Aveo is set to adopt a formal policy requiring all employees, contractors, and service providers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have a valid medical exemption.
The retirement living group has already formally requested employees be vaccinated, and expects all staff to have received their first dose by November 1 and second by December 15, while new starters will need to be fully vaccinated before starting work.
According to Aveo CEO Tony Randello, with the average age of residents in its retirement communities being 82 years old, the industry needs to do more to ensure they are safe from COVID-19.
“We surveyed our people and 83 per cent of respondents expressed a preference for working only with others who are vaccinated, and 90 per cent had already had at least one dose of the vaccine.
“Aveo has received direct feedback from residents and resident committees in our communities, telling us that they expect all employees with whom they interact to be vaccinated,” he said.
The provider will consult with staff before December 15 to address any concerns they have, and determine which staff members have valid medical exemptions; it says it is committed to finding ways medically exempt staff can work safely.
All staff at Aveo’s four residential aged care facilities are already fully vaccinated.
