FAQS - Workplace vaccination requirements

Proof of vaccination:

As of the 4th of April, vaccination certificates are no longer a requirement for trading businesses and their service to their clients. The government has also partially withdrawn the vaccination mandates implemented for specific industries or roles.  

How are vaccination mandates affected?

The changes from the 4th of April have had no impact on vaccination mandates implemented by private businesses for their employees under their own risk assessments and COVID-19 policies. These policies still apply unless withdrawn and businesses should continue to follow their own policy throughout daily processes, including recruitment practices. 

What should an employer do when hiring staff in the future? And will new hires need vaccine certificates?

Businesses should continue to follow their own policies. Therefore if there is a vaccination mandate in place employers will need to communicate this with their new staff and the employer can request vaccination status during the recruitment process.

We assume it won't be much longer until restrictions around COVID-19 related protections are loosened which will need all employers to review their existing policies. At this stage - any privately enacted vaccination mandate policy still applies to private employers.

Flu Shots for 2022:

As we head into the winter months, we encourage managers to support the health and wellbeing of their teams by covering the cost of employee flu shots. Receiving the flu vaccine is entirely a personal choice, however, supporting employees by covering the cost of the vaccination is a small act to show your staff your appreciation.

When should employees get the flu vaccine?

For most people, the best time to be vaccinated against the flu is just before the start of the winter season. In New Zealand and Australia, this is between April and June. It takes 2 weeks after vaccination for the vaccine to be fully effective.

Can I receive a flu vaccination if I have received, or am scheduled to receive, a COVID-19 vaccination?

The Health advice is that all vaccines can now be given at the same time or immediately before or after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. For trusted information on the flu vaccine, visit the Health Navigator New Zealand.

Have more questions regarding vaccination mandates? Leave us a message and our HR team will do our best to guide you through the changing environment.

Please note: This information was posted on 14/04/2022 and is relevant to the restrictions in place as of this date.