Department of Education school-based staff are to be required to have their vaccine booster shot under changes to the mandatory vaccination regulations announced by the Premier earlier this month.
Secretary of the Department, Georgina Harrisson said vaccination remained the best way to keep school communities safe and school-based staff had responded well to the original vaccination mandate.
“As we prepare for the start of Term 1, our focus remains on keeping our staff and students safe,” Ms Harrisson said.
“Adding a booster shot to the vaccination mandate will help maintain confidence that schools are a safe place to learn and work,” she said.
“As with the initial vaccine mandate, we will ensure school-based staff have sufficient time to obtain their booster and I encourage everyone to secure an appointment when their booster is due.”
Ms Harrisson said the Department was updating its attestation system and would advise staff when they were able to update their records.
The Secretary reassured parents that planning for the start of the 2022 school year was under way, with a focus on ensuring the continuity of learning for all students, while ensuring staff and student safety.
“The extension of the vaccine mandate was the first part of this,” she said.
Ms Harrisson also encouraged parents to book their children in for vaccination ahead of the return to school.
