Victoria: Vaccination requirement for all authorised workers

All workers on the Authorised Worker list in Melbourne and regional Victoria will require their first COVID-19 vaccine dose by Friday, 15 October in order to continue working onsite.

They will need to be fully vaccinated by 26 November.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the advice from the Burnet Institute and Victorian public health officials is that vaccination remains the state’s best protection.

“As authorised workers are currently moving around Victoria the most, it’s vital they get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and all of Victoria,” the Premier said.

The 15 October deadline will not apply to workers who already have existing requirements under CHO directions – groups like construction, freight, healthcare, aged care and education will still have to comply with previous advice.

To help ensure these workers can receive their vaccine in time, Victoria is expanding the GP and pharmacy grant program to boost their hours and staff and ultimately, get more vaccines into the arms of Victorians.

A walk-up Moderna blitz from 4 October to 10 October will take place at the following sites:

• Melton Vaccination Hub (Bunnings)
• Sunshine Vaccination Hub
• Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
• Royal Exhibition Building
• Sandown Racecourse Vaccination Centre
• Frankston Community Vaccination Hub
• Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre
• Dandenong Palm Plaza
• Former Ford Factory Campbellfield
• La Trobe University site in Bundoora
• St Francis Xavier College Officer Campus

“We need to ensure the virus does not travel further into regional Victoria,” the Premier added.

“Over the next week there are 13,000 first dose Pfizer appointments available and 8,000 first dose Astra Zeneca appointments available through the state-run system.

“Victorians can also book a vaccine appointment through their GP or pharmacist where many more appointments are available. Victorian pharmacists are now also offering the Moderna vaccine, which is safe and effective mRNA vaccine.”

This vaccine is now also on offer at select state sites for anyone aged 12 to 59. GPs and pharmacies are now providing both Pfizer and Moderna to all ages, including those above aged 59.

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