Vaccination at the University of Melbourne

University of Melbourne position

The University does not require evidence of vaccination in order to access campus*, however, vaccination is still the best way to reduce your risk of severe illness, so please keep up-to-date with your vaccinations and book in for a booster if you are due.

* There are some circumstances under government legislation and in some host workplaces where vaccination may still be required, further information is provided below.

Importantly, the University’s position on the importance of vaccination has not changed: we strongly encourage all members of our University community to stay up to date with their vaccinations, and we will continue to provide advice, information and resources to support our community to stay informed on this.

Public health experts continue to recommend vaccination to prevent infection, transmission, severe illness and death due to COVID-19 for all Australians from 5 years of age.

The University of Melbourne takes its position as a leader in public health seriously. Our people, across all disciplines, have been contributing to the global efforts to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic since the very beginning. If you or someone you know needs further information on vaccinations, we have created the VaxFACTS website, featuring a range of videos answering common questions about the vaccines.

Vaccination is part of a comprehensive public health response at the University. We have many measures in place to minimise COVID-19 transmission on campus, including making discounted masks and rapid antigen tests available to students and staff, enhanced infection control, improved ventilation, additional cleaning of all facilities, physical distancing, sanitiser stations, and comprehensive testing and notification guidance.

Your decision – and those of your friends, family and colleagues – to get vaccinated will determine our future as a resilient community.

General

• What is the University's position on vaccination?

  You do not need to provide evidence of COVID-19 vaccination to access campus*, however, vaccination is still the best way to reduce your risk of severe illness, so please keep up to date with your vaccinations and book in for a booster if you are eligible and due.

  We strongly encourage all members of the University community to stay up to date with their vaccinations, and we will continue to provide advice, information and resources to support our community to stay informed on this.

  * Government legislation may require staff or students to be vaccinated to work or study in specific circumstances. Where this applies, individuals must continue to comply with those requirements. Similarly, where staff or students are undertaking a University activity in a third-party setting, they must comply with any University requirements as well as the requirements of that third-party setting.

• What areas/settings require vaccination at the University?

  The University of Melbourne operates across many settings and industries and complies with all relevant public health orders, including those mandating vaccinations for certain cohorts, activities or settings.

  Currently, if you over 18 and work in the following settings you are required to have received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine (or valid exemption) to continue working on site:

  • public health services
  • public hospitals
  • denominational hospitals
  • private hospitals and day procedure centres
  • ambulance services
  • patient transport services that are engaged or engaged by a health service or Ambulance Victoria
  • residential aged care services operated by public health services

  In addition, some host workplaces may require vaccination to comply with their local vaccination policy under OH&S laws.

  Please see this guidance for more information.

• Are students and staff undertaking activity off campus required to provide vaccination information? (eg participating in fieldwork, education at hospitals, placement at a healthcare facility)

  Government legislation may require staff or students to be vaccinated to work or study in specific circumstances. Where this applies, individuals must continue to comply with those Orders.

  Similarly, where staff or students are undertaking a University activity in a third-party setting, they must comply with any University requirements as well as the requirements of their host organisation.

• Can I ask someone if they are vaccinated?

  Unless you work in a setting that requires vaccination as set out in government legislation (eg healthcare settings) or additional measures approved by the University’s Pandemic Response Group, you cannot ask someone to disclose their vaccination status. Except for those settings, the University of Melbourne does not require people to provide proof of vaccination to attend campus or participate in University activities.

  Asking for someone’s vaccination status, unless it clearly required by the University or government legislation, is a breach of privacy.

  Everyone should be encouraged to take steps they feel are appropriate and makes them comfortable on campus. This may include accessing rapid antigen tests (RATs) and masks which are available to students and staff across all campuses.

• If I've recently had COVID-19, how long do I need to wait to get vaccinated or have a booster?

  You should talk to your GP or other qualified health professional to discuss your personal circumstances.

  As a general guide, from 20 February 2023, anyone aged 18+ can get a COVID-19 vaccination booster if they haven’t had a booster or infection in the past six months, regardless of the number of prior doses received.

  While having COVID-19 will create some immune response against future infection, studies have shown that having COVID-19 may not be as protective as being vaccinated against COVID-19. And people who have had COVID-19 and get vaccinated are better protected than everyone else.

• Do I need to have a vaccine booster?

  A booster dose will ensure that the protection you have against serious illness or death from COVID-19 remains strong and lasts longer, helping protect you and those around you.

  The University strongly recommends that you receive your booster dose(s) as soon as you are eligible to maximise protection and follow ATAGI guidance around staying up-to-date with your vaccinations.

  From 20 February 2023, anyone aged 18+ can get a COVID-19 vaccination booster if they haven’t had a booster or infection in the past six months, regardless of the number of prior doses received.

  In Victoria, workers in some priority sectors must have a third dose (at minimum) to continue to work on-site.