The Victorian Government is helping more nurses, teachers, ambos, police, firefighters and other public sector workers get vaccinated sooner, offering paid time off to make it as easy as possible for them to get the jab.

Minister Martin Foley today announced public sector employees can now access up to half a day’s paid time off to get each dose of the vaccine, and the Government hopes the move encourages other employers to consider similar incentives.

This is part of Victoria’s drive to administer 1 million doses of the vaccine in five weeks from 16 August. More than half a million doses have already been delivered through our state-run vaccination centres since 30 July.

The new arrangements apply to full-time and part-time staff and long-term and regular casuals at departments and administrative offices, statutory authorities, government schools, TAFE institutes, police and emergency services, water and land management authorities and other public entities.

All public sector workers are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible.

The paid time off to get vaccinated applies in addition to accrued sick leave, which can be used if people experience adverse side effects.

The program is subject to the usual operational requirements for taking time off, and does not displace any more generous arrangements already in place.

The Government is making vaccine access as easy as possible with 50 open access vaccination centres operating across Victoria.

Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine for information on vaccine eligibility and Victoria’s vaccination centres, including locations and opening hours.

All Victorians are encouraged where possible to book their vaccination appointment by visiting portal.cvms.vic.gov.au or by phoning the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.