CATHOLIC nurse Ella King is one of more than 4000 unvaccinated Queensland health workers suspended because she has refused vaccination against COVID-19.
The 26-year-old, who has loved the last few years working at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in South Brisbane, has had her work entry pass deactivated, but hasn’t been told whether she still has a job or whether she has been sacked because of her anti-vaccine stand.
The Health Department set a deadline of November 1 for workers to receive two doses of a COVID-19 vaccination or be shut out of the workplace.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said it was essential all frontline staff were vaccinated, to deal with the expected surge in COVID cases when the Queensland border is reopened next month.
Ms King attends the Mary Immaculate Church, Annerley.
She is aware that Catholics have been encouraged to receive a COVID-19 shot, and in August, Pope Francis launched a powerful appeal for people to get vaccinated with approved COVID-19 vaccines, calling it “an act of love.”
The Catholic Church in Australia has supported the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, seeing such programs as supportive of individuals’ health, as well as the health of the community.
Ms King’s decision not to vaccinate is an issue of healthcare rights, including the right that her “culture, identity, beliefs and choices” are recognised and respected.
“I am passionate about standing up for what I believe is right,” Ms King said.
Queensland Health estimates more than 92 per cent of staff have complied with vaccination – while about 4000 workers in the state’s public hospitals have provided no evidence of vaccination against COVID-19. With more staff on leave or off the current roster the real figure of frontline anti-vaccine health workers could be higher.
