COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-out Update
On 16 February, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia.
People with disability, workers and supporters are eligible under Phase 1a of the roll-out. They include:
- A person with disability living in residential accommodation (in settings with two or more people with disability only).
- A paid worker providing support to people living in residential accommodation with two or more people with disability.
The COVID-19 vaccine is free and voluntary.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has developed a collection of resources to help health professionals, providers and people receiving the vaccination in providing informed consent.
Information about the roll-out is currently being developed into accessible formats such as Easy Read and Auslan and will be made available as soon as possible. Other stakeholder resources such as posters and social media content is also being developed.
Phase 1a: people with disability in residential accommodation
Commencing from Monday 22 February
A small number of sites across Australia have been identified by the Department of Health as the first locations to receive Phase 1a vaccinations. The Department of Health will contact these initial sites and work closely with the providers.
The Department of Health will continue to consult closely with key sector representatives to ensure the Phase 1a roll-out for people with disability is safe and fit-for-purpose.
For all providers (even if you have not been contacted yet) with people with disability or workers eligible for Phase 1a, we strongly recommend that you:
- Start conversations to ensure everyone is informed about the priority roll-out and understands the vaccination program.
- Review the ATAGI consent pack and start discussions with people with disability or substitute decision makers about consent as soon as possible. Additional resources will be available soon for people with disability to support consent.
