Overview

 

Covid 19 Vaccinations

UTS will continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation in New South Wales, and state and federal statutory requirements, including the Public Health Orders issued from time to time by NSW Health. As is appropriate, UTS will continue to determine its policies having regard to its broader duty of care and in line with state and federal requirements.

UTS recognises that staff and students have a right to choose whether or not to:

  • be vaccinated, and
  • disclose their immune status.

Students who choose not to be vaccinated, or choose not to disclose their immune status, may have their progress or placement within UTS limited if these requirements prevent them from completing the practical components of the course.

In accordance with the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act and the Federal Disability Discrimination Act, staff and students cannot be asked to disclose their immune status.

UTS: Health records of staff and students are held in confidence. Staff and students may have access to their own records at any time.

Guidelines for medical exclusion of adults at UTS with specified infectious diseases.

 

Faculties and units

Should:

  • Advise staff and students of any vaccination requirements related to their work or course of study.
  • Advise staff and students who decline to be vaccinated of any health risks related to their work or course of study. It is strongly recommended that staff and post-graduate students who decline vaccinations sign an acknowledgment form. This form is optional for other students. There are separate forms for staff and students (optional).
  • Conduct a risk assessment if staff/students decline vaccination to determine if any alteration to their work or course of study is required to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Ask staff and students to supply evidence of their vaccination status where appropriate. If unable to do so, a risk assessment may be required to determine if any alteration to their work or course of study is required.

Staff and students

Should:

  • Participate in the vaccination program using the medical provider of your choice. Cost price vaccines are available from the UTS Health Service.
  • If you have a pre-existing medical condition, consult your doctor to ensure you can safely be vaccinated.
  • Contact your manager or course coordinator for advice if you are unable to be vaccinated for any reason.
  • Keep a record of your vaccinations and supply evidence of this on request. If unable to do so contact your manager/course coordinator for advice.
  • Pay for your own vaccinations if you are a student.
  • Claim reimbursement for vaccination costs from your manager if you are a staff member and have been vaccinated by your own health care provider. Receipts will be required.

UTS: Health

UTS: Medical Service will support staff and students to obtain the relevant vaccinations by:

  • Making the vaccines available through the UTS: Health at the Broadway campus. Vaccination clinics can also be run on-site at other campuses by prior arrangement with the UTS: Health (minimum numbers will apply).
  • Charging faculties and units for staff vaccines by a transfer of costs.
  • Obtaining written consent from staff/students prior to vaccination.
  • Maintaining confidential personal records.
  • Providing staff and students with a documentary record of their vaccinations/screening results.
  • Coding staff and student vaccinations by faculty or unit to provide de-identified summary reports on vaccination uptake.

Acknowledgment of declined vaccination form

It is strongly recommended that staff and postgraduate students who decline vaccinations sign an acknowledgment form. Separate forms are available:

Support at UTS

Contact:

  • UTS: Medical Service provides general practice medical services for UTS staff, students and the general public.

Resources

National Health and Medical Research Council (Australian Government)

NSW Health