As the state moves closer to meeting roadmap vaccination targets, the Victorian Government is investing a further $5 million to boost vaccination rates among people living with a disability, launching ten dedicated disability vaccination ‘pop-ups’ in areas of concern, and expanding Victoria’s successful disability liaison service.
The new vaccination supports build on a wide range of existing help that is available to help people living with a disability – and their loved ones and carers – come forward to protect themselves, their family and their community.
While the Commonwealth are responsible for administering vaccines to all residential disability workers and residents, the Victorian Government stepped in to play a significant role in supporting Victorians with a disability and the people who care for them to get vaccinated.
As at 30 September, more than 71 per cent of Victorian NDIS participants aged 16 and over had received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine when compared to the national rate of 67 per cent. Of NDIS participants in Victoria living in disability accommodation, more than 81 per cent had received at least one dose.
However, vaccination rates among Victorians living with a disability are still lower than the general population – which is why from 8 October, all of Victoria’s state-run vaccination centres will support people with disabilities to get vaccinated at any time withouta booking.
Ten dedicated Disability Vaccination Pop-ups will be launched through the month of October – established in Local Government Areas of concern and delivered in conjunction with key organisations.
This builds off priority access already available across many vaccination centres with enhanced accessibility and pop-ups, disability-friendly drive-through clinics, and a dedicated new low-sensory site at La Trobe University. Two disability worker vaccination blitzes have also been held at our state-run sites to increase the rate of vaccination in the sector.
In addition, Victoria will establish hearing, autism, and other disability partners as vaccine ambassadors to promote uptake and provide case management, using base support from existing partners.
Victoria’s Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) act as vaccination case managers and have helped 6,000 people get vaccinated by arranging in-home vaccination, group bookings, advice, or other forms of support. This program will also be expanded adding an additional 16 officers so it can continue to support referrals over the coming months.
You can see more information on Victorian vaccination centres with enhanced accessibility, or how to access a Disability Liaison Officer, at coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-information-people-disability
