Doctor accused of dodgy jab exemptions fails in a bid to have medical registration reinstated

A doctor who allegedly provided dodgy Covid jab exemptions has hit a snag in her bid to have her medical registration reinstated.

A doctor who allegedly provided illegitimate Covid vaccination exemptions and warned patients against having the jab has failed in a bid to have her medical registration reinstated.

Dr Valerie Peers’ medical registration was suspended in October after health authorities were tipped off about large queues forming outside the Millers Road Clinic amid claims she was providing Covid vaccination exemptions without clinical reason.

Although the Medical Board of Australia is still investigating the allegations, the claims were deemed to present such a risk to the community that it immediately suspended Dr Peers’ practice pending its findings.

On Monday the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal upheld the medical boards’ concerns, rejecting an application by Dr Valerie Peers for a stay on the suspension of her medical registration while the investigation continues.

During the course of the VCAT hearing it was also revealed the health watchdog had received numerous notifications that Dr Peers has been advising patients not to get vaccinated.

While the watchdog could not comment on Dr Peers’ case specifically, an Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency spokesman said vaccination remained a crucial part of the public health response to the Covid pandemic.

“We expect all registered health practitioners to support the national vaccination program,” the AHPRA spokesman said.

“Health advice which contradicts the best-available scientific evidence is not supported by National Boards may be in breach of the codes of conduct and subject to investigation and possible regulatory action.”

As revealed by the Sunday Herald Sun in October, senior health figures became concerned about the Millers Road Clinic when the number of patients became so great there was a line outside the building, following a social media post that claimed a doctor was providing Covid vaccination exemptions.

The VCAT decision means that Dr Peers remain suspended until a formal appeal against the medical board’s suspension is determined by the Tribunal at a later date.

Calls to Dr Peers’ clinic on Wednesday went to a recorded message stating that the surgery was closed and unlikely to open before the end of January.

Dr Peers did not return requests to comment about her suspension or Monday’s VCAT decision.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said Australia’s practitioners have done an amazing job delivering almost 24 million vaccines and he could not comment on individual cases.