It is now a requirement that all workers in RAC – across all jurisdictions – be fully vaccinated. This is a strict requirement in all jurisdictions in Australia except South Australia, where the wording of the relevant Direction still permits a worker to have only had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, provided that the worker can evidence a booking to receive a second dose.

Across most States and Territories, it is still sufficient to have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to be considered fully vaccinated and able to access a RAC. This requirement is changing in Victoria, where workers are required to receive a third dose by either 12 February 2022 or 1 March 2022, depending on the date on which they became eligible to receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and South Australia, where workers are required to receive a third dose within four weeks of becoming eligible to receive a third dose, commencing on 29 January 2022.

We are expecting the requirement for a third dose to become more widespread over time, particularly as larger proportions of the workforce become eligible to receive a third dose. We would find it surprising if all States and Territories did not eventually require all workers in residential aged care to receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This is particularly in the context of the recent letter from Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner to approved providers 'strongly encouraging' workers to receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine when eligible.

Somewhat more contentious is the position in that mandatory vaccination is extended to visitors to residential aged care facilities (subject to some exceptions). It is unclear whether this will become more widespread across all jurisdictions. We note that the current version of the COTA Industry Code for Visiting in Aged Care recommends that all visitors be vaccinated, and where a visitor is unvaccinated, additional precautions be adopted. These additional precautions (PCR or RAT testing) are mandatory in Tasmania, pursuant to the relevant Directions.

Please let us know if you would like to discuss, or we are able to assist you in any way, during this challenging time.