Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and COVID-19 vaccines

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine

You can now get a free COVID-19 vaccination if you are aged 40 and over. You will need two doses (injections) of the vaccine.

Read about how you can get your COVID-19 vaccine.

If you have concerns about your health and getting the COVID-19 vaccine, talk your doctor or your local Aboriginal health service.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are at risk from COVID-19

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at higher risk of developing a severe illness associated with COVID-19 if they:

• are aged 50 and over
• have a pre-existing health condition, such as diabetes, asthma, heart and lung conditions, or immune problems.

Younger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can also get COVID-19, which may put Elders, family and friends at risk. As a lot of mob often live under the same roof, it’s also harder to practise physical distancing and isolation, which increases the risk of spreading the disease within the community.

COVID-19 vaccines are monitored for safety

The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) is responsible for ensuring vaccines are safe and effective.

COVID-19 vaccines used in Australia have been given to many thousands of volunteers in clinical trials. Millions of people overseas have now been vaccinated using these vaccines.

Your doctor will be able to talk to you about your health and any questions you have about COVID-19 vaccines.

It is your choice to get vaccinated against COVID-19

The COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary. Choosing to get vaccinated helps protect our family and our community. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine helps protect our Elders from becoming very sick.

Carers

Carers (paid and unpaid) of people eligible for COVID-19 vaccines under phase 1 a and 1b or of children with specified medical conditions can get vaccinated now. See COVID-19 vaccination program Phase 1b for further details.

If you are a carer for someone, you may be able to give consent on their behalf. View more information on vaccination for senior people.

Read more COVID-19 vaccine information for aged care residents.

Cultural safety in Victoria’s health and community services

Victorian health and human service providers are committed to creating an environment that is safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

View more information about culturally sensitive health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and how these communities can stay safe during COVID-19.

More information and resources

• Victorian Government information and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advice to the Australian Government on priority population groups for COVID-19 vaccination.
• Australian Government’s COVID-19 information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• The Victorian Government’s page about COVID-19 vaccines.