The ATDC has received an update from the Federal Department of Health in relation to COVID-19 vaccinations for AOD Workers.

The Department of Health would like to advise that drug and alcohol workers will be classified as ‘all other health workers’ and will therefore be eligible for the vaccination from Phase 1b.

Phase 1b will also include eligibility for adults over 70 years old; the beginning of vaccination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults; people with an underlying medical condition, including those with a disability; and critical and high-risk workers, including defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing workers.

This is the second phase of the rollout with the first phase (1a) consisting of aged and disability care residents and staff, quarantine and border workers and frontline healthcare workers.

The Australian Government has made it clear that the COVID-19 vaccination will be voluntary in Australia, however, strongly encourages people to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccination will also be free for everyone in Australia.

Further information on the COVID-19 vaccination and the rollout can be found at Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and the COVID-19 Vaccines National Rollout Strategy. You may also wist to subscribe to the COVID-19 vaccines updates for regular and up-to-date information.

The Tasmanian Government is focusing on the roll-out of the first phase of the vaccine across the State during March. Once the first phase is complete, they will extend this to the next groups.

There does not appear to be any information available yet regarding when this is anticipated to commence. However, this information from the Commonwealth provides clarity that AOD workers will be included in the second phase.

The ATDC will continue to monitor information as it comes to hand.