It’s been 12 months since the commencement of the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine. Since then, activities we took for granted prior to the pandemic have been restricted unless an individual is fully vaccinated. Dining out, shopping and travel were just a few things that could only be enjoyed by those who were fully vaccinated when Victoria finally came out of lockdown in October 2021.
The opening of Australia’s borders to international travellers has not only re-opened the vaccination debate but also bought into question what is considered ‘fully vaccinated’.
When Scott Morrison announced Australia’s borders would re-open, he stipulated it was on the condition that anyone entering Australia was fully vaccinated, i.e., has had two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. The commonwealth government is responsible for setting the criteria for international travellers to enter Australia; however, each state leader may impose their own restrictions based on vaccination status.
Victoria’s stance
Not long after the prime minister’s announcement, the Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews, who is supportive of open borders stated international travellers who hadn’t received a third dose of the vaccine would be able to enter Victoria but would not have freedom of movement within the state. This would mean they would not be able to access hospitality, some retail and other services which are only open to fully vaccinated patrons. Daniel Andrews based his stance on international evidence which suggests that three doses of the Covid-19 vaccine is what is required to be as safe as can be.
Covid-19 vaccine boosters. Mandated or not?
At the time, Daniel Andrews had implied that Victorians would be subjected to a Covid-19 booster mandate and only those who received a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine would be able to enjoy pleasures such as dining out, certain events and non-essential retail etc. He has since conceded that restricting the movements of double dosed travellers in Victoria as well as implementing a Covid-19 booster mandate for Victorians would be impractical.
He admitted it would be difficult to invoke such an initiative given the federal government has opened the borders to everyone that has had at least two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Victoria could end up with a situation where local Victorians who have only received two doses of the vaccine would not be able to frequent restaurants when an overseas traveller with two doses would have the freedom to dine wherever they wanted.
While Victorians in general may not have booster mandates inflicted on then, Daniel Andrews has imposed Covid-19 vaccine booster mandates on workers in health and aged care, disability, emergency services, corrections, quarantine accommodation, food distribution and education. There is the possibility that this could be expanded to other industries. So far, Victoria is the only state to mandate a third Covid-19 jab for particular industries.
What is fully vaccinated?
National Cabinet has been waiting on advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisations (ATAGI) on its definition of ‘fully vaccinated’. Given the confusion of what is considered fully vaccinated – is it two doses or is it three, ATAGI has started to move away from the term ‘fully vaccinated’. People over 16 who have had their booster shot will now be referred to as ‘up-to-date’. A person will be considered ‘up-to-date’ if they have received all the recommended doses for their age and individual health needs. The term ‘up-to-date’ will also serve as the basis for policies relating to public health management.
Covid-19 vaccination is always going to raise debate for many reasons. What’s important is that Australia can move forward and all stake holders, federal and state, can work together to get Australia close to what it was pre-pandemic.
If you would like to learn more about any aspect of migration, contact the Visa Solutions team on 1800 828 008 or send us an email.
