Thousands of tradies will be able to get their booster shots on site in Victoria from this week, with mobile vaccination clinics to be set up at building sites.
The mobile hubs will offer vaccinations to up 25,000 construction workers, most of which will become eligible for their booster shot over the next month.
The move aims to make it easier for workers to get their booster jab, so their health is protected and major projects are shielded from disruptions caused by labour shortages and shutdowns.
The joint effort is between employers, unions, governments and industry entitlement fund, Incolink to help fight the Omicron spread.
Incolink CEO Erik Locke said the building industry was among the first to offer Covid vaccinations to workers on site last year.
“Vaccinating workers in high numbers proved to be an effective strategy in ending lockdowns and getting the industry up and running again,” he said.
But the emergence of the Omicron variant posed a new set of challenges.
“We are urging employers and construction workers to get behind this important initiative by rolling up their sleeves once again – for their own health but also to ensure that our critxjmtzywical industry can continue to operate as safely as possible,” he said.
“Despite the dramatic rise in case numbers over recent weeks, vaccination has been shown to limit the spread of the virus as well as reduce severe illness and hospitalisation among those who do become infected.”
Master Builders Victoria CEO Rebecca Casson said workers should be proud of heeding the call-to-action last year, but warned “this is not over yet”.
“We strongly urge our members to help facilitate this program and to encourage and support their employees to get their booster shots as soon as they become eligible,” she said.
Covid booster jabs will be administered by Australian Prostate Clinic staff, who will attend sites to deliver the shots in the same way as a community vaccine hub, pharmacy, or GP clinic.
Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union secretary Earl Setches said the timely booster program would ensure workers could access their vaccination with ease.
“Given there have been some issues accessing booster shots for many members of the community, providing this service on-site makes sense and will go far towards protecting workers and their families,” he said.
CFMEU Vic-Tas secretary John Setka said the union-back initiative would play a key role in supporting better health for workers and the community.
