The Disability Royal Commission has welcomed the release of Australia’s ‘Covid-19 vaccine strategy’ that supports giving priority to disability care residents and disability care staff (Phase 1a) and to younger adults with a disability (Phase 1b).
Chair of the Royal Commission, Ronald Sackville noted that while the Australian Government has not yet formally responded to the Royal Commission’s recent report on Public hearing 5 (‘Experiences of people with disability during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic’), the Covid-19 vaccine strategy is consistent with its recommendations.
Mr Sackville said that the Royal Commission hopes to hear from people with disability, their families and supporters about their experiences, once the roll-out commences.
In due course the Royal Commission will consider whether the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine as it affects people with disability raises any issues within the terms of reference and, if so, whether any further inquiries are appropriate.
The government is holding a series of meetings with health officials to keep people informed about the coronavirus vaccination rollout.
A spokesperson for NDIS Minister Stuart Robert, told F2L the minister recently hosted a briefing for invited stakeholders in the disability workforce, including the NDIS, providers and unions. Further briefings with disability representatives will be held over coming weeks.
The government expects the adult population, an estimated 24 million people, will be vaccinated by the end of October, 2021.
The staged rollout begins on February 15.
The Pfizer vaccine has not been approved for children under 16 and is not advised for pregnant women