COVID-19 information for people with disability

COVID-19 is still with us. Follow these 6 simple steps to help prevent severe illness and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community:

1. Get vaccinated.
2. Wear a mask.
3. Let fresh air in.
4. Stay home if unwell.
5. Get tested.
6. Get medicines if at risk.

Vaccination

Getting vaccinated protects you against COVID-19, helps prevent you from getting seriously ill and reduces the spread of COVID-19 to others.

COVID-19 vaccines are available free for everyone aged 5 and over at pharmacies and GPs.

See also, the Australian Government Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccination - Easy read resources webpage.

The Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) Program can also provide support for people with disability seeking access to COVID vaccination. For more information on how to contact a DLO, see Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) Program

For more information about vaccinations, visit the get vaccinated webpage.

Testing

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.

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.

COVID-19 medicines

People with a high risk of getting very sick with COVID-19 can get medicine to help them stay well.

There are medicines to:

• treat COVID-19 symptoms if you get infected
• reduce your chances of getting COVID-19.

Some of these medicines are called ‘oral treatments’ or 'antivirals'. They stop people from getting so sick that they need to go to hospital.

You need to start taking oral antiviral COVID-19 medicine within 5 days of getting sick. This is why it is important to get tested for COVID-19 as soon as you notice any symptoms. You should take the medicine even if your symptoms are mild.

A GP can assess if you need these medicines and prescribe them for you or refer you to a hospital. Find out if you can get COVID-19 medicines if you get sick.

Mental health

For people with a disability, this may be a particularly challenging time due to uncertainty, increased social isolation or financial hardship. The impact can be significant especially for those with cognitive impairment and those already living with complex mental health issues.

Mental wellbeing resources for your support:

• Contact the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787 (available Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 7 pm) for information or help for COVID-19.
• You can visit the Council for Intellectual Disability webpage for tips to look after your mental health.
• You can also get help through the Partners in Wellbeing service on 1300 375 330 to get free one-on-one support for your mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic. Partners in Wellbeing is funded by the Victorian Government.
• Contact the Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 224 636 available 24/7 or online chat (3 pm to 12 am, 7 days a week).
• Remain connected with friends and family members and seek out peer support groups such as Peer Connect.

Support for children, young people and families

Resources for families with children with disability:

• Visit the Association for Children with Disability web page for information and resources to support families and children with disability. You can also call them on 03 9880 7000 or 1800 654 013 (regional).
• I CAN Network provides online peer mentoring sessions for autistic young people aged 9 to 20. Find out more about the I CAN Network on their web page.
• Visit a MyTime group nearest you. MyTime is free support for all parents and family carers of children with disability. MyTime is a place to socialise, to discuss, to get information, and to support and be supported by other carers.
• Visit the Amaze Coronavirus Hub webpage for information about autism and supports for autistic people, parents and carers, other family members and professionals. They have free online learning resources and a directory of support groups.

Where to get help

• Visit your GP (doctor)
• Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only