Advice for disability services on managing acute respiratory infections (ARI)

• Latest advice for residential disability care facilities18 December​ 2024
  
• Latest advice for home care service providers 19 December​​​ 2024
  
• Outbreak management in disability care settings 28 November 20​​23​

Accessible COVID-19 information for people with disability

• Preventing respiratory infections while attending clients in their home
• Performing a rapid antigen test on a visually impaired person
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​Vaccination​​​

COVID-19 vaccination requirements for workers are based on a workplace he​​alth and safety risk assessment model. Staff may need to provide proof of vaccination to their employer if requested.

If you require further information about COVID-19 or need support to book a COVID-19 vaccination, you can contact:

• Coronavirus Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787
• healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or use the online Service Finder
• the Commonwealth Disability Services - COVID-19 support team.

Antiviral resources

These resources have been developed to guide discussions between individuals, their families and their doctor regarding the use of antiviral medicines:

• COVID-19 and influenza antiviral medicines – Advice for people at higher risk of severe illness
  A fact sheet for people at higher risk of severe illness and their loved ones to help guide decisions about using antivirals for COVID-19 and influenza (flu).
• Pre-assessment action plan for respiratory infections for people at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and influenza. This action plan should be completed by the person's regular doctor. It does not replace the requirement for a doctor to prescribe a medication prior to administration, but supports timely access to testing and antiviral medicines.
•  COVID-19 and influenza antiviral medicines
  A fact sheet for clinicians on the use of antiviral medicines for COVID-19 (molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) and influenza (oseltamivir).

Further resources

Commonwealth resources

• Management and Operational Plan for People with Disability
• COVID-19 vaccine information for disability service providers
• CDNA guidelines for the prevention and management of COVID-19 outbreaks in disability residential services
• DoH video for disability support workers on wearing PPE

NDIS resources

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
• NDIS Commission coronavirus (COVID-19) information

Other resources

• NSW Health - COVID-19 information for people with disability
• Supporting people with disability - a hospitalisation document for clinicians
• Guidance for health care service providers and carers on alternative approaches to COVID-19 testing for people with disability
• NSW Department of Communities and Justice - COVID-19 (coronavirus) response Information for older people, people with disability and carers
• Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness