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Qld to drop vaccine requirement for health workers

One state has announced a major backflip on a strict pandemic vaccination rule, and the timing hasn’t gone down well with everyone.

Inquiry into Australia’s handling of Covid pandemic to be announced soon

A state government has announced a major U-turn in its Covid-19 vaccination policy.

Queensland Health workers will no longer be required to be vaccinated against Covid, Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman confirmed in a press conference on Friday.

The decision was made based on advice from chief health officer John Gerrard, who said the mandate was no longer necessary, according to Ms Fentiman.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman announced the decision flanked by Queensland Health director-general Michael Walsh. Pics Adam Head
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman announced the decision flanked by Queensland Health director-general Michael Walsh. Pics Adam Head

About 1200 staff had been dismissed for refusing to get vaccinated, Ms Fentiman said, adding that possibly several hundred more had resigned over the issue.

Those who lost their jobs would not automatically get them back, they were warned.

“Anyone who either decided to resign or was terminated because they chose not to comply with the directive is certainly welcome to reapply,” Queensland Health director-general Michael Walsh said.

Mr Walsh confirmed there would be a mandatory consultation period with staff, and the decision to drop the vaccination mandate would likely be finalised by September 25.

Mr Walsh said workers who lost their jobs over the mandate wouldn’t automatically get them back. Picture: Adam Head
Mr Walsh said workers who lost their jobs over the mandate wouldn’t automatically get them back. Picture: Adam Head

The announcement prompted an angry reaction.

“There’s so much wrong with how long this has taken. Don’t expect to get those amazing workers back, you’ve hurt them in ways that are unforgivable,” one user wrote on Facebook.

But describing Covid as “no longer a public health emergency," Ms Fentiman said it was the right time to repeal the restrictions.

“Given the high vaccination rates in Queensland and the fact that we have high immunity across our population, the CHO has determined it is reasonable to consider removing the mandate,” Ms Fentiman said.

Despite this, acting chief health officer Catherine McDougall urged Queenslanders, particularly the elderly, to keep getting vaccinated.

Queenslanders are urged to continue getting vaccinated despite the mandate being dropped. Picture: Fred Tanneau / AFP
Queenslanders are urged to continue getting vaccinated despite the mandate being dropped. Picture: Fred Tanneau / AFP

“This is a serious disease that particularly risks our elderly and our vulnerable,” Dr McDougall said.

“Out of the 600 people over-65 hospitalised with Covid in July and August this year, 70 per cent were not up to date with their boosters.”

Vaccination against Covid is still a requirement for healthcare workers in Victoria and NSW.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/qld-to-drop-vaccine-requirement-for-health-workers/news-story/e625cb088a633279a17089ff9b7097c2