The Victorian government has introduced paid COVID-19 vaccination leave for public sector workers, in the hope that the move will increase vaccination uptake in the state.
The employees can now access up to half a day’s paid time off to get the jab. The leave covers full-time and part-time staff and long-term and regular casuals at departments and administrative offices, statutory authorities, government schools, TAFE institutes, police and emergency services, water and land management authorities and other public entities.
Health minister Martin Foley has encouraged public sector workers to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible, and has expressed hope that other employers will introduce similar measures.
“We’re continuing to ask all Victorians – if you’re eligible please get vaccinated – it’s our ticket out of this pandemic,” he said on Sunday.
The vaccination leave applies in addition to accrued sick leave, which can be used if employees experience adverse side effects from the vaccine.
Reported yesterday: 71 new local cases and no new cases acquired overseas.
– 22,191 vaccine doses were administered
– 46,446 test results were received
More later: https://t.co/lIUrl1hf3W#COVID19Vic #COVID19VicData [1/2] pic.twitter.com/pzEdkjiySP— Victorian Department of Health (@VicGovDH) August 22, 2021
The state government has set a vaccination target of 1 million doses to be administered in the five weeks from August 16. More than half a million doses have been delivered through state-run vaccination centres since July 30. More than 2 million doses have been administered in state centres in total.
Victorians have been encouraged to book their vaccination appointment through portal.cvms.vic.gov.au, or by calling the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398. There are currently 50 open access vaccination centres operating across Victoria.
The state recorded 71 new local COVID-19 cases on Monday, with a total of 494 active cases.
Read more: NSW public sector workers receive paid vaccine leave
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