Who Can Get A Medical Exemption From A COVID-19 Vaccine?

Australia is quickly working towards 80% of over-16s getting vaccinated, now with the added pressure of vaccine mandates and passports. However, there is a very small group of people who can’t get a COVID-19 vaccine for medical reasons – so who can get a medical exemption, and how?

There are two types of medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines – permanent exemptions, and temporary exemptions. Permanent exemptions only apply to people who have experienced anaphylaxis following a previous dose of a COVID vaccine, or previous anaphylaxis to any component of a COVID vaccine. Egg allergies, chronic conditions, or a family history of adverse events to other vaccines are not suitable reasons for an exemption.

Temporary exemptions are granted for certain acute major medical illnesses, but are only recommended to be provided for up to six months. Examples include major surgery patients, hospital admissions for serious illnesses, and also those recovering from COVID or who have had a serious reaction to a COVID vaccine dose. Pregnancy is not a valid reason for exemption. Some exemptions are vaccine specific. If you have a history of specific rare bleeding and clotting conditions, you may be exempt from the AstraZeneca vaccine, but should still receive an alternative like Pfizer.

If eligible, you can get a medical exemption from a GP, paediatrician, immunologist, infectious disease or public health physician, gynaecologist or obstetrician. Certificates to prove your medical exemption will be rolled out later this month.