Vaccine Deadline For WA Aged Care Workers Approaches

The deadline for WA health workers to receive the jab looms, with ruling that workers in the aged care sector must have had their first jab by September 17 as part of a national mandate.

Western Australian Health Minister Roger Cook is confident the health system will remain agile with any necessary staff changes. 

"We expect more aged-care workers to be vaccinated this week, the aged-care providers have let us know that they feel confident they will meet any staffing issues in relation to the cut off on the 17th."

Cook says he expects staffers  will continue to roll up their sleeve in preparation for the rule change.

"I'd urge all aged-care workers to get themselves vaccinated, we want them to be able to protect themselves. But obviously they care for a very vulnerable cohort in our community, so it's important they take the opportunity over the next few days to get themselves vaccinated." Cook said.

The WA government announced two weeks ago that vaccinations will be mandatory for health workers from December, giving workers time to receive both jabs.

Health authorities are adamant it will benefit workers and the broader community for metro and regional areas.

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