Mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations
Information for authorised workers at BSL
Last Friday, the Victorian Government announced that all ‘authorised workers’ across Melbourne and regional Victoria must get their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Friday 15 October to continue working onsite. They will then need to be fully vaccinated by 26 November.
The term 'authorised worker' refers to anyone required to work onsite which includes employees, contractors and volunteers.
IMPACT ON BSL
If you are a BSL authorised worker who currently works onsite you are required to comply with this new government direction, unless you have an approved exemption. If not, you will not be able to attend a BSL site.
You will know you are an authorised worker, because you will have been issued with a worker permit in order to attend work premises.
By 15 October, you may be asked to provide evidence of vaccination before being permitted into the workplace. You can get an immunisation history statement or COVID-19 digital certificate online, or by calling the Australian Immunisation Register. Find out more about all of your options for getting proof of your vaccinations on the Australian Government website.
If you are not an authorised worker or are authorised with a childcare permit only but not required to work onsite, then the new government mandate does not apply to you. Although BSL encourages all staff to consider vaccination to support Victoria’s reopening efforts and to keep the community safe.
Information on this topic is constantly evolving. More information will be communicated over the coming days. If you have any immediate questions, please speak to your manager.
GETTING VACCINATED
To ensure all authorised workers can receive their vaccine in time, the Victorian Government has expanded their vaccine program, including now also offering the Moderna vaccine through pharmacies.
To book a vaccination through state-run centres, or to see links for how to book at your local GP or pharmacy – visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine
Vaccination appointments are available out of work hours and weekends.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
As noted, more information will be issued in coming days. Meanwhile, if you have queries or concerns about this new government requirement, please contact your manager to discuss.
You can also learn more by reading the Premier’s statement , or by visiting the relevant information regarding workers who are required to be vaccinated.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and answers to common questions, you can refer to the online resources provided here .
Should you need more support or further information at this time, please consider the following options:
- Talk to your manager.
- Have a kind and confidential conversation with our Chaplains by contacting chaplaincy@bsl.org.au .
- Seek support through our EAP service Converge International on 1300 687 327, toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Contact the Volunteer Services team at volunteer@bsl.org.au
- Alternatively, visit the DHHS website for daily updates or call their COVID-19 hotline on 1800 961 054. Should you need a translator, call 131 450 for 24 hours / 7 days support.
You can see the latest COVID-19 information for volunteers here.