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Covid-19 vaccines For Members

In which jobs are vaccinations mandatory in Austria?

The Local Austria
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In which jobs are vaccinations mandatory in Austria?
Photo: MARIO TAMA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Vaccinations remain voluntary in Austria, but are mandatory in some professions. Here’s what you need to know.

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The Austrian government has repeatedly reiterated that the coronavirus vaccine would not be made compulsory.

That said, certain professions - particularly those where a greater risk is posed to vulnerable people - have required that employees be vaccinated. 

‘Education, not obligation’: How Austria plans to tackle vaccine sceptics

Can you be forced to be vaccinated? 

Generally speaking, only new hires can be forced to be vaccinated - i.e. an employer can mandate that all job vacancies are only filled by people who have been fully vaccinated. 

This is nothing new in Austria. In Vienna for instance, staff in the health sector have been required to be vaccinated against diphtheria, measles, tetanus, mumps, rubella and hepatitis B since 2017. 

Legal experts however believe that while an employer cannot force you to be vaccinated, they can fire you if you refuse as a “last resort”. 

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The reason for this is that employers owe a duty of care to their staff and to customers. 

If a member of staff is refusing to get vaccinated, they are putting other staff and customers at risk – which could have legal repercussions for the company.

However, an employer will need to have exhausted all other avenues before terminating someone for not getting vaccinated. 

Reader question: Can I be fired for refusing to get vaccinated in Austria?

Which industries require vaccination against Covid?

In Vienna, all new health and social workers must be vaccinated against Covid. 

The same is true for health workers and some childcare workers in Burgenland, Lower Austria, and Styria. 

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