Chief Minister Michael Gunner has announced a new direction that makes COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for certain workers, such as disability support workers. The definition includes those who work with, or who are likely to come into contact with, people vulnerable to COVID-19, including people with significant disability in the course of their work.

According to the Chief Health Officer (CHO) direction, in order to continue working in the same roles, these workers must have:

• Their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by 12 November 2021
• Two doses (fully vaccinated) by 24 December 2021
• Evidence of a contraindication to all approved COVID-19 vaccine
• Workers who do not meet these conditions are not able to attend their workplace from 25 December 2021

Under the CHO Direction, the employer or workplace operator must take any reasonable step to determine the extent to which any relevant worker is vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine. This involves determining whether the worker is fully vaccinated, has received a first dose, or is unvaccinated.

Evidence can include a completed appointment slip or a medical certificate for the first dose or a digital certificate for full vaccination on a mobile phone would be sufficient.

Employers must keep a register of each worker’s vaccination status and a record of the steps the employer has taken to verify the worker’s vaccinations status.

Vaccination bookings

Vaccine appointments are available at NT vaccination centres, GP clinics, respiratory clinics, pharmacies, and Aboriginal Health Clinics. You can book online or call the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.

More information and frequently asked questions about the mandatory vaccine is available at NT government website

For additional support or enquiries, please contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484 or send an email to the Office of the Chief Health Officer at ChiefHealthOfficer.DoH@nt.gov.au

NDS is seeking further clarification on the new direction’s implications for disability service providers and is here to support the NT sector. Providers are welcome to contact us at any time with questions or concerns.