Get vaccinated to protect Mob
Getting vaccinated is the best way you can ensure that you, your family, your Mob and Community are protected against COVID-19.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at a higher risk of developing severe illness associated with COVID-19. This is due to higher rates of pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung disease that exists within our Communities. That is why it is so important that protect ourselves, our families and Community by getting vaccinated as soon as we’re eligible.
Who is eligible
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 5 years and over are eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccination. For the best protection from COVID-19 infection, stay ‘up to date’ with your vaccinations.
In July 2022, this means:
- 16 years and over: a primary course of 2 vaccines, plus a booster dose 3 months later
- Children and adolescents 5-15years: a primary course of 2 vaccines
- Severely immunocompromised individuals aged 5 years and older: a 3rd dose 2 months after your 2nd dose.
- A fourth dose or ‘Winter Booster’ is recommended for
- all people aged 50 years and older
- residents of aged care or disability care facilities and
- people age 16 years and older with:
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- severe immunocompromise (as defined in this ATAGI statement) such as people with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness (such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease) or people with disability or complex health needs.
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Media personality, former AFL football player and proud Barranbinya (NSW) man, Tony Armstrong, receiving his COVID-19 vaccination at VAHS, 2021.
The ‘Winter Booster’ is also available people aged 30 years and older if they choose. The recommended time between the first booster dose (or recent COVID-19 infection) and a winter booster dose is now 3 months.
Children aged 5 to 11 years old must be accompanied by a parent/kinship carer/guardian who can provide consent for the vaccination. The recommended schedule for vaccination in this age group is 2 doses, 8 weeks apart.
Even if you have had COVID-19 it is still important to get vaccinated. The natural protection your provided after being sick with COVID-19 will decrease over time. Getting vaccinated when you are well enough to do so will give you the maximum protection against further COVID-19 infections. More information here.
Where to get vaccinated
You can book an appointment at any state-run vaccination centre in Victoria, your local pharmacy or GP, or contact your local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) for information and/or to book an appointment.
You can also find your nearest vaccine clinic through the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder here.
For more information visit the Vaccine Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people webpage on the Coronavirus website.
If you are very sick or your symptoms persist or get worse, please ensure you seek medical attention immediately by contacting your doctor or going to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Aboriginal
COVID Infoline
Call 1800 312 911
Do you have questions about COVID-19?
Talk directly to Aboriginal staff who understand our local community and can answer your questions and direct you to support needed. Ring up and have a yarn.
Open from 9am – 5pm, 7 days a week.