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If you or your family are unwell, worried about COVID-19 or needing COVID-19 related support, please call your GP clinic or local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO).
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The symptoms to watch out for are:
- runny nose
- sore throat
- cough
- shortness of breath
- fever
- chills or sweats.
Headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and loss or changes in sense of smell or taste can also occur.
No matter how mild the symptoms, it is important that you get tested as soon as you show any of the symptoms of COVID-19.
How to protect you, your family and your community against COVID-19
We can all stay well by choosing to stay ahead of COVID-19. Follow these 6 simple steps to help prevent severe illness and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community:
- Get vaccinated.
- Wear a mask.
- Let fresh air in.
- Stay home if unwell.
- Get tested.
- Get medicines if at risk.
COVID-19 vaccination
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 5 years and over are eligible to receive two primary doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. A booster dose is available for everyone 18 years and above.
You may need additional doses based on your medical condition. Please speak with your GP or local ACCO service for more information.
Visit COVID-19 vaccination for information on boosters and vaccines available in Victoria.
Testing for COVID-19
Rapid antigen tests (RATs)
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are the easiest way to test for COVID-19.
You should take a RAT:
- if you have COVID-19 symptoms, even if they’re very mild
- if you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19
- before visiting a hospital, aged care facility, or disability care facility
- before visiting elderly people, people with disability or people at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness.
COVID-19 can spread before you have symptoms. You can protect others by checking that you are negative before you leave home.
PCR tests
If you need a PCR test, you will need a GP referral to a private pathology provider. You may need to pay for your PCR test.
If you are at high risk of severe illness and have symptoms, you should speak to a GP about a PCR test even if you have tested negative on a RAT. This is so you can get any help you need, including COVID antiviral medicine, as quickly as possible.
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
Find out if you can get medicine to help treat COVID-19. These medicines can stop people from getting so sick that they need to go to hospital.
For more information on how to look after yourself, see the Checklist for COVID cases.
To find out about services that provide specialised healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria, see Aboriginal health services.
Information for people who have recovered from COVID-19
If you’ve had COVID-19, it’s still important to get vaccinated, including getting any booster doses you are eligible for. An infection with COVID-19 will provide some natural immunity, but it will decrease over time. Vaccination is important to get maximum protection against further COVID-19 infections.
You can have your booster dose 6 months after your last dose or COVID-19 infection.
Waiting for a 6-month period after infection before COVID-19 vaccination is to provide better and longer protection against re-infection from COVID-19.
People with long COVID-19 symptoms can still get vaccinated (including booster doses) and can discuss this with their doctor or Aboriginal health service if they have any questions.
Looking after your mental health
It’s important to look after your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember that you are not alone, and support is available.
If you or someone you love is feeling anxious, lonely or uncertain, you can call:
- Yarning SafeNStrong - Call 1800 95 95 63 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). A free and confidential phone crisis line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who want to talk to someone about their wellbeing.
- 13YARN: 13 92 76
- Dardi Munwurro Aboriginal Men's Support Line - Call 1800 435 799 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). A free and confidential phone support line for Aboriginal men to reach out to talk to someone when times are tough.
- Lifeline Australia - Call 13 11 14(24 hours a day, 7 days a week). A crisis support service offering short-term support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe.
Self-care toolkit
Taking care of your mental and physical health has never been more important. Take a look at the Self-care for self-care advice that can help you feel healthier and happier. This resource is an initiative of the Aboriginal Health & Mental Research Council of NSW.
Where to get help
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
