All NSW Health workers in the Illawarra must get at least one COVID shot by the end of next month, with the NSW government mandating the vaccine across the state.
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Health Minister Brad Hazzard said having all staff vaccinated would provide greater protection for patients, visitors and staff, as well as ease pressure on the health system.
"More than 1200 healthcare workers have been in isolation each day over the past seven days and we cannot afford that right now," Mr Hazzard said.
By September 30, all health staff must have received at least one dose.
They must have their second dose, or an appointment booked for their second dose, by November 30 to continue working.
Staff will have to provide evidence they have received their first dose to their employer by September 30, or they will be excluded from the workplace.
Those who have a medical contraindication will be exempt if a medical practitioner confirms the medical contraindication.
Mr Hazzard said 80 per cent of all NSW Health staff had already had at least their first dose of the vaccine.
Frontline healthcare workers in NSW must already get vaccinated against contagious diseases including influenza, chicken pox, measles and whooping cough.
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