Vaccine consent forms at clinics to be updated after NT government's Covid-19 mandate announcement

The Northern Territory government will change the consent forms at vaccination clinics following the mandatory Covid-19 vaccination laws announcement.

THE Northern Territory government will change the consent forms at vaccination clinics after introducing mandatory Covid-19 vaccination laws last week.

Territorians attending vaccination clinics on Monday were still being handed a form telling them the vaccine was “completely voluntary”.

That was despite the government announcing last week it would make Covid-19 vaccination compulsory for any worker in the NT who came into contact with a vulnerable person.

Children and Aboriginal people are among those considered vulnerable, meaning most Territory workers will have to get the jab.

Workers have been given until November 12 to get their first vaccination and until December 24 to be fully vaccinated, or face being slapped with a $5000 fine.

Yet a form being handed out at vaccination clinics on Monday still said: “I am aware of the risks, benefits and possible side effects of the vaccine(s) and if I have further questions I can ask the immuniser. I consent to myself/my child receiving the vaccine(s) and understand that it is completely voluntary.”

One woman told the NT News: “I’m just going to get my vaccination and am having issues with signing this part of the form when I am being told I will be fined and not allowed to work (if I don’t get vaccinated).”

Health Minster Natasha Fyles said the form would be changed to reflect the new mandatory Covid-19 vaccination rules.

“Those forms will need to be updated to reflect (the changes) for some occupations, but that’s around informed consent, that’s about making sure people understand the health information, and that health information is that the vaccine is safe, it’s effective, it’s been through rigorous processes with (the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation), it’s been through a number of processes,” she said.

“Informed consent is very common in medicine and the delivery of medical services.”