The Department of Health says advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) indicates that three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are now required to provide protection against infection.
“For people aged 16 years and older, this means a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose following primary COVID-19 vaccination (usually two doses),” the Department said in a statement.
It noted that the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) had previously recommended mandatory two-dose vaccinations for disability workers as a condition of work or entry to a recipient’s home if they were providing intensive support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
“In view of the changed ATAGI advice, this recommendation should now be three vaccine doses,” the Department said.
“It is important to take reasonable and proportionate steps to mitigate the likelihood of COVID-19 being introduced to a person with disability receiving intensive support.”
The Department said booster doses had a moderate impact on reducing the risk of developing infection from COVID-19.
“Ensuring workers have received three doses of vaccine has a direct impact on reducing transmission to people with disability receiving support by preventing infection in workers,” it said.
“Booster vaccines for workers in high-risk settings also help to protect workers themselves from both infection and severe disease, in the event of a workplace or other exposure,” the Department said.
