COVID-19 (Coronavirus) resources | St Vincent's Health Australia

For further information please refer to individual Local Site/Facility and State Government Department of Health websites.

For the latest Australia-wide status and alerts visit the Australian Government Department of Health. For the latest global case map visit the John Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center. For all the latest COVID-19 Vaccine information go to the St Vincent's Vaccine Information website here.

St Vincent's staff and Visiting Medical Officers (VMOs) can access St Vincent's Connect for updates and to ask questions. If you have trouble accessing the Connect platform please email: communications@svha.org.au

Please refer to your local facility/site for advice in the first instance. The information below is group-wide, baseline requirements. Your facility is likely to have more information and additional measures.

To ensure St Vincent’s workplaces are safer, all staff, patient’s, visitors, and contractors will be asked to register upon arrival and be screened.

Individual screening processes exist at all facilities. Details can be found on individual facility intranet sites. Please make yourself aware of requirements prior to arrival.

Registration and screening may include the following:

Scanning a QR code which will be displayed at entry points
Filling out a paper-based form which will be available at entry points
Attestation form to confirm if you are fit and well, have COVID-19, have been in contact with a known case, have been overseas in the last 14 days, are awaiting a COVID test, have been in a known hotspot
A temperature test upon entry to our facilities

Staff are reminded to NOT come to work if they are feeling unwell. Any staff feeling unwell is advised to seek testing.

At all times staff, patient, visitors, and contractors should follow recommended current public health infection control guidelines which includes hand hygiene, mask wearing, social distancing, cough etiquette, and staying home if unwell.

Visitor Exclusions - Visitor exclusions vary between St Vincent's facilities. Please ensure you are aware of the latest visitor exclusions for your facility and help enforce these exclusions wherever possible.
Staff exclusions (including contractors, VMOs and volunteers) - If you have symptoms or feel unwell it is important you don’t go to work and seek medical advice through your local GP.
Group offices - Exclusions vary between group offices and many staff continue to work from home. Please follow the work-from-home process and regularly check the Connect Group Division Hub and local Group Office Groups for updates: Sydney Group Office group, Melbourne Group Office group and Brisbane Group Office group.
Wellness Guide for Staff - This Work Health and Safety Toolkit guide is the product of collaboration across the St Vincent’s family to deliver informed health and safety advice and to better equip you during the COVID-19 crisis. This new interactive resource encompasses all things health and safety. From WHS training tools, useful self care Apps and health and wellbeing resources- find what you need here to support you during this challenging time.
Local Facility COVID-19 Intranet sites.

Visitor Exclusions - Visitor exclusions vary between St Vincent's facilities. Please ensure you are aware of the latest visitor exclusions for your facility and help enforce these exclusions wherever possible.
Staff exclusions (including contractors, VMOs and volunteers) - If you have symptoms or feel unwell it is important you don’t go to work and seek medical advice through your local GP.
Group offices - Exclusions vary between group offices and many staff continue to work from home. Please follow the work-from-home process and regularly check the Connect Group Division Hub and local Group Office Groups for updates: Sydney Group Office group, Melbourne Group Office group and Brisbane Group Office group.
Wellness Guide for Staff - This Work Health and Safety Toolkit guide is the product of collaboration across the St Vincent’s family to deliver informed health and safety advice and to better equip you during the COVID-19 crisis. This new interactive resource encompasses all things health and safety. From WHS training tools, useful self care Apps and health and wellbeing resources- find what you need here to support you during this challenging time.
Local Facility COVID-19 Intranet sites.

The health and safety of our employees is as important as the health and safety of our patients and residents.

Since COVID-19 vaccines became available, we have all rallied together, everyone doing their bit to protect each other and the patients and residents we serve. The emergence of increased COVID-19 community transmission in NSW, QLD and Victoria and the extremely contagious nature of the Omnicron variant has reinforced our position that, in conjunction with continuing PPE and other evidence-based responses, vaccination is the best protection against the virus.

The latest research tells us that receiving an additional vaccination will strengthen immunity and help minimise the risk of the virus’ transmission to patients, residents and each other.

Accordingly, after carrying out an organisation-wide risk assessment, and in close consultation with our people as well as our safety and clinical governance teams, St Vincent’s Health Australia proposes to amend the definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ to ‘up-to-date’ in our immunisation policy to include “having a required number of approved vaccine doses to provide optimal immunity, as defined by SVHA according to State, Commonwealth and international best evidence.” The effect of this proposed change is that all of our people will need to reach up-to-date vaccination status (including any eligible boosters).

This is an important initiative. Ensuring all our staff have up-to-date vaccination status is fundamental to making sure our health and aged care services can continue carrying out their work.

We are here to support you as we all do our bit to protect ourselves and each other in the workplace.

The following list of FAQs is to answer work-related queries on this latest development and how we are keeping our people, and our patients and residents safe.

Yes. Where a government health directive sets requirements or dates that are higher or sooner than our proposed policy these will apply. Where our proposed policy sets requirements or dates that are higher or sooner, however, it will apply.

SVHA are carrying out an organisation-wide risk assessment, and in close consultation with our safety and clinical governance teams. The information pertaining to the risk assessment will be available in due course.

Yes, the Victorian Government is requiring all health and aged care workers to receive their third dose vaccination before being permitted to work on site (you can find out more about third dose vaccination deadlines in Victoria here). NSW has similarly advised its intention to mandate boosters.

No. The booster shot is referred to as a third COVID-19 vaccination.

St Vincent’s Health Australia proposes to amend the definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ to ‘up-to-date’ in our immunisation policy to include “having a required number of approved vaccine doses to provide optimal immunity, as defined by SVHA according to State, Commonwealth and international best evidence.” The effect of this proposed change is that SVHA are proposing that three doses, rather than two doses of vaccination are required to be immunised against COVID-19.

In respect of vaccination against COVID-19, SVHA are proposing that three doses, rather than two doses of vaccination are required to be immunised against COVID-19.

We anticipate that this policy amendment will come into effect by 1 April 2022, or after appropriate consultation has taken place, noting that the deadlines for existing health directives already apply in Victoria for public and private hospitals and aged care services.
This means that we are proposing that all staff receive their third COVID-19 vaccination (or booster) by 1 April 2022 unless an exemption and/or government directive is in place.

As we did last year when we announced our initial COVID-19 immunisation policy, we will be consulting with a range of stakeholders, including unions and peak bodies.

There is no proposed change to whom the SVHA Vaccination Policy would apply to. The Policy would continue to apply to all staff including employees, students, visiting medical officers/clinicians, and volunteers. It would also apply to contractors or subcontractors who may reasonably be required to attend SVHA premises to conduct work.

Existing (or future) government health directives (including for Victorian public and private hospitals and aged care services) will apply to our people as per their specified deadline.

The pandemic evolves, recommendations by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) continue to evolve also. Currently, ATAGI recommends that if you’re aged 16 years and over – and your second dose was more than three months ago – you should receive a third COVID-19 vaccination (or booster) to provide you with the best protection against serious illness.

Yes. Please see the latest research and data available from our Town Hall session here (Last updated 18 Feb, 2022)

The medical advice is to have your third dose as soon as you have clinically recovered from COVID-19 if you are eligible (have received your second dose at least three months ago). If you have COVID-19, you will be required to inform your manager and submit a temporary medical exemption until you no longer exhibit COVID-19 symptoms and are well enough to return to work.

Those who choose not to follow this advice need to apply for a medical exemption. The maximum allowable time between being COVID positive and having your booster is 4 months in accordance in accordance with the ATARGI guidelines.

We strongly encourage all staff who have had COVID-19 to get their third dose as soon as they are eligible and clinically recovered. It is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.

Please refer to Part C, Exemptions to the current policy below.

Yes. As soon as you are well enough to return to work and no longer have covid-19 symptoms.

Please refer to Part C, Exemptions to the current policy below.

Refer to Part C to submit your medical exemption.

First dose and second dose are four months apart, then third dose is required three months later. This should be planned and documented in your medical exemption.

Please refer to answer in Part C. Pregnancy is not a medical contraindication that prevents staff from receiving a third dose.

No.

Yes – it applies to all workers across St Vincent’s facilities, whether employed by us or by a third party.

Yes – all of our people are covered by this policy. This is to ensure we can all work safely together.

Yes, we are consulting broadly with a range of stakeholders, including staff, respective unions and peak bodies.

All staff would have received an email inviting you to give consent for SVHA from CGOV patient care. By consenting you enable SVHA to access your vaccination records from the Australian immunisation Register (AIR). By granting consent, the administration of your records will be automatic and therefore remove your obligation to provide this information to us directly.

Yes, you will need to ensure you are vaccinated before you return to work. If there are any concerns regarding the completion of your vaccination prior to your return date please notify your manager.

If you experience an adverse reaction or side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine, you will have access to your accrued sick leave. If you experience a more severe reaction, please let your manager know immediately and a workers compensation claim can be submitted. Please note COVID-19 claims will need to be work related versus state directions. However, we note that the Australian Government Scheme has established a COVID-19 vaccine claims scheme to reimburse people who suffer a moderate to significant impact following an adverse reaction to an approved COVID-19 vaccine.

As per the St Vincent’s Media Policy, all media enquiries related to SVHA’s decision to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all staff should be directed to Paul Andrews, SVHA’s Group Media Manager.

We encourage you to get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible if you are not already vaccinated. You will be considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your second dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccination.
Note: this may also include booster doses of a COVID-19 vaccine as recommended by the Commonwealth guidelines.

There are a number of state and Commonwealth COVID-19 vaccination hubs available. The Commonwealth COVID-19 vaccine availability tracker provides a list of local available COVID-19 vaccine providers here.

You can access your sick leave if you experience any side effects to the vaccination.

You should be vaccinated within paid working hours. If this is not possible, please contact your local HR team to discuss whether you can be paid for your time to vaccinate.

St Vincent's immunisation policy came into effect on 15 December 2021 requiring all staff to have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination and the second dose by 28 February 2022, (unless a health directive specified an earlier deadline).

Click here to access the policy.

This data is now being stored securely in CGOV. Staff can either consent to their data being automatically pulled from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) or manually load their certificates to the system. All information obtained from the AIR is SSL encrypted and passed securely to the Cgov Cloud that is compliant with all current Australian Privacy Legislation at State and Federal level. All data obtained is only hosted in Australia including all backup and disaster recovery services. Cgov is compliant with the Australian Privacy Principles and the more recent mandatory notification requirements for data breach.

The policy covers any person that carries out any (paid or unpaid) work for SVHA, including but not limited to employees; labour hire (agency) employees; students; visiting medical officers/clinicians; and volunteers. It also includes contractors or subcontractors who may reasonably be required to attend SVHA premises to conduct work.

Vaccination is our best line of defence against COVID-19. Having all of us vaccinated will ensure we can all work safely together and reduce the impact of the virus in our workplace, among our people, patients, residents and their visitors. Vaccines are effective in reducing serious illness, hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19. This is why we’re asking all of our people to get vaccinated against COVID- 19.

Yes. Please discuss with your manager.

No. These tests are not a replacement for vaccination.

In accordance with our Mission and Values, we respect that people may hold personal views about vaccination. However, as a health and aged care provider, St Vincent’s prioritises the safety of our people, patients and residents, and we see vaccination as our best line of defence against COVID 19. With new vaccine developments every day, it’s normal to have questions, or to possibly feel hesitant about getting a vaccine. It can be difficult to sort false information from facts. We recommend you rely on reputable sources in order to make informed COVID-19 vaccine choices. We encourage you to speak through these concerns with your manager.

If you have additional concerns, please email covid19vax@svha.org.au and we will ensure that you are provided with additional support. If, after talking to your manager and considering the information we provide, you still choose to decline a COVID-19 vaccine, you are required to complete this Non-Participation Form. Each individual case of non-participation will be referred to an expert panel for review. You will then be contacted for further discussion. 

No. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommend that pregnant woman be offered the Pfizer vaccination at any stage of pregnancy, while breast feeding, or if they intend to become pregnant. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an intent to become pregnant, please consult with your local GP or medical practitioner on your individual circumstances and find out how to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

As per the Australian Government’s Department of Health directive, the medical reasons you can get an exemption from having a COVID-19 vaccine are if you:

had anaphylaxis after a previous dose of a vaccine;
had anaphylaxis after a dose of any component of a vaccine;
are significantly immunocompromised – for live vaccines only.

Find the latest information here.

Please seek advice from a medical practitioner, and where relevant, have your medical practitioner complete the medical exemption form. This form should be submitted along with a copy of this Non-Participation Form. Each individual case of non-participation in vaccination will be referred to an expert panel for review. You will then be contacted for further discussion.

A temporary exemption is available for up to 4 months if you can demonstrate that you have recently tested positive for COVID-19.

You can also speak to your manager with any questions at all. Still got questions? Email: covid19vax@svha.org.au and the relevant team will get back to you.

You will continue to be paid while your non-participation form and circumstances are being reviewed by the allocated expert panel.

Representatives from SVHA’s People & Culture and Clinical Governance teams constitute the panel.

St Vincent’s will assess each non-participation application carefully and in accordance with State based legislative requirements. We note that Australian jurisdictions are moving quickly to a position of mandatory vaccination for all staff working in any healthcare setting with very limited exceptions (other than limited medical grounds as listed above). We will consider if there are safe environments that you can be redeployed to. If it is deemed that staff cannot safely work without a vaccination, termination of employment is a possible outcome.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources

A collection of resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and remote communities about coronavirus (COVID-19).

Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and remote communities

COVID-19 Aboriginal health resources

Clinician Resources

The following are general resources for clinicians. For specific resources related to individual states and facilities please use links provided above under ‘State resources’ and ‘Local facility COVID-19 intranet sites’.

Coronavirus Resources Australian Government Department of Health

COVID-19 Infection control training

ACSQHC eLearning modules

https://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/keep-patients-safe/COVID-19/personal-protective-equipment

My Health Learning Videos - Clinical Excellence Commission (nsw.gov.au)

We have current stocks of all PPE across our Private Hospitals. We have sufficient PPE for the immediate future and further supplies committed to arrive within the next week.
However, it is very important that everyone assists in the appropriate and rational use of PPE to ensure it is not wasted. We have also had issues with theft and would appreciate everyone being diligent about monitoring this. Theft will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal.

Group procurement is meeting daily with onsite supply chain managers to ensure needs are anticipated well in advance and process consistency. Delivery times are much longer than normal due to the heavy demand on suppliers and logistics operators; however, deliveries are coming through and we are ensuring we are bulk ordering well in advance to mitigate this delay.

CEOs and supply managers are being scouted / cold called and these are being investigated. The majority are shown to be either profiteers or scammers. We are not considering any PPE that does not meet current requirements, including certification standards.

As part of the Catholic Healthcare Association (CHA) we are participating in a bulk PPE order request under their banner. PPE from this order will be distributed to all Catholic healthcare agencies that form part of the CHA.

Normal consumption means following standard PPE guidelines for infection control and guidelines for COVID-19 patient testing and COVID-19 positive patient care. The cessation of all elective surgery other than Cat 1 and urgent Cat 2 for both Public and Private Hospitals will relieve some PPE pressure, however, as above the biggest issue is inappropriate use and theft.

Training and additional information on appropriate use of PPE is being compiled and will be accessible via the SVHA COVID-19 website. Additional security measures are also being implemented.

Download these apps to your smartphone to stay up to date with the latest information.

Australian Government Whatsapp Channel

Coronavirus Australia app

COVID-19 Resources

Staff Resources

Information and advice to the community and our people is regularly updated as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve in alignment with the Australian Government and World Health Organisation advice.

What to do before entering a St Vincent’s facility

Check your local intranet for more information

Private Division Hub

Care Services Division Hub

Public Division Hub

Health Network Sydney Intranet

Care Services Intranet

Melbourne Intranet

Sydney Darlinghurst Campus

SVHA intranet

COVID-19 on Connect

Vaccination policy resources

A) Up-to-date vaccination status proposal

Exemptions for up-to-date vaccination status

B) Existing policy

C) Exemptions to the Policy

Federal and State Resources

International and Multilingual Resources

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and clinician resources

Personal Protective Equipment FAQ

Recommended Apps

COVID-19 Resources

Staff Resources

Information and advice to the community and our people is regularly updated as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve in alignment with the Australian Government and World Health Organisation advice.

What to do before entering a St Vincent’s facility

Check your local intranet for more information

Private Division Hub

Care Services Division Hub

Public Division Hub

Health Network Sydney Intranet

Care Services Intranet

Melbourne Intranet

Sydney Darlinghurst Campus

SVHA intranet

COVID-19 on Connect

Vaccination policy resources

A) Up-to-date vaccination status proposal

Do government health directives (currently in Victoria for Private, Public and Care Services staff) override the St Vincent’s proposed amendments to the immunisation policy?

Has SVHA carried out a risk assessment?

Have any of the states mandated booster vaccinations for health care workers?

Is there a difference between a booster and a third COVID-19 vaccination?

What are the proposed changes to the SVHA Immunisation Policy?

What does up-to-date vaccination status mean?

When would this policy amendment take effect?

Who is SVHA consulting with?

Who will this proposal impact and when?

Why have the ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) changed?

Will data and research used to inform the SVHA decisions for the changes to boosters be shared with all of SVHA?

Exemptions for up-to-date vaccination status

Do I still need a third dose if I have had COVID-19?

I am not willing to get additional vaccination for a non-medical reason. What do I do?

I have (or have had) COVID-19. Do I still have to receive the third COVID-19 vaccination at the proposed date of April 1 2022?

I have a medical condition that prevents me from getting additional vaccination. What do I do?

I have a medical condition that prevents me from getting additional vaccination. What do I do?

I have not had the vaccinations due to a contraindication but I am currently underway. What is the time frame between obtaining three vaccinations?

I have received my first and second dose and am now pregnant. Can I be exempt until my baby is born?

B) Existing policy

Does the vaccine contain animal products?

Does this policy apply to volunteers and/or contractors?

Does this requirement apply if I do not have direct contact with patients?

Has St Vincent’s consulted with regulators and employee representatives about this?

How do I provide evidence of my COVID-19 vaccination status?

I am currently on Long Service Leave or Parental Leave. Do I need to have my vaccinations completed or receive my booster before I return to work?

Should I get an adverse to severe reaction from the COVID-19 vaccination what support is provided?

The media has approached me about this policy – what do I do?

What do I need to do?

What leave is available if I have an adverse reaction to the vaccination?

What leave is available when I participate in this requirement?

When did this policy come into effect?

Where can I find a copy of the policy?

Where is my vaccination information stored?

Who is covered by the St Vincent’s immunisation policy?

Why are we asking all of our people to be vaccinated against COVID-19

C) Exemptions to the Policy

Can I appeal a decision made by the expert panel?

Can I participate in regular screening tests (including rapid antigen tests) instead?

Do government health directives (currently in NSW , Care Services, VIC and QLD employees) override the proposed St Vincent’s policy?

I am not willing to get vaccinated for a non-medical reason. What do I do?

I am pregnant, breastfeeding and/or have an intent to become pregnant. Is this a medical contraindication?

I have a medical condition that prevents me from being vaccinated. What do I do?

I haven’t found my answer here – who can I speak to for more information?

What happens while my medical reason/objection is being determined by the expert panel?

Who makes up the expert panel?

Will I be able to continue working at St Vincent’s without a vaccination?

Federal and State Resources

International and Multilingual Resources

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and clinician resources

Personal Protective Equipment FAQ

Do we have sufficient PPE supplies?

How are we coordinating PPE flow?

I’m getting calls / seen advertised PPE from alternative suppliers - what do I do?

What else do we have in place?

What is normal consumption?

Recommended Apps

Better and fairer care. Always.