New booster requirement introduced for some workers

On 23 January 2022, the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order 2022 (the 2022 Amendment Order) came into force.  This amends the previous COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order 2021 (the 2021 Order) and requires boosters for certain groups of workers. 

As we noted previously, the 2021 Order introduced a requirement for certain groups of workers to be Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate compliant in order to be able to work.  Being Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate compliant meant fully vaccinated with a full dose of an approved vaccine. 

The classes of workers are (in summary) those over 18 years of age who carry out work at, on, or in:

1. Managed quarantine facilities;
2. Managed isolation facilities;
3. Airports;
4. Ports;
5. Aircraft (including aircrew);
6. The handling of affected items from MIQ, aircraft and ships;
7. Health and disability sector;
8. Corrections;
9. Education sector; and
10. Hospitality, gyms, events, close-proximity businesses and tertiary education providers.

Now, the 2022 Amendment Order requires that some of these groups must also receive a booster to be considered fully vaccinated.  Deadlines have been established for receiving a booster, as follows:

• Groups 1 – 7 must receive a booster dose before 15 February 2022; and
• Groups 8 and 9 must receive a booster dose before 1 March 2022.

Currently there is no deadline for workers in group 10 (hospitality, gyms, events, close-proximity businesses and tertiary education providers) to receive booster doses.  This may change in the future as the current Omicron outbreak spreads, and it will remain important to keep a close eye on any new developments. 

If you have any questions about booster requirements in your business, please get in touch with our employment team or your usual contact at Hesketh Henry.

Disclaimer:  The information contained in this article is current at the date of publishing and is of a general nature.  It should be used as a guide only and not as a substitute for obtaining legal advice.  Specific legal advice should be sought where required.