DCP staff vaccine procedure

We recently asked our staff to contribute to a proposed COVID-19 vaccine procedure. Having considered the feedback, and taking the end of legislation into account, we have decided to no longer require any role in the department to have received COVID-19 vaccinations.

Staff who are not fully vaccinated must at all times wear surgical face masks in residential care settings or where they have any direct client contact. We are maintaining the requirement that all DCP staff disclose their vaccination status, to ensure our records are up-to-date and to manage future risks.

Return to work following recovery from COVID-19 

We have updated our return to work advice for DCP staff. Staff who are symptom free can return to work five days after initially testing positive for COVID-19. They will be required to wear a mask until they return a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) or PCR test result.

Staff with signs or symptoms of illness should not return to work until they have fully recovered. To further limit the spread of the virus in the workplace, all DCP staff are strongly encouraged to wear surgical face masks in residential care settings or where they are having direct client contact.

Vaccines for children and young people 

All South Australians five years and over and eligible children 6 months to less than 5 years can get their COVID-19 vaccination.

Children can be vaccinated against COVID-19 at participating pharmacies and GPs, depending on their age and medical needs. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide consent.

RAT distribution  

The department will continue to distribute RATs to our partners, as required. To make a request, email DCPSupplyChain@sa.gov.au.

PPE equipment 

A reminder that staff caring for children and young people who are COVID-19 positive, no longer need to wear gowns and gloves in all cases. This will now be guided by individual risk assessments. For example, if there is a risk of being exposed to blood and bodily fluid in large amounts, PPE needs to be worn. Staff, however, should have ready access to PPE including access to Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT).

SA Health updates 

Please continue to refer to SA Health for the latest updates on the above topics, and more.

Thanks for everything you are doing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep children and young people safe.