COVID-19 Vaccination Update

The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine has ramped up, with ASPEN continuing the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine for people with disability who are eligible under phase 1a and who live in residential accommodation housing two or more people.

ASPEN commenced on 26 April in the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory. Focus will move to other states, initially South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria from mid-May.

The Australian Government is also negotiating with more vaccine providers to support further expansion. The Department of Health will continue to provide updates as providers are engaged.

Update on how disability workers can access the vaccine

The Australian Government is making it as easy as possible for workers in residential disability settings to get vaccinated quickly and safely.

Several options for vaccination are available to workers to access the COVID-19 vaccine.

Some options are on-site at the residential disability setting where you work. Others are at locations you can visit outside of your workplace.

For disability workers aged under 50 years

 These options include dedicated Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination clinics. These clinics have been established in response to advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), which recommends the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for adults aged under 50 years.

These clinics are being led by the Australian Government in partnership with an established vaccine provider, Sonic Healthcare.

The first Sonic HealthCare Pfizer clinics will be in Sydney, New South Wales:

• Blacktown – opened Monday 3 May – open from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week
• Campbelltown – opened Monday 10 May from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week
• Sydney CBD – opens Monday 24 May from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week
• Macquarie Park – opens Monday 24 May from 2pm to 10pm Monday – Friday, and 8am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday.

Bookings can be made via the Sonic Healthcare vaccinations website.

Disability workers aged 50 and over

You can access the AstraZeneca vaccine at their local GP clinic, Commonwealth Vaccination Centre (previously GP-led Respiratory Clinics) or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS). Participating clinics can be found on the eligibility checker.

All disability workers can visit their state or territory government-run clinics to access the vaccine recommended for their age. Visit your state or territory health department website for more information.

Disability provider updates on vaccination status of its residents

The Department of Health is developing a template for disability providers to provide weekly updates on the status of vaccination relating to their residents. This will be an ongoing process until all residents are vaccinated (or identified as choosing not to be vaccinated).This template will be provided shortly.

Benefits to getting the COVID-19 vaccine

Making safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines available to all Australians is a key priority of the Australian, state and territory governments. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is a safe and effective way of protecting you, your family and the community.

When you decide to receive a vaccine it’s important you understand the benefits and risks associated with both:

• receiving the vaccine, and
• not receiving the vaccine.

It is also important that you are aware of side effects that may occur. Understanding these benefits and risks will help you to make an informed decision.

In people 50 years and over, ATAGI continues to advise that the benefits of vaccination with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the risks associated with vaccination. This is due to the ongoing potential for COVID-19 outbreaks, the widespread susceptibility of the Australian population, and the strong relationship of severe COVID-19 and mortality with increasing age.

If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to speak with your GP or other health professional. They can help you make a decision that is right for your personal situation.

A decision guide is also available to help you make an informed choice about getting vaccinated.

To find out more about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Department of Health website

Webpage updates for people with disability

The department’s webpage Information for people with disability about COVID-19 vaccines has been updated.

A new AstraZeneca Easy Read has also been added to the webpage.  

For more information call the National Coronavirus and
COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline on 1800 020 080.

Visit this alert from the Australian Government  Department of Health website