QLD Police Commissioner announces fourth Covid jab mandate for officers over 50

A new mandate has been announced directing some Queensland police officers to receive their fourth Covid-19 vaccination or face losing their job, while others have been strongly encouraged to do the same.

Queensland police officers aged over 50 are now required to receive a fourth Covid jab or face losing their job, under a new direction made by Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll.

The mandate announced on Friday follows two previous vaccine orders announced by the Commissioner last September and December which required all police and staff to comply with current ATAGI advice.

It means all Queensland Police Service (QPS) members aged over 50 must get a second booster shot, while those aged over 30 have been strongly encouraged to book in their fourth jab.

“The QPS mandated vaccinations for the entire workforce following a Commissioner’s Direction being issued in September, 2021,” QPS said in a statement.

Queensland Police Sergeant Matt McQuaid receives the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

“A subsequent direction issued in December 2021 requires all police and staff to comply with vaccine booster requirements in line with ATAGI advice.

“Under this standing direction, all members aged 50 years and over must receive their fourth Covid-19 vaccination. It is also encouraged that members over 30 years of age receive the booster vaccine.”

QPS says the mandate was made to protect officers who are more exposed to the virus due to the “dynamic nature” of the frontline service.
“The QPS is committed to creating safe workplaces and prioritising the health and safety of our employees and their families,” the statement said.

“As a frontline service agency, our employees are more exposed to the risk of Covid-19 than most other occupations.

“The dynamic nature of policing means frontline officers interact with large volumes of people and move around to all corners of the state and it is important to ensure our staff are vaccinated against serious illness associated with Covid-19.”

Queensland firefighters are still not required to receive any Covid vaccine.

Originally published as QLD Police Commissioner announces fourth Covid jab mandate for officers over 50