Jab trigger is pulled

Defence rolls out vaccine for troops here and abroad

VACCINATION is strongly encouraged but not compulsory within the Australian Defence Force as the organisation begins its coronavirus jab rollout.

A Department of Defence spokeswoman told the Bulletin about 70 ADF personnel deployed across the country on Operation COVID-19 Assist had already received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine and remaining personnel, including those in Townsville, would progressively get the jab once the department secured its vaccine supply, which is expected to happen in coming weeks.

About 1244 ADF personnel have been deployed on the support operation.

“Defence is well progressed in its planning for the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine for its workforce, including Australian Defence Force and Australian Public Service personnel who are overseas,” the spokeswoman said.

The vaccination rollout within Defence would be in accordance with the national vaccine rollout strategy and Defence’s own planning to ensure its capabilities were maintained, the spokeswoman said.

Australia’s national vaccine program began two weeks ago on February 22 with frontline and critical work- ers. Aussies s identified as vul- nerable are next xt in line to get the e first doses.

ADF members s supporting quarantine tasks and other frontline e health roles will be prioritised for vaccinations through state and territory health hubs as part of Phase 1a.

“In accordance with the health requirements of the Department of Health, all Defence members who receive the Pfizer vaccine will receive both doses,” the spokeswoman said on Monday.

“V a c c i - nation will be strongly encouraged, but not compulsory. “H o w - ever, the COVID- 19 vaccine vaccine, as with other routine vaccinations, will be a precondition for ADF deployment.”

Defence personnel overseas can already access a vaccine in a number of countries where it has been approved through a regulatory authority with a similar standing to our own Therapeutic Goods Administration.

The spokeswoman said Defence was aware of the “potential complexities” facing its overseas workforce in accessing vaccines, and was committed to facilitating timely and safe access for those staff.

“Defence is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other agencies to ensure there is a consistent and appropriate approach to the vaccination of government employees and their families who are posted overseas,” she said.

“Defence and DFAT are cochairing a group to facilitate the vaccination of all overseas and deployed commonwealth staff and ADF members.”