Flu vaccinations are now mandatory for all Victorian healthcare workers.
Public and private hospital staff, ambulance service workers and those in public residential aged care will need to receive their annual flu jab before August 15 each year under rules rolled out from Friday.
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Staff who don't renew their flu jab by the deadline may face work restrictions, redeployment or job termination.
Prospective healthcare workers who aren't vaccinated will not be considered eligible for the role.
Flu jabs became a requirement for healthcare workers in 2020, but the implementation was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Similar rules exist in NSW and the ACT.
Changes will ensure staff and patients were protected during the flu season, Victoria's Deputy Chief Health Officer Deborah Friedman said.
"After two years of reduced movement and interaction, we are expecting the 2022 flu season to be more challenging," she said.
Workers who don't interact directly with patients or access treatment areas, who are not subject to the mandate, are strongly encouraged to also be vaccinated.
Shots are available from GPs or chemists.
