COVID vaccination not to be mandated for disability support workers
After a national cabinet meeting on Friday, the Federal Government has decided not to make COVID vaccination mandatory for disability support workers. This followed advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee. The same advice also noted that many people with disability have a higher risk of developing severe illnesses from COVID-19. Ensuring high vaccination rates among residential disability workers will help protect people with disability.
Disability support workers providing services to people with disability in residential settings are in Phase 1a of the vaccine rollout.
In referencing medical expert panel advice, the Prime Minister said, "…while they are not at this point recommending mandating vaccines for disability care workers, they are strongly recommending it."
The PM went on to say that an incentive program was being developed for aged care workers, which would also extend to disability support workers.
The ABC reports that the disability community is particularly worried as lockdowns continue, with calls to make it mandatory for support workers to get the shots.
"The Federal Government has made it compulsory for aged care workers and that's left some in the disability sector concerned they've once again been forgotten."
ABC's Nas Campanella spoke to Karen Stace, Senior Manager - State and Territory Operations.
