Workers' Health in Early Childhood Education and Care Services: A Guide by WorkCover Queensland
In the realm of early childhood education and care services, staff may face exposure to infectious diseases, primarily through contact with infected children and their bodily substances.
Recommended Vaccinations:For non-immune staff working closely with young children, WorkCover Queensland suggests considering vaccinations for the following diseases:
- Hepatitis A
- Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) (especially for those born since 1966 who have received only one MMR vaccine dose)
- Chickenpox (if not previously infected)
- Pertussis (whooping cough) - adult booster dose
- Influenza (annual vaccination)
Importance of Vaccination:Outbreaks of these diseases in childcare settings can lead to severe illnesses in both staff and the attending children, along with potential harm to family members. Certain diseases, like rubella, chickenpox, and influenza, can pose serious risks to pregnant women and their babies.
Given the highly infectious nature of these diseases, vaccination coupled with good hand and respiratory hygiene remains the most effective preventive measure.
Managing Risks:To protect workers against preventable diseases through vaccination, WorkCover Queensland recommends implementing an occupational immunization program. This program should encompass:
- A comprehensive immunization policy, outlining workplace vaccination requirements, handling vaccine refusal, managing medical contraindications, and addressing vaccine failure
- Completion of an immunization record by all at-risk workers for relevant vaccine-preventable diseases
- Identification of non-immune or incompletely immunized workers, encouraging vaccination based on the immunization policy
- Provision of information about relevant vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccination availability
- Regular updates to workers' immunization records post-vaccination
Additional Considerations:In certain scenarios, such as when caring for children with intellectual disabilities and inadequate immunization, medical advice should be sought regarding hepatitis B vaccination.
Students undergoing vocational placements in early childhood education and care services should also be covered by a student immunization program, implemented by tertiary institutions offering relevant courses.
WorkCover Queensland underscores the cost-effectiveness of preventing illness through vaccination compared to managing occupational exposures, disease outbreaks, and subsequent disruptions.
Vaccination Refusal:In cases of worker vaccination refusal, inability to be vaccinated for medical reasons, or non-response to vaccination, the PCBU should conduct a risk assessment. Control measures may involve adjusting work placement, reviewing practices for infection prevention, additional training, and providing personal protective equipment.
In the event of a vaccine-preventable disease outbreak, work exclusions, restrictions, or adjustments may be necessary to protect non-immune workers and prevent further spread. Queensland Health should be consulted for advice on outbreak management.
Confirming Immunity:Workers unsure of their immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases should consult their doctor for clarification.
Vaccination Costs:The costs of vaccination should be mutually negotiated between the PCBU, workers, and their representatives. Higher vaccine uptake is generally observed when the PCBU provides vaccination at no or subsidized costs.