While Covid is now being treated like a case of the flu, thousands of Victorians are still being locked out of their jobs for refusing to get vaccinated.
University of Sydney Virologist Professor Anthony Cunningham Tony Cunningham says Australia is entering the time of the year where people need to “think about immunisation” against the flu. His comments follow Australia experiencing an early wave of the flu season. “Particularly for people in the most vulnerable groups,” he told Sky News Australia. “But particularly for people over the age of 65 … six months to five years, and in First Nations people any time over the age of six months, vulnerable people also who have heart and lung disease and who have impairment of their immune system. “They really must protect themselves against influenza.”
Employees from state government organisations including Ambulance Victoria and Fire Rescue Victoria must be vaccinated to be able to work.
But the Sunday Herald Sun understands a routine review of these directions is currently taking place.
The directions apply to the healthcare setting and were set by the Secretary of the Department of Health when the state was forced into its first lockdown in March 2020.
It’s believed department staff are required to have received at least a primary dose and a booster.
More than 50 unvaccinated firefighters remain banned from Fire Rescue Victoria despite critical staff shortages. Picture: Matthew Younan
A spokesman said “extensive consultation” would need to take place for any changes to take place.
“The Department of Health maintains Covid and influenza vaccination requirements for healthcare workers in specific high-risk settings,” they said.
“Any change to this policy would only be considered following extensive consultation with health experts, health services and unions.”
According to Covid vaccine rollout data, the vast majority of Australians getting jabbed are the elderly.
More than 38 per cent of people aged 75 years and over have received a booster in the last six months.
It comes as more than 50 unvaccinated firefighters remain banned from Fire Rescue Victoria despite critical staff shortages.
A spokesperson said vaccines were important to firefighters due to their partnership with Ambulance Victoria.
Employees from state government organisations including Ambulance Victoria must be vaccinated to be able to work. Picture: David Geraghty
“Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters are trained to perform CPR, supply oxygen and first aid, use defibrillators and respond to many other life-threatening medical episodes,” they said.
“Our firefighters also interact with the public in a range of sensitive settings, including medical and aged care environments.
“Fire Rescue Victoria continues to adopt an evidence-based approach to its management of the risks associated with Covid transmission and infection.
“In this respect, vaccination against Covid remains an important risk control, particularly given the nature of our work.”
Opposition police spokesman Brad Battin said preventing former cops from returning was nonsensical. Picture: Aaron Francis
In 2022, Country Fire Victoria dropped their mandatory Covid vaccination rules with Victoria Police following suit this year.
But officers who were kicked out of the force for refusing the jab will not be able to rejoin.
Opposition police spokesman Brad Battin said preventing former cops from returning was nonsensical.
“At a time where we have crime increasing and police numbers declining it makes no sense to stop a capable and enthusiastic trained police officer returning,” he said.
“We need to put community safety first.”
Opposition minister for health Georgie Crozier said the time for mandates had “well passed”.
“With so many of Victoria’s frontline services – including firefighters and police – impacted by staff shortages, these restrictions must be lifted,” she said.