Ministry of Health requirements on mandatory vaccination for health and disability sector workers
We understand many practitioners have questions about the recent government direction and mandatory vaccination of staff within the health and disability sector.
The COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order 2021 will be updated to require anyone conducting high-risk work in the health and disability sector to be fully vaccinated.
The Ministry of Health have advised the requirements will include the following health and disability sector workers:
- regulated professions currently registered under the HPCA regulations
- non-regulated healthcare work, such as:
- aged residential care
- home and community support services
- kaupapa Māori health providers
- Pacific Health Providers
- nongovernment Organisations who provide health services.
- roles undertaken by people who:
- are in frequent contact, face-to-face contact, or are in close proximity to healthcare workers providing a health service
- work where a health service is being provided
- do not necessarily provide a health service, but their role requires frequent contact/engagement with those providing health services and is considered tied to a role within a healthcare setting.
All workers who are required by the Order to get vaccinated must receive their first dose of the vaccine by 30 October 2021 and be fully vaccinated by 1 December 2021.
A high rate of vaccinations will help to protect staff from getting sick and passing COVID-19 onto others. Workers at our MIQ and at airports and ports are already required to be vaccinated.
All queries about the order or implications for business should be directed to the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Kia noho haumaru, stay safe.
Andrew Gray (Chair) & Marie Warner (CE)