ESSA supports policy statement for allied health professionals on vaccine requirements

Exercise and Sports Science Australia is supporting the policy statement released by The National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP) on COVID-19 vaccinations for self-regulated health professions.

The NASRHP statement provides information to support Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) to understand their rights and obligations in regard to vaccinations.

ESSA Chief Executive and NASRHP Chair, Anita Hobson-Powell notes “Individuals have the right to make personal choices about immunisation. However, that right may be affected by legal, employment and professional obligations, including health orders and directions and other laws introduced by Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments requiring certain workers, including allied health workers, to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

“The ability of an employer to provide a safe workplace may be affected if an employee is not vaccinated against COVID-19. In those circumstances, the employer and employee should have an open and transparent discussion about whether and how the employee might be able to continue to perform their duties.”

This statement has been developed by peak professional bodies who are members of NASHRP, which includes ESSA.

This statement aims to support their NASRHP members and accredited/certified practitioners who are allied health professionals to understand their obligations and expectations regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, including the actions that are required to adhere to public health orders/directions issued by the Commonwealth or a State or Territory Government.

To read the NASRHP COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Statement, click here.