WA Students Have Been Given a COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate to Attend Schoolies

No jab, no dab.

Each year after graduation, thousands of Aussies venture out of their home cities to celebrate the end of their high school careers at Schoolies events all over the country.

Unfortunately, last year most students lost out due to the COVID-19 pandemic but in 2021 with vax rates up and borders set to open as early as next month, Schoolies could officially return in some states.

However, for students in Western Australia, the state government has decided to impose a COVID-19 vaccination mandate on the event, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus at the Schoolies usually held in Dunsborough.

Based on health advice from WA’s Chief Health Officers, anyone planning to attend or work at a Schoolies event in WA is required to have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by 22 November.

At the time of writing, WA has hit a first dose vaccination rate of just over 70 per cent, which means it’s highly likely that most young Aussies have had the jab.

However, the Pfizer vaccine only became eligible for 16 to 29-year-olds in mid-August, which means that many high school students could still be waiting for their first appointment.

The reason for the mandate is because the state government believes that Schoolies could become a super spreader event if a COVID-19 outbreak were to occur. And with 9000 young West Aussies due to attend, they’re not wrong.

This is also due to the nature of the event having limited options for contact tracing, the mix of people from non-family groups, and the lack of physical distancing that will likely occur.

"This is another sensible step to protect our young people at a big event but also the volunteers, workers and local community as well," Health Minister Roger Cook said.

"There is plenty of time for everyone wishing to attend the event to get vaccinated. Don't wait before it's too late."

There’s no news yet if Schoolies events around the rest of the country will go ahead, let alone include a vaccine mandate, but watch this space for updates.

Check out the government’s resources on COVID-19 vaccines, chat with your GP, and book an appointment at your local vaccination clinic.

If you’re not sure about your eligibility just yet, you can find out and book in at a clinic here.

Header Image: Facebook (@schoolies)