A special call has gone out encouraging people with disability to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine booster dose with the state in the grip of a new wave of the pandemic.
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, said people with disability can be more vulnerable to the harmful effects of the virus.
“Protecting people with disability is vital as they can be at greater risk of developing serious illness if they become infected,” she said.
“Vaccination is readily available at GPs and pharmacies and we are urging everyone to book in without delay.”
COVID-19 booster doses are recommended for anyone 16 years and older who had their last dose of a primary course at least three months ago.
The COVID-19 vaccine can be taken at the same time as the influenza vaccine, which people with disability are also being urged to take.
While the free flu vaccination program in NSW ended on July 17, those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza remain eligible for a free flu vaccine beyond this date, under the National Immunisation program.
This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months of age; children aged from six months to under five; people with serious health conditions (including severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease); pregnant women; and people aged 65 and over.
The NSW Government is also providing up to 7.9 million rapid antigen tests (RATs) to people with disability and other vulnerable community members with the program recently expanded to October 31.
To find your nearest vaccination clinic, visit nsw.gov.au.
Primary source:, Media release, Jul 18, 2022, NSW Government