COVID-19 vaccine information for disability workers

Disability workers are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated will protect you and the people you care for.

We recently hosted a meeting for disability support workers to answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccination program.

Watch a recording of the meeting.

Learn which vaccine you will receive

There are currently 2 COVID-19 vaccines approved in Australia. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recently updated the advice about who should receive each type of vaccine. The updated recommendation is:

• the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for people aged 60 years and over
• the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for people aged under 60 years.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommend that people who have received a first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine without serious adverse events should have a second dose.

Access to the AstraZeneca vaccine is being expanded to adults under 40, provided they give informed consent to their vaccination provider.

If you are aged 18 to 59 years of age, you can choose to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine:

• following an appropriate assessment of suitability by a qualified health professional, and
• if you provide verbal or written consent.

Where you will get your COVID-19 vaccine

There are several ways you can get a COVID-19 vaccine.

For disability support workers aged 60 years and over

• if you work in a disability residential support setting, check with your workplace if they are arranging vaccinations for staff
• attend an AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination clinic
• attend a participating AstraZeneca GP clinic
• attend a Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.

For disability support workers aged under 60 years

• if you work in a disability residential support setting, check with your workplace if they are arranging vaccinations for staff
• attend a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

Dedicated ‘pop-up’ Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine clinics for workers aged under 60

Disability workers under 60 years will be able to book an appointment at dedicated Commonwealth vaccination clinics offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The first clinics opened in Sydney on Monday 3 May 2021, with a rollout across other locations in the following weeks. These clinics are restricted to residential aged care and disability workers.

Bookings can be made via the Sonic Healthcare vaccinations website or call 1300 379 878.

We have developed a flowchart to help you understand your vaccination options.

How to book your vaccination appointment

Use the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker to find clinics near you and to book an appointment.

If you prefer to book appointments directly at a participating general practice or vaccination clinic, you can contact them directly to do so.

People who choose not to be vaccinated 

Vaccinations in Australia, including the COVID-19 vaccine, are voluntary. However, choosing not to be vaccinated may have implications for disability workers and for patients or clients.

If you choose not to be vaccinated for COVID-19

If patient or client is concerned about you not being vaccinated for COVID-19, they may contact their service provider to talk to about other arrangements.

If your patient or client chooses not to be vaccinated for COVID-19

If you are concerned about working with someone who has not been vaccinated, you should speak to your employer.

Withdrawal of supports that a person with a disability relies on to meet their daily living needs and maintain their health and safety, without consultation or alternative arrangements, could constitute a breach of the NDIS Code of Conduct (the Code) or conditions of registration.

Refusal of care to a person with disability who chooses not to get the vaccine, or who has received the vaccine, may also be a breach of the Code.

Resources for people with disability

We have created information about COVID-19 vaccines for people with disability in these formats:

• Auslan videos
• Easy read resources
• disability support workers video
• website content.