Key messages
- Healthcare workers are at increased risk of exposure to, and transmission of, vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Vaccination requirements and recommendations for healthcare workers are determined by their risk of exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases at work.
- Influenza vaccination is required annually by 15 August for certain healthcare workers in Victoria.
Healthcare workers are more likely to be exposed to, acquire and transmit vaccine-preventable diseases such as influenza, measles, rubella and pertussis.
To protect the health and safety of patients and other workers, vaccination for certain diseases is highly recommended for all healthcare workers. The Australian Immunisation Handbook provides clinical guidance and vaccination recommendations for people who are at occupational risk of acquiring vaccine-preventable .
Seasonal influenza vaccination requirements
Secretary Directions and Ministerial Directions (Directions) were introduced in 2022 requiring specified healthcare workers employed or engaged by prescribed healthcare settings to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza by 15 August each year, unless they are subject to an exemption.
The mandatory requirement is based on the setting where a healthcare worker is employed, and the role they perform.
Settings
The Directions apply to:
- public health services
- public hospitals
- denominational hospitals
- private hospitals and day procedure centres
- ambulance services
- patient transport services that are employed or engaged by a health service or Ambulance Victoria
- residential aged care services operated by a public hospital, public health service or denominational hospital
- Forensicare.
Definitions of the above settings can be found within the Health Services Act 1988, Ambulance Services Act 1986 and Mental Health Act 2014.
Some examples of settings which are not subject to the Directions include general practices, community pharmacies, private allied health clinics and disability services, unless they are operated by one of the settings listed above.
Healthcare workers
The Directions apply to health care workers whose role requires them to have direct in-person contact with patients, clients, deceased persons or body parts, blood, body substances, infectious material or surfaces or equipment that might contain any of the aforementioned, or who is required to work in a clinical area where they may be exposed to infections spread by droplets, such as influenza.
It is the responsibility of the health service to determine who, within their organisation, is required to comply with the Directions.
Healthcare workers who are not mandated to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza under the directions are still strongly recommended to be vaccinated.
Exemptions
People with a medical contraindication to the influenza vaccine are exempt from the requirement to be vaccinated. They must show evidence of this to their employer.
Legislative framework
Sections 42 and 105A of the Health Services Act 1988 (Vic) and section 10(4) of the Ambulance Services Act 1986 (Vic) enable the Secretary of the Department of Health to direct health and ambulance services to require vaccination against selected vaccine-preventable diseases to protect the health and safety of healthcare workers and patients.
Secretary Directions requiring influenza vaccination were issued on 8 April 2022.
The Mental Health Act 2014 allows the Minister for Mental Health to issue a written direction on any matter that the Minister is satisfied is necessary, including requiring vaccinations for healthcare workers.
Ministerial Directions requiring influenza vaccination were issued on 6 June 2022, for Forensicare employees.
COVID-19 vaccination
On 4 October 2024, Secretary Directions mandating COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare workers were revoked.
Victorian healthcare workers are now strongly recommended to remain up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations as per Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advice and the Australian Immunisation .
The decision to revoke the COVID-19 vaccine Secretary Directions, and replace them with a strong recommendation to remain up to date, reflects the evolving COVID-19 epidemiologic situation in Victoria, emerging evidence on the burden of COVID-19 disease and advice and guidance from ATAGI on COVID-19 vaccination.
Should any health service determine that it is appropriate for their circumstances to introduce COVID-19 vaccination requirements through their own workplace policies, they should ensure that these requirements are informed by an assessment of risk, and meet consultation obligations with employees and applicable representatives under occupational health and safety legislation and any applicable industrial instrument/s.
Vaccination policy implementation
Healthcare settings where vaccination requirements apply should develop a comprehensive immunisation policy for all healthcare workers.
Refer to the guidance below for further information.
Secretary Directions and policy guidance
Vaccination requirements for healthcare workers policy guidance
More information
For further information about vaccination requirements for healthcare workers contact the Immunisation Program at immunisation@health.vic.gov.au
Reviewed 03 October 2024