Last updated: March 2021
The Australian Government is starting to give vaccines to people to help protect them from Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Everyone who wants to get the vaccine will be able to receive it. The government is going to give the vaccine to people in different groups, also called ‘phases’. The first phase has begun and the vaccine is being given to people who could be more at risk of:
- catching the virus, or
- getting very sick if they catch the virus.
If you live in a residential care facility, like a nursing home or another type of supported accommodation, you’ll also be in this first group and will be able to get the vaccine soon.
When it’s your turn, you’ll be able to get the vaccine from health or medical clinics, Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Services, and chemists or pharmacies.
Other things you need to know:
- A vaccine is medicine that helps people fight a virus if they come into contact with it. It can stop people from getting very sick from the virus.
- A vaccination is when you get an injection of the vaccine, with a needle.
- The COVID-19 vaccine is a safe way to protect you, your family, and the community.
- COVID-19 vaccinations are free.
- It’s your choice whether to get the vaccination or not.
- Some people might not be able to get vaccinated because of an existing health problem. Talk to your doctor if you’re not sure.
Remember, if you have any questions, please talk to your GP. They will have the best information for you.
We are available Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm and your Support Planner can be reached on their usual phone number and email address.
We recognise that every participant’s situation is different. We may not be able to answer all of your questions, but we will provide you with the best guidance and support we can, and follow up anything we can’t answer.
Are your contact details up to date?
To ensure we can keep in touch during this time, please let your Support Planner know if your contact details or the contact details of your support network change. If you have recently updated your contact details with us , thank you, we don’t need you to provide this information to us again.
We hope the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below help to provide you with more information about managing your treatment, care and support services.
FAQs
Where can I find easy to understand information about COVID-19?
The Disability Gateway has information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends, and carers to find the support they need in Australia.
Read more about the support they can provide regarding COVID-19.
You can also contact the Disability Gateway in the following ways:
Phone (free call): 1800 555 677 (Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm)
If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
The lead agencies for health-related information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) are:
Other resources that may also help you with your planning include:
- Queenslanders with Disability Network. This is a state-wide organisation for people in Queensland with disability. The network has published some information on the types of things you may need in order to be prepared. For example they’ve published a checklist of essential items you should consider having handy.
- Queensland Health’s Spinal Cord Injuries Service (QSCCIS) has a dedicated web page with information on COVID-19 for people specifically with spinal cord injury. However, it may also be useful for other people living with disability.
What do the social distancing and hygiene requirements mean for me?
It is important for you, and anyone you are in close contact with, to follow the latest recommendations set out on the Queensland Health and Australian Government Department of Health websites.
This also applies to service providers. We realise that you may need to have close contact with your support workers, and we rely on our service providers to protect you and themselves, by complying with government requirements.
We encourage you to talk to your GP if you have any concerns.
My support worker didn't show up today when I expected them. What should I do?
Please contact your provider in the first instance. If you are not sure who to call or need more help contact your Support Planner.
What happens if I, or someone in my household, is required to self-isolate?
Self-isolation is required for anyone who has:
- a confirmed case of COVID-19
- been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19; or
- arrived in Australia from overseas since mid-March 2020; or
- is waiting for the result of a COVID-19 test. They must self-isolate until they are told their test result is negative.
If you fall into any of these categories, you should contact Queensland Health first. The telephone number is 13HEALTH (13 432 584)
Queensland Health will make decisions on where you need to be for effective management of your condition, including whether that might be hospital or home.
We will continue to work with hospitals to support your accident-related treatment, care and support needs.
If you need to go into self-isolation:
If you need to go into self-isolation, it is important for you to immediately let your service provider(s), and your Support Planner know.
We will work with you, the health system, service providers, and your support network to ensure delivery of your essential services through any quarantine period, if you are remaining at home.
Queensland Health has published information explaining what you need to do, and what government supports are available to you, while in self-isolation. This also contains clear instructions on whether or not you can self-isolate at home, including what this may mean for other people in the home.
Should I order more medication and other consumables in case I need to self-isolate?
Think about your medication and the other consumables you may need, in case there is a need to self-isolate.
Please let us know if we can help with any orders.
While some supplies are limited at the moment, with priority use in hospitals, we will do our best to help you source what you need.
My care provider has requested additional equipment like masks, wipes and hand sanitiser. What do I do?
Contact your Support Planner. They can help.
