The New South Wales government will not seek to mandate COVID-19 booster shots for healthcare workers, despite calls from Victoria to change the definition of a “fully vaccinated” person to include a third dose.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation is currently preparing advice for national cabinet that is expected to recommend expanding the definition of full COVID-19 vaccination to three shots.
The Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews, has pushed hard for the change. Essential workers in Victoria have already been told they must get their third dose to continue working on site, and Andrews suggested last week the requirement may be expanded to people wishing to access hospitality venues.
South Australia has also already mandated the COVID-19 booster shot for workers in healthcare, aged care, and people with disabilities. The South Australian premier, Steven Marshall, has said it is “increasingly likely” that people will need a third dose to be considered “fully vaccinated.”