Changes to Vaccination Requirements FAQ

APA (NSW) has been receiving a number of questions from members regarding updates to the NSW Health Vaccination Policy, the current version as at 7 September 2022 may be found here: https://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/pds/ActivePDSDocuments/PD2022_030.pdf

We have produced this FAQ to provide information to staff regarding the changes to policy requirements. It in no way constitutes legal or medical advice.

Am I a Category A or Category B Worker?

If you are a Paramedic you are a Category A Worker

If you are a Station Officer or Duty Operations Manager you would likely be considered a Category A Worker as your role involves direct physical contact with patients (2.1.1 of the Policy).

If you work in a Control Centre as your primary place of work, you are likely a Category B worker but should confirm this with your line manager (CCOs, DCCOs, SCCOs).

How many doses of a COVID vaccine am I required to have?

Category A workers are currently required to have three doses of a COVID vaccine.

Category B Workers are currently required to have two doses of a COVID vaccine.

But doesn’t the policy say I can opt out of the third dose requirement for the COVID vaccine?

The policy requires all Category A workers receive three doses of an approved COVID vaccine.

If staff refuse or fail to comply with this requirement in order to continue working they must fill out a “Non-Participation Form”. If staff fail to comply with the COVID vaccination requirements there are a number of ways which they may be managed by NSW Ambulance including:

Redeployment
Being directed to comply with other safety or infection control requirements
Under the Managing Misconduct Policy (which includes outcomes such as dismissal)

It is not clear at this stage how NSW Ambulance will choose to manage staff who fail to comply with vaccination requirements, or whether this will be consistent across NSW Ambulance.

What does signing a Non-Participation Form mean?

Only you can decide whether signing a Non-Participation Form is the right decision for you.

However, the form requires you to acknowledge the following:

That you understand you are required to receive the specific vaccine (or assessment) (COVID, Hep B, MMR etc).
That you are aware of the risks to yourself and/or others that refusal to be vaccinated may pose.
That you are aware of the ways which your employer may manage your non-compliance (see appendix 5, Part 4 (b))

Could failing to comply with vaccination requirements impact my application for promotions or other positions?

NSW Health and NSW Ambulance assess all applicants for positions to ensure compliance with vaccination requirements. If you have not met vaccination requirements for the position, you are applying for then this may preclude you from being successful.

What are my requirements in relation to the influenza vaccine?

Currently, all Category A workers are required to receive the current Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine by 1 June each year.

Category B workers are not required to receive the influenza vaccine, however it is recommended by NSW Health.

What happens if I have a medical contraindication?

Medical contraindications may apply to any worker who is unable to receive a particular vaccine due to a temporary or permanent medical condition. You must provide evidence of your circumstances. Please see the policy for further information about what must be provided for each vaccine.

Could there be any impact on my AHPRA registration?

As this is a very new policy it is hard to say whether not remaining compliant with vaccine requirements will have an impact on AHPRA registration. Questions regarding this are best directed to AHPRA.