What are the vaccination requirements for Forensic Science SA employees?

A Forensic Science SA employee must not engage in work or perform duties as part of their employment within the Forensic Science SA facility from 20 December 2021 unless:

• The person has received at least one dose of a TGA approved or recognised COVID-19 vaccination; and
• The person has received, or have evidence of a booking to receive, a second dose of a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine within the interval after the first dose recommended by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) for that COVID-19 vaccine; and
• From 29 January 2022, within the prescribed time, the person receives a third dose (booster) of a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine or has evidence of a booking to receive a COVID-19 booster shot; and
• The person provides proof of their vaccination status upon request

What does a prescribed time mean?

Prescribed time means:

• for a person who has been infected with COVID-19, within 4 months of their first positive COVID-19 test, or within 4 months of their second dose of a TGA approved or recognised COVID-19 vaccine, whichever is later; and
• for any other person, within 4 months of their second dose of a TGA approved or recognised COVID-19.

Who do I need to provide proof of vaccination to?

A person subject to requirements of the Forensic Science SA Vaccination Direction must provide the Director of Forensic Science SA or her delegate with proof of their vaccination on request.

I am not an employee at a Forensic Science SA facility. Do I need to be vaccinated to enter a Forensic Science SA facility?

A person, other than a Forensic Science SA employee, must not from 20 December 2021 enter the Forensic Science SA facility unless the person is vaccinated (completed the full course of a COVID-19 vaccine and received a third dose/booster when eligible in accordance with a schedule recommended by ATAGI).

Do I need to get a booster if I am an employee?

Yes. From 29 January 2022, within the prescribed time,  an employee of a Forensic Science SA facility must receive a third dose (booster) of a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine or have evidence of a booking to receive a COVID-19 booster shot.

Do I need to get a booster if I am a visitor?

Yes. From 29 January 2022, within the prescribed time, a visitor to a Forensic Science SA facility must have received a third dose (booster) of a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine.

However, regardless of vaccination status, people less than 12 years and 2 months of age are permitted to enter Forensic Science SA.

What happens if I cannot be vaccinated because of a medical reason? How can I get an exemption?

1. You will need to seek a medical certificate from a legally qualified medical practitioner which states that you have a temporary or permanent medical reason for vaccination exemption in accordance with the guideline published by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI): www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/atagi-expanded-guidance-on-temporary-medical-exemptions-for-covid-19-vaccines

   Any such medical certificate will need to specify the nature of the exemption and the basis on which it applies.

2. You will need to complete an SA Health Chief Public Health Officer Immunisation Exemption Application Form and submit this, along with your medical certificate signed by a legally qualified medical practitioner, to Health.NJNPExemptions@sa.gov.au.
3. Your application for an exemption must be endorsed by the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO). If approved, the CPHO will provide a signed exemption letter that can be provided to your employer.