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COVID-19 Vaccination roll out

We strongly encourage and will support our clients and workforce to have the COVID-19 vaccination.

There are a number of ways to book in your COVID-19 vaccine:

• Book via the COVID-19 Eligibility Tracker – https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
• Contact your GP
• Staff in Victoria – Aspen Medical Pfizer hub  – https://healthengine.com.au/book-covid-19-vaccination/85312.

The rollout of Australia’s vaccine program has begun in Australia from 22 February 2021.

People with disability and staff in disability care group homes will be among the first to access the vaccine. 

Q: Why is vaccination important?

A: Some people with disability are at greater risk of becoming very sick if they catch COVID-19. 

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is a safe and effective way of protecting you, your family and the community. It also protects other people who may not be able to be vaccinated.

Q: How much does a dose of the COVID-19 vaccination cost?

A: COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia and all people in Australia such as refugees, without Medicare card are eligible to receive it.

Q:  Should l still get a covid-19 vaccination?

A:  Yes!  Being vaccinated will help protect you from a life threatening virus, and if you do catch it, may reduce your risk of serious illness by up to 98%.

Q:  I’m under 50 years old, what should l do?

A:  Discuss with your GP the pros and cons of having the AstraZeneca vaccination, especially if you have underlying chronic conditions.  Alternatively, have the Pfizer vaccination when it is available in coming months.

Q: How do l book in for a vaccination?

A: Use the Covid-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker | Australian Government Department of Health to find vaccination points which are close to you.

Q: Advice is changing all the time, how can l get up to date information?

A: For up to date information go to COVID-19 vaccines | Australian Government Department of Health,  and keep across your Able Australia emails/newsletters.

Q: Where will staff and client get the COVID-19 vaccine?

A: Many people with disability living in group residential support settings will get their Vaccination at their residence. In-reach vaccination teams, managed by the Australian Government, will provide these vaccinations.

Family members of people with disability are not identified as a priority group by Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisations (ATAGI).

Type of Vaccines and number of doses

The Pfizer vaccine will require two doses, given at least 21 days apart.

The AstraZeneca vaccine has been provisionally approved vaccine can be safely administered 4-12 weeks apart.

More information about doses of other COVID-19 vaccines will become available as the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approves them for use in Australia.

COVID-19 transmission after Vaccination

Clinical trials have shown that the vaccines protect against COVID-19 symptoms and severe disease after receiving two doses.

The TGA will continue to monitor the ongoing research to understand how the vaccines work overtime. 

Most Important:

It is important to continue practising good hygiene, physical distancing and other COVIDSafe recommendations, even after receiving Vaccination.

Is Vaccination Mandatory?

Vaccinations in Australia are voluntary, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Able Australia management will continue to provide support information to encourage staff and client to receive the Vaccination.

Providing consent

Resources are currently under development to support people with disability who are unable to consent themselves. Informed consent for each dose of the Vaccination must be appropriately given and recorded on their behalf. Staff will be provided more information about this process.

Further information

The Department of Health has a webpage with FAQs for people with disability about the COVID-19 vaccines, which you can view here.

For further information regarding the Australian Government’s plan for vaccines and treatments visit Australia’s COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy.

For reliable information regarding vaccines visit: