What you need to know

• Influenza vaccinations free for all Victorians throughout June
• COVID-19 fourth dose eligibility expanded to most people with a disability
• Free IPC webinars for those who work with culturally and linguistically diverse clients

Influenza vaccination

The Victorian Government has announced free influenza vaccinations for the month of June for all Victorians aged six months or older.
The free vaccinations can be accessed through GPs and community pharmacies.
There is no interval required between receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccine.

People who are eligible for a booster or winter COVID-19 vaccination can book to receive both at the same time. Anyone with questions about a COVID booster or influenza vaccination, due to existing health concerns, should discuss their situation with their GP.

More information on the influenza vaccine:

• Seasonal influenza vaccine health.vic.gov.au
• Getting vaccinated against influenza | Australian Government Department of Health
• Influenza (flu) vaccine | Australian Government Department of Health

More people with disability eligible for 4th dose

ATAGI has expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 winter booster dose (4th dose for most people) to include people with disability who have health concerns that increase their risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19.

ATAGI also recommends a 4th dose for people in the following high-risk groups:

• people aged 65 years and above
• residents of aged care or disability care facilities
• people aged 16 years and older with severe immunocompromise as defined in the ATAGI statement for 3rd doses
• individuals who are severely immunocompromised
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or above

ATAGI has expanded the eligibility for people with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness. 
The expanded eligibility does not apply to health or disability care workers unless they meet the current criteria.

Providers are urged to share the updated vaccination advice with participants and their families or authorised supports, and to assist with bookings for their vaccination.
People with a disability or special requirements requiring support to receive any COVID-19 vaccination can be directed to the Disability Liaison Officer program for assistance.

Young people with disabilities encourage COVID-19 vaccinations

A new Victorian Government-funded campaign encourages young people to obtain their vaccine booster. The #ItsNotTooLateToVaccinate campaign features three brief videos with insights from young athletes with lived experience about why they have been vaccinated.

An additional resource is an NDS Podcast where a young NDIS participant and his mother share their vaccination experience, what steps they took to make it easier, and why they think getting vaccinated is important.

Article sourced from National Disability Services