We experienced the lockdown at the start of 2020… we experienced the lockdown again at the end of 2021… Surely it won’t come back, right? We sure won’t jinx it- but it is a sign to read up on this vaccine info and COVID reminders, for those who may have forgotten. Although the panic of COVID-19 seems to have gradually faded away, it is important to realise the potential threat if may not have been vaccinated yet. Touchwood that there won’t be another lockdown. BUT in the event that toilet paper bulk buying is back, we want to make sure you are safe to rush into those stalls to pick up your necessities!
Vaccines- Whether Consent Can Be Given by You or Someone Else
Consent is extremely important, especially with vaccines. If you go to receive a COVID vaccine, you will be asked if you consent (say yes) to it. However, if you are unable to give consent due to your condition, a carer or spouse- or whoever is allowed to assist in your decision making is able to give consent for you. They will require your consent for both your first and second dose. The first dose will be on the same day, and the second will be later on. It is then up to you if you would like to receive a booster, as the government has not yet mandated the third shot to be considered ‘fully vaccinated.’
Informed consent is extremely important so that you know what you are agreeing to before having your shot. This includes:
- Why you are recommended to receive the vaccine
- Why the vaccine is safe
- What will happen once receiving the vaccine/ if there are any side effects
You may also get given an information sheet to follow, especially if your aftereffects are more prevalent than others.
Accessing Vaccination Services
If you have been vaccinated twice and are looking to get your booster- like the first two, this can be done easily by visiting a COVID-19 Vaccine clinic finder. This will give you a location closest to you, as well as the earliest available timeslot.
However, also note that the NDIA is partnering with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. This is to ease up the process of accessing the COVID-19 vaccine for NDIS participants. You can simply use this link to make an appointment for your COVID vaccine.
If accessing this vaccine is trickier for any reason whatsoever, the NDIS is assisting participants. They do this by offering providers extra payment to arrange your vaccine for you. Make sure to note that this payment comes right out of the NDIA and NOT your assigned budget. Hopefully, this takes out any stress in arranging a vaccination. That way, you and your loved ones can feel safe and protected.
Testing for COVID-19
Now that the hunt for a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is over and the craze has died down, these are in fact quite easy to find. However, for NDIS participants who are eligible, you are now able to get these easily AND with your NDIS plan funding from the core budget. This use of the core budget, especially in trying times like these is extremely flexible. And in the meantime, can cover the cost of these RATs.
As of 2022, more than 1.2 RATs have been distributed to high-risk living settings, which support independent living. These are available with providers and participants.
You are considered eligible if you have one of these cards:
- Healthcare card
- Low income health care card
- Commonwealth senior health card
- Pensioner concession card
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange Card
Meal Prep And/Or Delivery During COVID
If you normally require support workers or carers to prepare meals for you in the comfort of your own home or do your grocery shopping, these funds can instead be used to source meal preparations and deliver groceries for a limited time. You can choose this option for your safety, and the safety of others to minimize interactions with others, especially if you are vulnerable or unvaccinated. It is flexible and allows you to work alongside your other arrangements for the time being.
Deep Cleaning Services For COVID
If in the unfortunate event that a support worker has assisted a participant, and then later on found to be COVID positive, the participant will be eligible for a one-off deep clean. This is inclusive of:
- Removing visible dirt and dust
- Steam cleaning any carpets, couches and beds. This also includes steam cleaning clothing
- Removal of bacteria and germs
Next Steps to a Comfortable Future
After sorting through this vaccine info and COVID reminders, hopefully, you feel a little more supported through this process. Additionally, it would be beneficial for you and your loved ones if you were COVID vaccinated so that it reduces stress and prevents spreading. There are many options available, whether it be meal prep, Rapid Antigen Test sourcing, or even deep cleaning – which should reduce any unwanted stress as we navigate through this difficult time.
