SA could become only state to allow health workers to refuse COVID-19 vaccination

South Australia could soon become the only state in the country to allow healthcare workers to operate without a COVID-19 vaccination.

Under the proposed changes, healthcare workers would be permitted to decline the vaccination, provided they sign a declaration affirming they understand the vaccine’s benefits and their willingness to forgo them.

“So many people are vaccinated in our community and so many people have had COVID infections as well, which really changes that position of looking at this policy again,” Health Minister Chris Picton said.

South Australia could soon become the only state in the country to allow healthcare workers to operate without a COVID-19 vaccination.

The change would mean approximately 250 health workers who were terminated for their refusal to be vaccinated could be reinstated.

“This hasn’t been done from a sort of need to bring in that workforce, this has been done from a review of the evidence,” Picton said.

The state’s 40,000 healthcare workers will now engage in a consultation period before any changes to the vaccination rules are implemented.

Under the proposed changes, healthcare workers would be permitted to decline the vaccination, provided they sign a declaration affirming they understand the vaccine’s benefits and their willingness to forgo them.

Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier has suggested that if introduced, the COVID-19 exemption could serve as a trial for potential exemptions related to other vaccinations in the future.

“It really signals our intention to need to have a highly vaccinated workforce,” she said.

As the changes are debated, South Australians are being urged to take precautions ahead of the approaching flu season.

The state has already recorded nearly 2000 influenza cases, a significant increase compared to the same period last year.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.