The use of vaccinations, a medically screened expeditioner cohort, and the availability of antivirals all reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality in the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP).
However, given our unique operating environment, limited medical and operational response capability, we acknowledge our participants remain at higher risk of infectious illness and its sequelae.
Consequently, the AAD must adopt additional measures to mitigate and minimise the impact of infectious disease on AAD staff and other AAP participants, our families and associated communities, and our work environment.
To manage the risk posed by infectious respiratory disease to expeditioners and the successful execution of the 2024–25 Season Plan, all AAP participants must:
- Have a COVID-19 vaccination, or have had a medically documented COVID-19 infection, within 12 months of deployment. This specific provision does not apply to round-trip aircrew and ship’s crew.
- Take Self-Protection Measures for a minimum of 10 days prior to departure and 5 days post departure. They will receive instruction regarding Self-Protection Measures from the Polar Medicine Unit.
- Complete a Respiratory Illness Declaration prior to departure, as an aid to Case Finding and to minimise the spread of respiratory infectious disease.
- Receive instruction regarding their responsibilities should they become ill, including specific mandatory requirements.
- Complete a Medical fitness review. Consent for travel will only be granted given an expeditioner is deemed medically fit.
- Cooperate in the completion of mandatory COVID-19 PCR testing in defined circumstances.
- Visitors interacting with Ship’s crew, must complete a Daily Health Check.
- Cooperate and adhere to such other disease management measures as defined by the AAD.