By Danielle Kutchel
The State Government says it is stepping in to help raise the vaccine rate amongst people living with a disability.
On Thursday 7 October, the State Government announced $5 million in funding to boost vaccination rates among people living with a disability, launching ten dedicated disability vaccination ‘pop-ups’ in areas of concern, and expanding Victoria’s successful disability liaison service.
The government argued that while the Federal Government is responsible for administering vaccines to residential disability workers and residents, the State has “stepped in to play a significant role” in getting people with a disability and their carers vaccinated.
From Friday 8 October, all of Victoria’s state-run vaccination centres will support people with disabilities to get vaccinated at any time without a booking.
Ten dedicated Disability Vaccination Pop-ups will be launched through the month of October, established in Local Government Areas of concern and delivered in conjunction with key organisations.
In addition, Victoria will establish hearing, autism, and other disability partners as vaccine ambassadors to promote uptake and provide case management, using base support from existing partners.
Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) act as vaccination case managers and have helped 6000 people get vaccinated by arranging in-home vaccination, group bookings, advice, or other forms of support.
An additional 16 officers will be added to this cohort in the coming months.
For more information on Victorian vaccination centres with enhanced accessibility, or how to access a Disability Liaison Officer, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-information-people-disability
As of 30 September, more than 71 per cent of Victorian NDIS participants aged 16 and over had received their first dose of the Covid vaccine when compared to the national rate of 67 per cent.
Of NDIS participants in Victoria living in disability accommodation, more than 81 per cent had received at least one dose.
Narre Warren North MP and Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan, said the government was “here to help” people with a disability to get vaccinated.
“As we approach our vaccination targets, this funding and support will make sure we are supporting vulnerable groups who both have a lower rate of vaccination coverage and have a higher risk of Covid-19,” he said.
