It would be extremely rare for any resident to get a permanent exemption from having a COVID-19 vaccine, according to Riverina doctors.
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Those in the region that cannot have any of the available vaccines due to medical reasons or their age are exempt from the rules applying to unvaccinated residents from October 11.
However, Wagga GP Ayman Shenouda - who operates the vaccination hub out of Glenrock Country Practice - said the word "exemption" was incorrect.
He explained that the only case someone would have a "contraindication" to the vaccine would be if they were allergic to one of the elements.
"If you have an allergy to one, then you can have another one," Dr Shenouda said.
"If you cannot have AstraZeneca, then you could have Pfizer.
"Now we have three types of vaccines available because we now have Moderna."
Dr Shenouda said the use of the word "exemption" had put pressure on GP services as patients would come in asking for one when they were not eligible.
"It's just a waste of time of the doctor and the patients," he said.
A NSW Health form for the COVID-19 vaccine medical contraindication states that patients must have medical contraindications to all vaccines available for use in Australia to be exempt.
It also states that past confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2 is not a contraindication. However, ATAGI recommends putting off the vaccination for up to six months after the acute illness.
Riverina GP Alam Yoosuff said some people would be eligible for "temporary exemptions", but it is simpler to consider them as "deferrals".
The Finley-based doctor is also the director of primary health for the Murrumbidgee Local Health District but spoke in his capacity as a GP.
"There would be people who might not be ready because they are in a certain situation, so if you are mid-chemo or if the doctor needs to investigate further," Dr Yoosuff said.
"In that case, you might give a three or four-month deferral."
Businesses will be expected to take reasonable steps to stop anyone who has not had two doses from entering their venue.
For those who have had the jab, proof can be shown with a COVID-19 digital certificate displayed through the Medicare app and smartphone wallet or a printed version of the certificate or immunisation history statement.
There is also planning under way to introduce a Service NSW QR check-in feature that includes vaccination confirmation.
There are fewer ways to prove that someone has an exemption, but a spokesperson from the Department of Health said medical contraindications to vaccination are rare.
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"Medical contraindications for COVID-19 vaccines can only be assessed and reported to the AIR by eligible health professionals, including GPs, paediatricians and infectious disease physicians. Individual citizens cannot enter data onto the AIR," the spokesperson said.
"Currently, individuals with a valid medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine cannot generate verified evidence, such as a COVID-19 Digital Certificate.
"Services Australia has advised it will implement this change this month. Whilst the AIR can provide evidence for the medical conditions agreed by ATAGI, states and territories may choose to accept other categories and other forms of evidence for an exemption to vaccination."
Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen said medical exemptions, including temporary ones, are verified by health professionals are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) and displayed on immunisation history statements.
"A person can currently prove their medical exemption by printing out their immunisation history statement," he said.
"We're continually enhancing COVID-19 digital certificates, and this will include updates currently in development to display medically verified COVID-19 vaccine exemptions."
Services Australia was asked how businesses could ascertain whether someone was exempt and the reporter was directed to put the question to NSW Health.
NSW Health did not directly respond to the question but pointed to an online resource that says proof can be shown through a "printed version of the COVID-19 digital certificate or immunisation history statement".
A separate online resource said those who have a medical reason for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccination should "speak to your medical practitioner about getting your medical contraindication added to your immunisation history".
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