should “understand that the university has a duty of care towards all employees, including legal obligations to protect their health and safety at work”.

A mandatory rule for students also is being considered.

Flinders University vice-chancellor Colin Stirling. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Last month, the state government announced that all workers at schools and early childhood settings must be vaccinated or have jabs booked by December 10 if they wanted to keep their jobs. However, the government did not include universities or TAFE.

A Flinders survey has found 96 per cent of staff are or will be fully vaccinated, 2 per cent preferred not to divulge their status and 2 per cent opposed to being vaccinated.

“This demonstrates widespread recognition of the safety, efficacy and importance of vaccination and puts us well ahead of the general population,” Prof Stirling said.

“I am personally delighted that so many of you have taken positive action to protect yourselves, your families and your community from this deadly virus.”

The university invited comments on the proposal, which would include medical exemptions where applicable.

Prof Stirling said comments would be considered before a final decision was made.

He stopped short of saying jobs would be at risk but said he hoped a ruling would encourage the few hesitant staff to be vaccinated.

“In the event that a vaccine mandate is introduced then it will be done in the expectation that all staff would make themselves available for work by getting vaccinated,” he said.

Flinders staff are entitled to two extra days’ leave this Christmas break if fully vaccinated.

The reopening of South Australia’s borders meant there would be community transmission with risks to the unvaccinated to grow, Prof Stirling said.

A spokeswoman for UniSA said the situation was being monitored.

“UniSA has been strongly encouraging vaccination within the institution to the point where our recent poll on the subject indicated that 94 per cent of our staff are, or intend to be, fully vaccinated,” she said.

Adelaide University estimates well in excess of 90 per cent of its staff and students are fully vaccinated.

“We will continue to strongly advocate for the benefits of vaccination for the entire community,” Adelaide vice-chancellor Peter Hoj said.

“We recommend people act as if vaccination were already mandatory, to give themselves, their loved ones and the community the best possible protection.”