The Mandatory COVID Vaccination Order has been finalised, signed off, and published.
This means we now have a legal obligation to ensure our front-line workforce is vaccinated.
We will examine the detail of the order and get more information to you in the coming days.
Meanwhile, I wanted to share some good news with you. One of the biggest issues with the Mandatory Order has been the deadlines: front line staff must have had their first shot by 30th October and second by 1 December. These were impossible deadlines to meet. Together with others in the disability sector, we appealed to the Minister to use common sense and extend these deadlines. He has accepted our request.
Your front line staff now have until 15th November to have their first shot, or for you to have made alternate arrangements for cover. Your staff then have until 1 January to have their second shot.
The timetable remains tight, but more reasonably reflects a fair process of engagement with affected staff.
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The Ministry of Health will shortly be publishing guidelines and other support information to help you.