Victoria Police officers and PSOs stood down for not having COVID-19 vaccine

Dozens of police officers in Victoria have been stood down from work for failing to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Victoria Police said today that 34 police officers and nine protective services officers (PSOs) have been stood down, after COVID-19 vaccinations were made mandatory for the state's essential workers.

Workers had until October 15 to have at least one dose of a vaccine.

The 43 police employees have been forced to take their accrued recreation or long service leave, and risk losing their jobs.

READ MORE: Victoria records 1903 cases of COVID-19 as state on cusp of lockdown freedom

"Victoria Police is currently aware of 34 police officers and 9 PSOs and who have not complied with the vaccination direction by the Chief Health Officer (CHO) and by a specific Chief Commissioner's instruction," a Victoria Police spokesperson said to 9News.

"Exemptions from having the mandatory vaccine will only apply if an employee is unable to be vaccinated due to a medical issue, as described in the CHO's Mandatory Vaccination (Workers) Direction."

"Police officers and PSOs who have chosen not to be vaccinated have been referred to Professional Standards Command for failing to abide by an instruction of the Chief Commissioner and subsequent disciplinary action, which may result in the members being terminated."

All authorised workers in Victoria are required to be fully vaccinated by November 26.