The University of Western Australia is committed to providing employees, students, contractors and visitors with a safe and healthy environment for work and study. The University promotes continual assessment of the risk of exposure to infectious diseases, prompt identification of those who may be at risk and provision of relevant information, instruction, training and supervision. The University will provide, as appropriate, education and information on infection control for all persons who may carry out tasks or activities in areas where there are identified risks. This Guideline excludes Covid-19 which is covered by separate Government and University Directions.
All employees, students and others at risk of exposure, or at risk of exposing others to infectious diseases, must be aware of their immune status.
Staff and students intending to travel overseas should seek medical advice at least six to eight weeks before departure.
Staff and students who may become exposed to infectious diseases are strongly advised to follow the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Immunisation Schedule (see below) https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/when-to-get-vaccinated/immunisation-for-work Most immunisations are available from either the University Medical Centre on Crawley Campus or from many general practitioners. Specialist immunisations are available from the Department of Health, Western Australia and other providers (see section "How to arrange vaccinations" below).
Those who have direct contact with human blood and body tissue, which includes those engaged in dentistry, medical practitioners, health care students, laboratory staff, animal care staff, maintenance engineers who service equipment, sterilising service staff and those involved in decontamination and disposal of potentially contaminated materials.
First aiders
Childcare workers
Animal handlers / laboratory workers with animals
Staff and students who handle bats (both flying foxes and microbats)
Plumbers
Grounds staff, cleaners, plumbers and security staff at risk of needlestick injury, blood or body fluids
Laboratory personnel
General Practitioners
University Medical Centre on Crawley Campus.
Department of Health - https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Communicable-disease-control-guidelines
https://www.traveldoctor.com.au/locations/perth
Where immunisation is necessary due to the risk of exposure or exposing others to infectious diseases, the cost of immunisation of employees shall be met by the School or Business Unit as long as the immunisation is undertaken.
The University recognises that employees, students and others have a right to:
Choose whether or not to be vaccinated.
Choose whether or not to disclose their immune status.
Neither employees, students nor others are required to disclose information relating to their health status except as required under the Western Australian Health Act 1911-1984.
Evidence of immunisation should be provided by the employee, student or other to the supervisor or course coordinator and to the relevant School or Business Unit.
The School or Business Unit is required to maintain confidential information on those employees, students and others who have had immunisations as part of their work or study and for providing reminders as required. It is recommended that a central file at a School or Business Unit level be maintained for employees, students and others.
Acknowledgement of Declined Vaccination forms should be completed and retained for those who decline to be immunised (see below).
Government of Western Australia - Department of Health:
https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Communicable-disease-control-guidelines
Australian Government
The Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in the Healthcare Setting
https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/infection-control-guidelines-feb2020.pdf
Australian Immunisation Handbook
https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/
University of Western Australia:
UWA Faculty of Dentistry and Medicine "Infection Control Policy"
https://www.meddent.uwa.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/2854981/Infection-Control-Policy-2015.pdf