Special COVID-19 vaccination clinics for children and adults with a disability and disability workers will be rolled out in Victoria from 7 February.  Four Commonwealth vaccination hubs will be open for people with a disability and disability workers from Monday, 7 February through to Friday, 11 February at Ballarat, Doncaster, Hawthorn and Williamstown.

See the Australian Government Department of Health website for details about accessibility provisions at each hub, including dedicated appointments times.

Weekend clinics for children with a disability

The Victorian Government has announced weekend vaccination pop-ups to support children who are vulnerable or living with a disability to get vaccinated.

There are nine iconic Melbourne venues.

The COVID-19 vaccination pop-ups for kids, known as K-pops, will open at weekends from 12 February.

They are currently invitation-only K-pops, with DFFH identifying children with potential access issues.

Invitees will include children from out-of-home care, children living with disability, or children in contact with specialist services. The sites will not accept walk-ups. Parents, carers and guardians of children attending for vaccination will receive entry passes to visit the venues.

K-pop venues

The K-pops will be hosted at:

• Melbourne Zoo
• Healesville Sanctuary
• Werribee Open Range Zoo
• Sealife Aquarium
• Melbourne Museum
• Immigration Museum
• Scienceworks
• State Library of Victoria
• Legoland

More information can be found at Vaccines Coming To Museums, Aquariums, Zoos And More. 

Pfizer booster approved for 16 to 17-year-olds

ATAGI announced on 3 February that it has recommended the use of Pfizer as a third dose for 16 and 17 year-olds.

Pfizer is the only vaccine that has been recommended for the third dose for this age group. It can be administered three months after the second dose of any approved vaccine. Adolescents aged 16 to 17 years who are severely immunocompromised and have received a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine, should also receive a booster dose (fourtth dose) of the Pfizer vaccine when they become eligible (from three months after receiving their third primary dose). Refer to ATAGI's advice.

People with a disability aged 16 to 17 years can get vaccinated at any state-run vaccination centre without a booking. See Vaccine information for people with a disability for information about:

• vaccination centres offering priority walk-ups for people with a disability and their carers
• vaccination centres offering enhanced access for people with a disability

Third doses can also be booked at general practices, pharmacies and state-run vaccination centres using the Vaccine Clinic Finder. You can book your vaccination appointment online or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

Disability Liaison Officers vaccination help

Any individual with a disability or family with a child with a disability who has specific needs can speak with a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) who will identify the best option to access a COVID-19 vaccination, including in-home vaccination. 

DLOs can be contacted by email DLOcoordinator@dhhs.vic.gov.au or call the hotline and ask to speak with a DLO.

Useful Links

• Victorian COVID-19 Hub
  
• Social Script for children – going to a low sensory vaccination clinic 
• Social script for teenagers – going to a pharmacy for a COVID-19 vaccination 
• COVID-19 vaccination – Information and consent form for parents and guardians of children aged 5 to 11 years