Answering your questions about what vaccinations are required for nurses in Australia
The science is in, and the medical experts advice is absolute vaccinations save lives, and they protect lives, and they are an essential part of a healthy society.
Vaccination recommendations are determined by the likelihood of contact with patients, blood or body substances. Healthcare workers should receive the vaccines they require before or within the first few weeks of employment. The exception is the influenza vaccine, which is usually administered every year between March and May. Work activities, rather than a job title, should be considered on an individual basis to ensure each healthcare worker has an appropriate level of protection.
Medical facilities typically have a comprehensive immunisation policy for all healthcare workers, however, each worker should be individually assessed for specific vaccines, taking possible contraindications into account.
Work practices should include the use of standard and additional precautions to minimise exposure to blood and body fluids. And of course, if exposure does occur, follow your organisations guidelines for post-exposure prophylaxis.
What are the vaccination requirements for nurses?