Number of Western NSW LHD staff vaccinated revealed

From October 1, a health care worker in Orange and the rest of the state must have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine in order to work.

From November 30, a health care worker must have had at least two doses of a COVID vaccine, unless the worker has produced a medical contraindication certificate (in a form approved by NSW Health).

Following the mandatory vaccination deadline of September 30, the WNSWLHD anticipated a first dose vaccination rate of at least 98.14 per cent.

A spokesman for the LHD said: "It is important to note data is still being reconciled and this percentage likely underestimates the total number of vaccinated staff, as it includes a range of people not currently working in the health system.

"We are working to closely review our staffing to look at staff members who are on long leave, such as maternity or long service leave, who will need vaccination when they return to the workplace; are inactive as casuals or agency staff, who will need to be vaccinated if they wish to reengage in employment with NSW Health; have a valid contraindication, who are not required under the PHO to receive a vaccination or have had COVID-19 and may not be vaccinated for up to six months from that point, in line with ATAGI advice."

NSW Health advised that throughout the state's public health system a total of 136 staff members have resigned directly due to their position on COVID-19 vaccination as of October 1.

The WNSWLHD spokesman was unable to say how many people had resigned as a result of their vaccination status.

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