The national body representing Catholic social service agencies has backed a proposal to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for disability care workers, saying it will keep a vulnerable group of Australians safer.
Among the more than 50 members of Catholic Social Services Australia, disability care is one of the most common services provided. Tens of thousands of Australians with disability are supported by Catholic providers each year.
CSSA chair Francis Sullivan said while there are legitimate reasons for some people to not receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the pursuit of the common good means those working in disability care should be inoculated against the virus.
“What we know about COVID-19 is that it is most destructive when people who have other health challenges are infected,” Mr Sullivan said.
“For those whose work and life revolves around the care of people who often have conditions that make them vulnerable to illness, taking measured steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is a sensible and caring choice.”
Mr Sullivan said a similar approach to that taken for aged care workers makes sense for the disability care sector.
“There is a shared view that the vaccine rollout has moved more slowly than we would have liked, but it’s important to focus on how we can speed the process up and protect as many people as possible as quickly as possible,” he said.
“The Catholic social services sector stands ready to work closely with government and with health officials to protect disability care workers and those we serve.”
Catholic body backs vaccination for disability workers, CathNews
Vaccines for disability care workers protect the vulnerable, Catholic Outlook
Media Contact: Gavin Abraham | 0408 825 788
GPO Box 1947 Canberra ACT 2601. Favier House, Cooyong Street, Braddon T 02 6285 1366 admin@cssa.org.au