Red Cross introduces COVID vaccination policy

Australian Red Cross has today taken a further step to protect the health of its staff, members, volunteers and the broader community.

Red Cross Chief People and Culture Officer Jane Hollman said the organisation’s COVID policy aimed to ensure COVID-safe activities and services.

“After consulting nationally with our people, we are introducing a vaccination requirement that applies to staff, members and volunteers, to protect our people and the communities we work in,” she said.

“Our top priority is to ensure that our people and the clients and communities we work with and support are as safe as possible,” Ms Hollman said.

“As a humanitarian organisation, we work with some of the most vulnerable groups and communities in Australia and overseas.  We have a moral and legal responsibility to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our people.”

Ms Hollman said the vaccination policy complemented other health and safety measures implemented since the start of the global pandemic.

“Vaccination has been proven to reduce COVID-19 transmission, severity, hospitalisation and death,” she said.

All staff, members and volunteers engaging in Red Cross work will be required to be fully vaccinated by 31 March 2022. At this stage, this means having had two doses of an approved vaccine, in line with the advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

The policy is being communicated to all Red Cross people. It applies to all Red Cross people except those who have a medical exemption based on ATAGI guidelines, or who are registered members or volunteers but not currently working with Red Cross.

“Our people are motivated by a desire to serve, nurture and protect the community, so I believe they will welcome this policy. I expect the vast majority of our people – in line with the broader community – are already fully vaccinated and on board,” she said.

For media queries or interview requests, contact media@redcross.org.au or 1800 733 443