Please click here for an easy-read social story about the COVID-19 vaccine. *

The COVID-19 vaccine is available for both people with disability and disability workers. It is mandatory for Xlent Staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the safety of our participants. People with disability can be at greater risk of becoming very sick if they catch COVID-19, so getting vaccinated is very important.

As such it is strongly recommended for Xlent Participants to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but we also understand that this may not be possible for everyone.

With the ease in vaccination restrictions anyone over 16 years old are now eligible to get vaccinated in South Australia. In other areas of Australia people with disability who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine include:

  • all NDIS participants aged 16 years and over
  • people with disability with:
    • an underlying medical condition
    • significant disability
    • attending centre-based services such as day programs, respite care and supported employment.

Deciding to get vaccinated for COVID-19

Vaccinations in Australia, including the COVID-19 vaccine, are voluntary. However, everyone must give informed consent before they can get the vaccine.

Final consent is your decision and/or the person who supports you to make decisions.

You can talk about the risks and benefits of the vaccine with your:

  • health professional
  • family
  • carer
  • substitute decision maker.

To be vaccinated, you will need to provide consent to the person giving you the vaccination. You may need to fill out a consent form if you don’t get vaccinated by your regular GP.

Where to get your vaccine

There are a number of ways you can get your COVID-19 vaccine:

If you live in a residential setting of 2 or more people with a disability:
  • you can be vaccinated at your residence by a vaccination provider we will organise
  • you can be vaccinated at your residence by your GP if they are able to
  • you can go to a vaccination clinic or a GP.
If you don’t live in a residential setting with 2 or more people with a disability and are aged 60 years and over, you can also be vaccinated at:
  • an AstraZeneca vaccination clinic
  • a participating general practice
  • an Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Service.
If you don’t live in a residential setting and are under 60 years of age, you can be vaccinated at:
  • a Pfizer vaccination clinic.

How to book an appointment

In your home

If you live in a residential setting of 2 or more people with disability, the Australian Government vaccine providers will contact your disability provider. They will arrange a time and date for a vaccination team to come to your home.

At a vaccination centre

To book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, use the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker. If you prefer to book appointments directly at a participating general practice or vaccination clinic, you can contact them directly.

You can also find out about how to book in for your vaccination appointment by contacting the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline on 1800 020 080.

Getting support on vaccination day

Whether you are getting your vaccination at home or you are going to a clinic or GP, you can choose if you want someone with you. This could be:

  • support worker
  • family member
  • carer
  • friend.

You will still need to stay COVIDSafe and practise good hygiene and physical distancing, after getting your vaccination.

Easy read resources

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/covid-19-vaccination-easy-read-resources

Xlent is here to support you through this process. If you have any questions or would like to talk about your options, please feel free to give the Office a call on 08 8165 2023.

* Surrey Place provides specialized clinical services to children and adults living with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and visual impairments in Toronto, Canada.

WEBSITE
 www.surreyplace.ca

SOCIAL MEDIA (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIN, YouTube)
 @SurreyPlaceON