Covid vaccine policy affecting thousands finally scrapped

There’s a change coming to vaccine rules which have been in place for nearly three years.

COVID-19 vaccination rules for NSW Health staff could be changed.

Rules mandating Covid-19 vaccinations for health staff in NSW are set to be scrapped this week, after almost three years and a series of failed challenges in court.

Health officials and workers have in recent weeks been in negotiations to amend the policy, which has remained in place since August 2021.

NSW Health revealed in early 2022 that 995 staff members had either resigned or been sacked due to the policy introduced during the Delta wave in 2021.

In March, NSW Health said it was reviewing the rules which required workers to have at least two doses of a vaccine unless they had a “medical contraindication”.

COVID-19 vaccination rules for NSW Health staff could be changed.

“However, as with all public health policy, NSW Health conducts regular reviews to ensure policy reflects the latest expert advice,” it said.

On Wednesday, 2GB’s Ben Fordham reported he had obtained a letter suggesting the policy would be scrapped on Thursday.

“We’ve got out hands on a letter from some lawyers that have been involved in the process,” Mr Fordham said.

“It says, ‘we anticipate that on May 16, NSW Health will publish an amended version of the vaccination policy’.

“As a result, it is anticipated that as of the 16th of May 2024 COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required but is instead recommended for workers and recruits to NSW Health.”

2GB radio host Ben Fordham. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Ex-paramedic John Larter. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Fordham also read out a text from former paramedic John Larter, who unsuccessfully challenged the rules in the NSW Supreme Court.

“Let’s hope all of those sacked workers are returned and compensated,” Mr Later said.

On X, formerly Twitter, Mr Larter urged other NSW government departments to follow suit.

NSW Health said on it website

“Evidence also shows that, for the recently circulating Omicron variants, vaccination prevents transmission only for short periods of time.

Dr Kerry Chant said the virus remained a serious health issue. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Adam Yip

“The use of infection prevention and control practices continues to help prevent transmission in healthcare settings.

“We will continue to keep staff informed of any changes to mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements arising from the consultation period and thank them for their ongoing, outstanding efforts in keeping the community safe and well.”

Chief health Officer Kerry Chant said the coronavirus remained a “serious health issue” in the community.

“COVID-19 vaccination continues to provide strong protection against severe illness, particularly for people at higher risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions,” Dr Chant said. ​