Since the beginning of June this year, the HSU has been involved in consultation with the Ministry of Health on a new policy for Occupational Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases (OASV).

Members were successful in achieving some changes to the original proposal. However, the policy has some challenges. The main changes are:

• Removal of Category High Risk classification
• An expansion of the influenza vaccination requirements to apply to all Category A positions
• COVID-19 vaccination requirements for all NSW Health workers, including:
  • Three doses for Category A workers, and
  • Two doses for Category B workers.
• Changes to TB requirements to align with Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs changes to migration tuberculosis (TB) screening implemented on 1 July 2022.

The Policy will continue to provide for risk management strategies for staff with a medical contraindication. Other staff who do not participate in the required vaccination will be required to comply with risk reduction strategies or be reassigned to an area of lower risk.

The HSU is currently preparing a Frequently Asked Questions Sheet to help delegates and members understand what they have to do and their rights under the new policy when it commences. We understand that the new OASV Policy will be posted soon.  We will let members know when the new Policy comes in.

Congratulations to all HSU members who have participated in the consultation and negotiations process.