Home and community support workforce advisory

Published 19 November 2021

Advisory from the Ministry of Health:

The mandatory vaccination order has been legislated to keep our population safe and allow our health and disability support system to continue to function. We know that many people who have health issues, including people with a disability and older people, are more likely to become very unwell due to  COVID-19. This is why getting as many people vaccinated as possible is so important.

A number of health and disability support workers have chosen not to be vaccinated. This means providers may need to reduce services and focus support to those most in need.

Until the workforce is able to return to existing levels, providers will need to prioritise those supports which are essential to keeping our population safe at home. This may mean reducing or stopping household management services and may mean reducing the number of visits to some clients.  

If you receive home and community support services and are concerned about what this might mean, please communicate with your provider about your needs and their ability to meet those needs over the next few months while the workforce issues are addressed.  

You can find the main mandatory vaccinations page here https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-response-planning/covid-19-mandatory-vaccinations

and the exemptions process here: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-response-planning/covid-19-mandatory-vaccinations/covid-19-exemptions-and-exceptions-mandatory-vaccination

There is also a dedicated email for queries about the Order healthorders@health.govt.nz

ENDS