What you need to know

• Workers and people with disability can have their third COVID-19 vaccination three months after their second dose
• A third dose vaccination blitz will occur at Victorian state run centres from Friday 21 to Monday 24 January at listed locations, including extended hours
• Disability workers are encouraged to access extended vaccination sessions this weekend as vaccine mandate deadlines approach

The Victorian Government has announced the timeframe between a COVID-19 vaccination second dose and third dose has been reduced to three months. Anyone eligible for their third dose is strongly urged to take advantage of the extended State-run vaccination centre options this weekend or book with local vaccination providers.

Disability providers

Disability service providers are encouraged to advise workers the reduced timeline will help them meet the Pandemic COVID-19 mandatory vaccination (specified workers) deadlines of 12 February or 12 March for the worker’s second dose. Third doses by the required dates are necessary for ongoing work outside of home, unless a medical exemption applies.

Individuals unable to receive vaccination due to medical concerns, including temporary contraindications, must have this documented correctly by their medical specialist or general practitioner.

Victorian blitz vaccination bookings

During a blitz from Friday 21 to Monday 24 January, Victorian state-run vaccination centres are making additional bookings, extended hours and options for walk-ins available. The Victorian Government website will also identify wait times at the centres with extended sessions with all other sites operating as normal. Third dose vaccinations offered are Moderna or Pfizer unless specified on the website.

Disability support for specific needs

Anyone with a disability who requires specific vaccination support, including in-home needs, can discuss these with a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) who will identify the most appropriate options.

DLOs also support families and providers assisting children with a disability to receive their vaccination at an appropriate clinic.

Amaze, in partnership with NDS and the Victorian Government, has released a social script for people with autism to outline the process of attending a state-run vaccination clinic. A social script for children attending state run children’s vaccination clinics will be available soon.

Residential disability providers

Providers who had Commonwealth contractors deliver vaccination for residents are advised to contact the Australian Government Department of Health to schedule in-reach third or fourth doses if this has not already been arranged. The Commonwealth in-reach vaccination pathway for residential disability service providers will not be facilitated through the Victorian DLO program in 2022.

Pharmacy or GP bookings

For pharmacy and general practice vaccination bookings, you can call local provider or identify a location through Vaccine Clinic Finder.

Article sourced from National Disability Services