Queensland to axe Covid-19 vaccine mandates for healthcare workers

Queensland is expected to scrap a major Covid-19 vaccine mandate that has affected thousands – but there’s likely to be catch.

Queensland to axe Covid-19 vaccine mandates for healthcare workers (Photo by RINGO CHIU / AFP)

Thousands of health staff in Queensland could head back to work with the state government expected to announce Covid-19 vaccine mandates in the healthcare sector will be scrapped.

But it might not be plain sailing for health workers who refused to get vaccinated – Queensland Health could still take disciplinary action against them.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman is set to announce the vax U-turn on Friday, two years after the rules were brought in during the pandemic.

Queensland is set to axe vaccine mandates for healthcare workers. (Photo by RINGO CHIU / AFP)

Queensland’s chief health officer has advised the state government that requirements to have Covid-19 vaccines are no longer needed for staff of Queensland Health and Queensland Ambulance, reported the Courier Mail.

The move followed a consultation with staff, unions, patient groups and others.

With high vaccination rates in the community, those who haven’t had a jab now pose less of a health risk to others.

Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman will announce the change on Friday. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The Queensland Nurses Union has said as many as 3000 nurses are currently unable to come into work.

The directive was issued in September 2021 and required all healthcare staff working with patients in the state to be vaccinated.

Queensland’s acting chief health officer Dr Catherine McDougall said when the mandate was introduced Queensland was vulnerable to the effects of Covid-19.

“Vaccination rates were low, the community was experiencing repeated Covid-19 waves and transmission rates were high,” she was quoted as saying in the Courier Mail.

However, the time had come for a change.

“As with any decision I make, it is backed by the latest scientific evidence and health advice,” she said.

Queensland Ambulance staff who have not been vaccinated will also be allowed to return to work. Picture: Cameron Bates.

Catch

But according to Channel 9, even though the ban may soon be lifted, Queensland Health may start disciplinary action against the vaccine holdouts.

It’s not clear if that could hamper their return to work.

Nurses Professional Association Queensland Secretary Ella Leach said some nurses were working as cleaners because they were banned from healthcare settings.

“Their absence from the workplace poses a threat to patients every day and the persistent staffing shortage will end up with more blood on Queensland Health’s hands,” she said.