Media release: ACTCOSS welcomes opening of ACT Government Access and Sensory vaccination clinic

Today the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) welcomed the opening of the designated COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people with disabilities at the Garran vaccination clinic.

Dr Emma Campbell, ACTCOSS CEO said: “At every stage of the pandemic, people with disabilities have been left behind. We have seen this yet again in the Federal Government’s failure to effectively roll out the vaccine to people with disabilities, despite including them amongst the highest priority groups.

“Residents and workers in disability care were eligible to be vaccinated under phase 1A in February yet less than a third have received their vaccination.

“We appreciate the ACT Government stepping in to improve vaccination access for Canberrans with a disability, and their consultation with ACTCOSS and members and representatives of disability advocacy organisations.

“The opening of the Access and Sensory Clinic at the Garran COVID-19 mass immunisation clinic provides people with disabilities and their carers with a more comfortable, accessible venue for vaccination. A dedicated entrance and longer, individual appointments in a calmer environment can make the entire process less stressful.

“Offering vaccinations to carers, support staff or volunteers attending the appointment with the person with a disability makes it easier for people who are often very time poor to achieve necessary protection against the virus.

“Ensuring that Canberrans with disability have a ready access to the COVID-19 vaccine is essential. As this week’s events have shown, the COVID-19 situation is ever precarious. For people who experience heightened vulnerability to COVID-19, including people with disabilities, vaccination will enable them to remain connected to services, social networks and the community,” Dr Campbell concluded.