Booster Vaccinations

AHPPC statement on mandating booster vaccination for disability support workers

The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) is the key decision making committee for health emergencies. It is comprised of all state and territory Chief Health Officers and is chaired by the Australian Chief Medical Officer. Following recent advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the AHPPC has announced that it recommends mandatory COVID-19 booster vaccination (three doses) for disability support workers who provide intensive support services to NDIS participants as a condition of work or entry to the participants’ accommodation. The AHPPC had previously recommended mandatory vaccinations (two doses) for disability support workers who provide intensive support services to NDIS participants but in view of the changed ATAGI advice, this recommendation is now three vaccine doses. Current high rates of community transmission of the Omicron variant in Australia increases the risk of exposure to participants receiving intensive supports. Ensuring workers have received three doses of vaccine has a direct impact on reducing transmission to people with disability receiving supports by preventing infection in workers. All staff are reminded that BigDog support staff are required to comply with public health orders or directions relating to COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Greyfleet

Greyfleet is a term used for any vehicle used for work-related purposes which is not directly provided by BigDog. Greyfleet includes personal vehicles, client vehicles, and all forms of leases, whether or not workers are reimbursed for expenses. WHS law applies to all Greyfleet vehicles. Effectively managing WHS risks from Greyfleet is based on the same principles as that of traditional fleet management. However, use of Greyfleet requires greater attention to risk management processes and procedures. As some issues are outside of the direct control of BigDog including the currency and coverage of vehicle insurance and registration.