ECEC vaccination changes for exemptions in Victoria – medical certificates no longer valid

Changes have been made to acceptable evidence of medical exemption to COVID-19 vaccination which may impact those in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings, given the requirement for all on-site workers to be fully vaccinated with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, or have received their first dose and have a booking to receive their second dose by 29 November 2021, or have a medical exemption evidenced by an doctor.

 

For the purposes of clarification, in terms of vaccination requirements, an ECEC worker is defined as: 

 

• ECEC-employed staff (for example, teachers, educators, ancillary support staff including reception)
• contractors working in close proximity to children or staff, whether or not engaged by the ECEC (for example, trades and maintenance persons, cleaners but excluding delivery drivers)
• staff of the Department of Education and Training (for example, Authorised Officers, Early Childhood Improvement Branch staff)
• staff of any other entity (for example, allied health, NDIS providers, school readiness funding providers, Kindergarten Inclusion Support, Preschool Field Officer)
• volunteers working in close proximity to children or staff (for example, parent helpers, Committee of Management members)
• students on placements.

 

Please note: The examples provided in the brackets above are for explanatory purposes and do not represent an exhaustive list.

 

Effective 6pm Friday 12 November 2021, Victorians, including those who are ECEC workers as defined above can no longer use a medical certificate as evidence of COVID-19 vaccination exemption. 

 

This means that to be allowed on-site after 12 November 2021, any worker in ECEC settings who previously provided evidence of an exemption with a medical certificate must:

 

1. Visit a doctor to discuss their concerns about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. The doctor will update the patient’s Australian Immunisation Register record if it is determined they are unable to receive any of the approved COVID-19 vaccines for medical reasons.

 

2. Provide evidence to the early childhood operator once the exemption has been processed. 

 

This can be done using:

  

— a COVID-19 digital certificate, or

— a copy of their immunisation history statement .

 

For more information please see here.