Retail workers across Victoria will need to have at least one dose of an accredited vaccine before October 15 or be unable to work on-site, according to a mandate by the state government.

Retailers engaging in click-and-collect services, as well as supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes, are on the list of ‘authorised workers’ which will be able to keep trading as of the deadline, provided on-site employees are on the path of vaccination. Staff must have their second dose by 26 November.

Anyone on the government’s list of authorised businesses, even if not in a locked-down area, must comply with this requirement.

Premier Dan Andrews said the state’s health workers have been working hard to be there for Victorians, and it’s time industry did its bit and got its staff vaccinated.

“As authorised workers are currently moving around Victoria the most, it’s vital they get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and all of Victoria,” the state government said.

“The advice from the Burnet Institute and all our public health officials is that vaccination remains our best protection.”

In order to facilitate the vaccine requirement, the government noted there at 13,000 first dose Pfizer appointments available and 8,000 first dose Astra Zeneca appointments available through the state run vaccination program across the next week, as well as appointments available at GPs and pharmacies.

According to SmartCompany, the mandate could impact as many as 1.25 million Victorians.