What is this COVID vaccine about?
Scientists from around the world have worked together to develop a vaccine (the jab) to protect people from getting sick with coronavirus (COVID-19). The Australian government has purchased this vaccine from overseas, and is making some here as well, so that there is enough for everybody in Australia to help keep us safe.
When can I get the jab?
The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone, but some people need to be protected first.
Elders over 55, mob with disability and bad health can get the vaccine now. The Government calls this phase 1b. The rest of the mob can get the vaccine next. The Government calls this phase 2a. If you miss out on your turn, you can get the vaccine at any time.
How do I get the jab?
You can make a time to get the vaccine from your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Centre or your Doctor.
Know your rights
You have the right to find out more information about the vaccine before you decide to get it.
Where can I find out more?
Download our factsheetYou can have a yarn with your health service or your Doctor about the vaccine.
The Australian Government have more information about the jab on the Department of Health website
health.gov.au/covid19-vaccines Ā or you can call 1800 020 080
Australian Government Vaccine Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peopleĀ
COVID Vaccine Artwork Story
The Vaccine warriors are loaded and ready to do battle with the COVID-19 virus to keep you and your mob safe. The COVID-19 virus is worried about the vaccine warriors. Now that everyone has the vaccine, the community and Elders are a lot safer as the vaccine protects everyone in community from the virus. Artwork By Uncle Paul Constable Calcott
What is Coronavirus (COVD-19)?
Coronavirus is a contagious virus that travelled here from overseas and is affecting the whole world. It is like a very bad flu or a cold and it can be passed very quickly from one person to another. Having knowledge about Coronavirus helps to stop it from being shared around.
Symptoms
Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, feeling tired, shortness of breath and trouble breathing.
If you haveĀ serious symptomsĀ such as difficulty breathing,Ā call 000Ā for urgent medical help.
Coronavirus information video – Auslan
This video explains Coronavirus information in Auslan and how to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting the coronavirus or Covid-19.
When to get tested
You should be tested if you are showing symptoms of Coronavirus.
Your doctor or local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services will tell you if you should be tested, what to do and arrange for the test.
You will be tested if you develop a fever or respiratory symptoms and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- You have returned from overseas, including on a cruise ship, in the past 14 days
- You have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days
- You have severe community-acquired pneumonia and there is no clear cause
- You are a service provider, healthcare, aged care or residential worker
- You have lived in an area where there is a higher risk of community transmission
If you have been tested it may take a few days for your test to come back. Find out more information about testing here
GP Respiratory Clinics
The Australian Government is rapidly establishing GP respiratory clinics around the country to help assess people with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms (a fever, cough, shortness of breath, a sore throat and/or tiredness).
Find outĀ belowĀ if there is a GP respiratory clinicĀ in your state/territory andĀ near your areaĀ and how to register for an appointment:
If there is not yet one in your area, visit your state or territory health department websiteĀ for more information on fever clinics and other available services.
Update from NDIA
In line with the Australian Governmentās advice,Ā all NDIA offices are closed to the public, and face-to-face meetings will no longer be conducted. Services are being provided via phone, email and webchat.
The Minister for the NDIS has announced a range of measures to support NDIS participants and providers during this time. Find out more here
Read the latest advice and changes from the NDISĀ hereĀ
COVID-19 Vaccine Information helpline
1800 020 080
You can have a yarn with your Health Service or your Doctor about the vaccine.
The Government have more information about the vaccine on the Department of Health website
Important information
Australian Government Department of Health
Government Health Information
National Disability Information Helpline
1800 643 787
This is a free Disability Information Helpline for people with disability, their families and carers who need help because of coronavirus (COVID-19). The Helpline is available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (AEST) and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 7pm (AEST). Itās not available on national public holidays.
National Coronavirus Helpline
1800 020 080
Call this line if you are seeking information on Coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450
If you haveĀ serious symptomsĀ such as difficulty breathing,Ā call 000Ā for urgent medical help.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for people with disabilityĀ
The Australian Government Department of Health has created some factsheets with information about Coronavirus.
COVID-19: Ethical decision-making for First Peoples living with disability
First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDN) in partnership with Professor Cameron Stewart, Sydney Health Law, University of Sydney, and Professor Jackie Leach Scully, Disability Innovation Institute UNSW, have outlined necessary principles and recommendations regarding the ethical decision-making for First Peoples Living with Disability. These guidelines are specific for individuals presenting to an Intensive Care Unit and how their treatment is prioritised and managed.
10 Powerful Ways to Deal with Fear and Anxiety
FPDN’s Community Connector Tory Paasi has written an opinion piece on ’10 Powerful Ways to Deal With Fear and Anxiety’.
Click the button below to read and share.
Some helpful videos to help you stop the spread of Coronavirus and stay safe
Self Care and Coronavirus
Social Distancing
NDIA changes to support NDIS participants through Coronavirus
Stop Coronavirus in it’s tracks
Good Hygiene Starts Here
We can all help to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. This video details good hygiene practices that everyone can adopt.
Social Distancing
Coronavirus is most likely to spread from person to person, when we come into close contact with one another. We can all help stop the spread by keeping our distance. Watch this video for useful tips.
Help Stop The Spread
Helping to stop the spread of coronavirus is something that we can all do. Watch this video for practical tips.
Older Australians
Coronavirus can be more serious for older Australians, but we can help to protect those most at risk. Watch this video to learn more.
Information regarding Coronavirus for States and Territories
All States and Territories have different measures in place to keep their communities safe. These measures may change and be updated in response to what is happening with Coronavirus. For example, some states and Territories have closed remote Aboriginal communities to visitors.
See below for more information.
Information by state and territory
Click on your state or territory to find the latest up to date information on these measures and further advice.
Restrictions to access the Kimberley and remote Aboriginal Communities
NEWS from the Royal Commission
Disability Royal Commission calls for urgent action
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability is calling on all Australian governments to ensure that responses to COVID-19 include dedicated strategies and take all necessary measures to protect and support people with disability. Read More>
Statement of concern āThe response to the COVID-19 pandemic for people with disabilityĀ
The Royal Commission is deeply concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with disability. The pandemic is an unprecedented public health, social and economic emergency that requires swift and effective action by governments, businesses and the community. Governments should ensure they take all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities. Read More >
Financial Support
There are a range of State and Federal Government services and financial support systems in place for those who need assistance. please see below for more information.
People with Disability
If you get a disability payment from the Government there are no changes to your payment due to coronavirus. FPDN are currently advocating for this to change.
Carers
If youāre not affected by coronavirus your payment wonāt change.
Families
Find out about your family payments and child support if youāre affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
Job Seekers
Find out about your mutual obligations if youāre a job seeker affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
Older Australians
If you get an older Australianās payment from us there are no changes to your payment due to coronavirus. Find out more.Ā
Financial Support for Individuals and Households
The Australian Government is providing financial assistance to Australians. This assistance includes income support payments, payments to support households and temporary early releases of superannuation.
Temporary early release of superannuation
The Government is allowing individuals affected by the Coronavirus to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21.
Information for disability support providers and workers
NSW Department of Health
Advice from the NSW Chief Health Officer for disability providers delivering services in the home
Queensland Government
COVID-19 information for service providers, workers and volunteers
Recent News Regarding the Coronavirus
A range of new accessible, culturally appropriate resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability have been released today by the peak body First Peoples Disability Network. āOur…
The First Peoples Disability Network has told the Disability Royal Commission that COVID-19 exacerbated already existing issues of food insecurity, poverty and lack of access to services. By Keira Jenkins…
Opening Statement to the Senate Inquiry into Australian Government Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic
Thank you to the Committee for the opportunity to represent the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability at todayās hearing.Ā My name is Damian Griffis, I…
First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDN) in partnership with Professor Cameron Stewart, Sydney Health Law, University of Sydney, and Professor Jackie Leach Scully, Disability Innovation Institute UNSW, have outlined necessary…
Media release Internationally recognised Australian experts in the areas of human rights, bioethics and disability, have today released a Statement of Concern to emphasise key human rights principles and standards…
14 April 2020 Packages containing essential items like non-perishable foods and hygiene supplies will be provided to remote Aboriginal communities impacted by COVID-19 measures as part of a coordinated assistance…
The following principles and statement to Governments were agreed by the CDPF Executive Committee 30th March 2020 and provided to help ensure disabled people throughout the Commonwealth are not disadvantaged…
With disabled First Nations Peoples having a significantly high risk of serious infection from COVID-19, the First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN) is calling for Federal, State and Territory Governments to…
People with disability who receive the Disability Support Pension (DSP) urgently need access to the increased Coronavirus Supplement of $550 per fortnight, consistent with the Jobseeker Payment and other payments…
The First Peoples Disability Network of Australia calls for more government support to protect vulnerable members of First Nations communities in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. By Emily Nicol…
First Nations people with disabilities are extremely vulnerable to serious infection from COVID- 19. Federal and State Governments must deliver support to protect First Nations communities especially those with disabilities.…
Recent Tweets
We've just released new accessible resources about the COVID vaccine for First Peoples with disability, made by us, for us.
Have a look and share them around.
https://t.co/M6DvLVy9fp
Indigenous Australians over 55 eligible to receive AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from today
@nakarithorpe
https://t.co/kqtfa0JHxA
Have questions about COVID-19 vaccines? There is information here, including when you can get one.
https://t.co/BiqZMS0kRN
Now @3CR Thurs Brekky: Tecber Ahmed Salah (Ministry of Public Health, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic) + Haissam Minkara (Oxfam Algeria) on COVID-19 in Tindouf camps, @bobuqsayed on their Meanjin piece on aus war crimes, + June Riemer (@FPDNAus) on disability + child protection.
Disability Royal Commission Hearing: Experiences of people with disability during the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. #FPDN #Indigenous #disability #community #bethechange #coronacare #disabilityrc #grassrootstruths https://t.co/dL8auXTQsQ
#Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service is hosting #COVID19vaccination info sessions on Wed 14 April.
Dr Eric Sambaiew and Dr Dan Ewald will be answering questions.
Tea, coffee, refreshments provided.
#KeepOurMobSafe #covid19australia #COVID19aus #COVID19Au #coronavirusaustralia
#Aboriginal and #TorresStraitIslander adults will soon be able to get their #COVID19vaccination via local AMS, GP and some other locations.
To find out more, call your local health worker or visit https://t.co/P8uTsUcwyH
#covid19vaccine #covid19australia #keepourmobsafe
š£ Professor Marcia Langton AO on the importance of COVID-19 vaccines and their safety.
#KeepOurMobSafe #AboriginalHealthInAboriginalHands #covid19vaccination #covid19vaccinedistribution #covid19australia #covidvaccines #covidvaccinations
COVID-19 vaccines have been checked by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (@TGAgovau) and are proven to be safe and effective.
Having the vaccine will protect you and your community.
You can learn more at: https://t.co/7CHuZtaQ6s
#KeepOurMobSafe
#Aboriginal and #TorresStraitIslander adults will soon be able to get their #COVID19vaccination via local AMS, GP and some other locations.
To find out more, call your local health worker or visit https://t.co/P8uTsUcwyH
#covid19vaccine #covid19australia #keepourmobsafe
