Immunizations for work

Immunizations help keep us healthy at work. They also protect the people you work with, and the wider community. If your job carries a higher risk of infection, it is a good idea to check your immunization status. When you are immune to vaccine-preventable diseases, both you and the people around you are safer from infection.

Which jobs are higher risk?#

Many jobs carry a higher risk of exposure to infectious diseases, and in some there is also a higher risk of spreading these diseases to people who are too sick or too young to be immunized. These include:

• people who regularly work with children
• people who work with older people or people with a disability
• people exposed to human tissue, body fluids or sewage

Which immunizations do I need?#

Some high-risk jobs call for immunizations in addition to the routine ones you should have received when you were younger. Not all vaccines recommended for higher-risk work provide lifelong immunity, so sometimes a booster is needed. Some vaccines, such as the seasonal influenza vaccine, are recommended every year. If you are unsure, speak with your doctor.

For some healthcare workers, COVID-19 and influenza vaccination is a requirement of employment. Where these requirements apply, a workplace may not be able to employ someone who is not vaccinated, unless an exemption applies. These requirements are in place to protect the health and safety of both patients and workers.

The vaccines that may be recommended depend on the job. Examples include:

• Carers, and people who work with or care for someone with reduced immunity or a developmental disability – COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and influenza.
• Healthcare workers – COVID-19, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), whooping cough (pertussis), chickenpox and hepatitis A.
• People who work with children (for example in a preschool or childcare centre, as a teacher, before- and after-school care worker, or youth services worker) – COVID-19, influenza, MMR, whooping cough, chickenpox and hepatitis B.
• Veterinarians, veterinary students and nurses, and others who work with animals – COVID-19, influenza, Q fever and rabies/lyssavirus.
• People exposed to high-risk animals – Q fever and COVID-19. This can apply to agricultural college staff and students over 15, abattoir workers (excluding pig abattoirs), livestock transporters, shearers, farmers, cullers, tanning and hide workers, livestock saleyard workers, and wildlife or zoo workers in contact with at-risk animals.
• Bat handlers (for example bat scientists, wildlife officers or zoo curators) – rabies/lyssavirus.
• Poultry and swine (pig) industry workers – influenza, including avian influenza, particularly during an outbreak.
• Police and emergency workers – COVID-19, hepatitis B, influenza and tetanus.
• Armed forces personnel – COVID-19, hepatitis B, influenza, meningococcal disease, MMR, tetanus, and other vaccines relevant to deployment.
• Detention or immigration centre workers – COVID-19, hepatitis B, influenza, MMR and tetanus.

Other jobs that may carry a higher risk, or risk spreading disease to vulnerable people, include people who handle human tissue (such as embalmers, tattooists, body piercers and funeral workers), plumbers, laboratory personnel, sewage workers, sex industry workers, and anyone exposed to blood or other body fluids at work. If your job is on this list, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about your immunization status.

Where can I find my vaccination records?#

Most higher-risk workplaces have an immunization policy, and some keep records of vaccinations they have given staff. Even so, it is a good idea to keep your own accurate record of your vaccinations, so you know which diseases you are protected from and what catch-up or booster vaccines you may need before starting work.

If you were immunized as a child or adult by a doctor or another immunization provider, you could ask whether they still have records. You may also have a copy of your own childhood health record. Workplaces may keep a record too if vaccinations are organized on site.

Managing side effects after immunization#

Like any medication, vaccines can have side effects. These are usually mild and clear up one to two days after vaccination, and specific treatment is not usually required.

• If you have a fever, drink extra fluids and do not overdress.
• If you have soreness, redness, itching, swelling or a burning feeling at the injection site, use a cool compress to ease the discomfort.
• Paracetamol can be taken for fever and pain – follow the label for correct use.

There is a very small risk of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any vaccine. This is why you are advised to stay at the clinic for at least 15 minutes after immunization, in case further treatment is needed. If a side effect is unexpected, persistent or severe, see your doctor or immunization nurse as soon as possible, or go directly to a hospital. It is important to seek medical advice if you are unwell, as this may be due to another illness rather than the vaccination.

Do I have to pay for vaccines at work?#

Some workplaces cover the cost of vaccines for workers. For others, you may have to pay for the vaccine and a consultation fee. It is best to check when you make your appointment.

Reducing the spread of germs at work#

To help reduce the spread of germs:

• stay home when you are unwell
• cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow, a tissue or a handkerchief when you cough or sneeze, and turn away from others
• wash your hands with soap after using the bathroom and after coughing or sneezing
• keep your workstation clean and clear of food

Where can I get more information?#

Find out more by speaking with a health professional. A good place to start is your doctor, but you can also ask your clinic nurse, local pharmacist or a specialist. When looking for immunization information online, stick to reliable, trusted information providers.

Immunization is for everyone, not just children. The vaccines we may need are decided by factors such as our health, lifestyle and occupation, known together as HALO. Your doctor will consider these factors when recommending immunizations for you.

Where to get help#