Baptcare commits to all staff being vaccinated against COVID-19

7 October, 2021: Following the escalation of cases of the Delta strain across Australia and the significant risk the virus poses to both employees and the broader community, Baptcare has announced that ALL employees will now be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Previously, only employees who met criteria for specific Government mandates, needed to be vaccinated.

As an organisation Baptcare is committed to the principles of best clinical practice, and staying focused on reducing the risk of infection from COVID-19. Daily, we consider the available information and make decisions based on advice from medical professionals and experts in public health from within the Department of Health. There is resounding advice that one of the best ways we can reduce the spread and risk of COVID-19 is to be vaccinated.

Chief Executive, Graham Dangerfield said the risk of transmission as well as the consequences of exposure of the virus posed a substantial risk to all staff, their families, customers and the broader community.

“Baptcare has an unwavering commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of our team members, residents, and customers.

“Requiring all of our staff to be vaccinated, irrespective of their role or location, is an important and necessary step. We’re a team of many thousand people, serving many tens of thousands of Australians who rely on us to care for them, and to improve their quality of life. We recognise that many of our customers are amongst our most vulnerable people within our community.

“Even our staff who are currently working remotely, have a part to play in protecting the broader community, as well as the practicality that once we start returning to the office, they will interact with our frontline staff.

“That’s why we have made a decision that 100% of Baptcare employees now need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Being vaccinated is already mandatory for our team members who work within our residential aged care homes, and soon it will be mandatory for all authorised workers. This includes our 1,200 strong workforce, who provide services to customers in family and community programs, foster care, disability, mental health, affordable housing, refugee support and home care services.

“It is a logical next-step, that ALL of our employees are vaccinated, including our team members who support those who are providing services. Once we have full vaccination, we can ensure a safe workplace for all,” he said.

The implementation of the vaccine program will be staged with the following rules:

• From 15 October 2021 employees must be able to provide evidence to Baptcare that they:
  • are fully vaccinated with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, or
  • have received their first dose and have a booking to receive their second dose by
    15 December 2021, or
  • haven't received any doses but have a booking to receive their first dose by
    29 October 2021 and a booking to receive their second dose by 15 December 2021, or
  • have a medical exemption evidenced by an authorised medical practitioner.
• Evidence of vaccination will be recorded in Baptcare’s online HR system to guide deployment, welfare and safety management.

Media enquiries
Baptcare Communications
Phone: 03 9831 7255
Email: communications@baptcare.org.au