Vaccination requirements for personal visitors

From December 17, 2021, personal visitors aged 16 and above will need to provide proof they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or evidence of a medical contraindication, each time they visit a Queensland prison.

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and free and is the best way to protect you and your family, the prisoners in our care and our officers from COVID-19.

What do I need to bring on my visit?

From December 17, each time you visit a prison, you will need to check in using the Check in Qld App. You will also need to provide proof you are fully vaccinated, or evidence of a medical contraindication.

How do I show proof?

Below are ways that you can show us proof of your vaccinations, or evidence of a medical contraindication (printed or electronic):

• written confirmation of COVID-19 vaccination, such as a record of vaccine card; or
• vaccination information displayed on the Check in Qld app; or
• a COVID-19 digital certificate or printed vaccination certificate from the Australian Immunisation Register; or
• an online or printed immunisation history statement for COVID-19 vaccination, including confirmation of a medical contraindication; or
• an international COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate:

1. 1. a printed or electronic form from the Department of Home Affairs that confirms completion of an Australia Travel Declaration and vaccination against COVID-19 overseas; or
   2. through Medicare online account through myGov or the Medicare mobile app; or
   3. an official record of vaccination provided to you when vaccinated against COVID-19 overseas.

I'm not vaccinated. What do I do?

If you are not vaccinated you can keep in touch with people in custody by mail, phone calls, virtual personal visits, and prisoner email.

Contact the correctional centre where the prisoner is located.

Are there any exemptions?

Personal visitors aged 16 years and above who are unvaccinated may enter a prison from 17 December if they are required to accompany a minor or other person such as a parent, guardian, carer or support person. They must follow mitigation measures put in place by the prison, which includes wearing a mask.

What is medical contraindication?

Medical contraindication means a temporary or permanent contraindication that is notified to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) by a medical practitioner completing an Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) immunisation medical exemptions form in relation to a person and recorded on the person's Immunisation History Statement (IHS).

Note: Evidence of a recognised medical contraindication means a COVID-19 vaccination medical exemption recorded by an eligible health professional on the Australian Immunisation Register for the person. A person who provides evidence of a medical contraindication is treated as if they are fully vaccinated.