As the Australian Government continues rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine, AREEA is guiding its resources and energy industry members through the workplace implications and advocating for a nationally coordinated approach.
On 8 April, the Australian Government announced changes to the vaccine roll-out following a reported health concern associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The expert vaccine advisory body, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recommended that the Pfizer vaccine is preferred over the AstraZeneca vaccine for adults under the age of 50.
The recommendation is based on the identification of a potentially increased risk of a rare blood-clotting syndrome. Two people in Australia have reportedly developed the syndrome after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The decision by the Government to accept the ATAGI advice will have implications for the vaccine rollout program. The Government will work through the implications with the states and territories and provide updates on the roll-out.
AREEA Member Guide – Workplace and workforce implications
To support members in this area AREEA has prepared a COVID-19 Vaccine Member Guide which provides updates on key developments with the vaccine roll-out and other workplace considerations.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Member Guide includes:
- Working towards a unified industry position on vaccination requirements
- Guidance on establishing your position on whether employees require vaccinations
- How to assess whether certain sections of the workforce should be vaccinated
- Support for managing employees who are unable to be vaccinated
- Other important considerations for resources and energy employers
AREEA will continue to update its members on material developments in relation to the COVID-19 vaccines and will circulate updated editions of this Member Guide as necessary.
For your copy of the guide, a video link to our vaccine webinar, or to be put in touch with your local workplace relations specialist for answers to any questions about vaccinations for your organisation, please contact 1800 627 771 or email [email protected]
