Relevant for service providers given the sector’s worker profile, the Department of Health has confirmed that pregnant women aged 16 and over are now eligible to receive a Pfizer vaccine.

Pregnant women are now considered a priority group in the vaccine rollout and have been moved to phase 1b as they have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and their babies have a higher risk of being born prematurely. Vaccination is considered the best way to reduce these risks. Vaccination Decision Guide

Disability workers who are pregnant should also note the latest advice from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI):

• That pregnant women are routinely offered the Pfizer vaccine at any stage of pregnancy
• Global data from large numbers of pregnant women have not identified any significant safety concerns with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines given at any stage of pregnancy
• There is evidence of antibody in cord blood and breastmilk, which may offer protection to infants through passive immunity
• Pregnant women are encouraged to discuss the decision in relation to timing of vaccination with their health professional.

RANCZOG and ATAGI add that women who are trying to become pregnant do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination.

Vaccinations are available at provider-lead hubs, state and territory government-run clinics, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service, GPs registered as vaccine providers or Commonwealth dedicated disability vaccination hubs. Find vaccine providers in your area on the vaccine eligibility checker.

COVID-19 Community of Practice

This new national NDS COVID-19 Prevention, Vaccines and Outbreak Management Community of Practice will focus on emerging COVID-19 issues, identifying provider expertise, and support for any gaps across our states and territories.

The first online meeting was held on July 29. All providers are welcome to join these monthly meetings to discuss emerging issues, government strategies and share existing provider expertise. Register for the next meeting to be held on Thursday, 26 August.

Vaccine hesitancy videos

NDS has created two videos, "COVID Vaccine - Getting it done in disability", to assist providers in encouraging their staff and participants to get vaccinated. In Part 1 we talk to people who are getting their first vaccination. We meet them again in Part 2 after they have received their second vaccination, where they tell us how pleased they are with the experience and their decision.

Vaccine uptake survey template

A Worker Pulse Survey Template has been produced for providers to use with their own staff to gauge vaccine uptake and hesitancy. The template allows providers to adapt the survey to suit their needs.

NDS invites providers willing to contribute to the national summary to send their summary results to submit enquiry/feedback when the survey is completed. Providers who contribute their results will not be identified. NDS will use the data to learn more about vaccine uptake and hesitancy in the disability sector.

NDS is here to help you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have concerns or if there is any clarification relating to disability services that we may assist with.

Useful links

• NDS COVID-19 Hub
• NDS COVID-19 Vaccine