Specified vaccine preventable diseases
A vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) is an infectious disease for which an effective vaccine exists.
To help protect our patients, staff, and the wider community, Queensland Health has specified 6 VPDs that it may require staff to provide evidence of vaccination against or that they are not susceptible to.
Some roles associated with particular locations or population demographics, may require evidence of vaccination / non-susceptibility for other diseases as well.
In all cases, the role description will identify which, if any of the vaccinations you need to provide evidence for.
If in doubt contact the recruitment manager listed on the role description.
Disease | Type of role | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
Hepatitis B | Roles that will have direct contact with patients, or in the course of their work, may be exposed to blood/body fluids or contaminated sharps. | Vaccination against hepatitis B has been a required condition of employment for staff in these types of roles since 1997. |
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Pertussis (whooping cough) Varicella (chickenpox) | Roles that have contact that would allow acquisition and/or transmission of measles, mumps, rubella, varicella or pertussis. Ie roles where: - Work requires face to face contact with patients - normal work location is in a clinical area such as a ward, emergency department or outpatient clinic - work frequently requires them to attend clinical areas | Additional pertussis requirements If pertussis vaccination requirements apply to your role, you are required to have booster vaccinations every 10 years to remain appropriately vaccinated. Evidence of booster vaccinations must be submitted as a condition of continued engagement. |
Depending upon the nature of the role you may need to show evidence for:
- Hepatitis B or
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Pertussis and Varicella or
- all 6 diseases
Other VPDs that may require evidence of vaccination or non-susceptibility
The employing entity (HHS or the Department of Health or entities within either) has the discretion to mandate for any or all of the following VPD’s:
Disease | Type of role | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
Hepatitis A Tuberculosis Japanese encephalitis (JE) | Some roles may have particular exposure risks. For example: - remote areas (eg outer Torres Strait Islands for more than 30 days during the wet season) - working with high risk groups | These requirements will be based on risk assessments . If in doubt contact the recruitment manager listed on the role description. |
More information contact
- your local Hospital and Health Service recruitment team
- the recruiting manager listed within the role description.
