Vaccination boost for people with disability

2 March 2022

A NSW Government initiative will support thousands of people with disability to get vaccinated to limit their risk of infection with COVID-19. 

Minister for Disability Services, Natasha Maclaren-Jones said COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters were vital in protecting people with disability.

“The latest data from the Federal Government shows that more than 88 per cent of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants aged 16 and older in NSW have had at least two vaccine doses,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“The NSW Government wants to ensure that every opportunity has been provided for people with disability who have not yet had a single vaccine dose or who are yet to get their second.”

To build on the successful vaccination efforts in place for more than a year, from today, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) will contact over 37,000 NDIS participants or their nominees through their nominated preferred method of contact.

“Participants and nominees will be contacted by either SMS, email or letter, with links to access specific information about vaccination for people with disability and support to find the most appropriate vaccination clinic for them,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said

This will be followed by proactive outreach by telephone to see if further assistance can be provided with vaccination advice, where and how to book an appointment for vaccination and booster shots, or the locations of accessible vaccination hubs or low sensory clinics.

The NSW Government has also distributed almost 300,000 Rapid Antigen Test kits to providers of residential disability services across NSW.

NSW Health vaccination sites throughout the state complement the privately owned and run GP network and community pharmacies, which have and will continue to deliver the majority of COVID-19 vaccines across NSW supplied by the Federal Government.

Everyone aged 16 years and older can receive a booster three months after receiving their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

NSW Health urges people to get their booster dose as soon as they are eligible, to best protect yourself, your loved ones and the community from the ongoing transmission of COVID-19.

For COVID-19 information and support for people with disability or for help booking a COVID-19 Vaccine, call 1800 643 787 or go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated/accessible-vaccination-services