More than 10,000 Victorians have now been vaccinated against COVID-19 through a dedicated liaison program that helps those living with disability or with special needs get protected against coronavirus in their local area.

The Australian-first program matches Disability Liaison Officers with people, families, and advocates to decide the best way to get vaccinated – whether through specialist support at a state vaccination clinic or as part of Victoria’s at-home vaccination service.

The Disability Liaison Officer Program, which is open to people five years and over, ensures all Victorians have equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Several vaccination centres across Victoria also offer enhanced accessibility for people with special needs, including those living with disability, mental illness and severe anxiety. These clinics offer longer appointment times, additional space and easy to read resources in a low-sensory environment.

Victoria was the first jurisdiction in Australia to establish a dedicated disability liaison program in June last year and the rate of the state’s National Disability Insurance Scheme participants aged 16 and over who are double vaccinated is the highest of any state.

In a further boost to Victorians wanting to get vaccinated, 100 per cent of state-run sites are now open to walk ups, allowing people to get vaccinated at any state site without needing to book.

Victoria is also continuing its pop-up vaccination clinics for five to 11-year-olds, which have been rolling out in some of the state’s most well-known venues – including Scienceworks, Melbourne Zoo, and Sealife Aquarium – to support vulnerable children, including those living with disability.

Victorians can contact the program by emailing DLOcoordinator@dhhs.vic.gov.au, submitting an online request via www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-information-people-disability or calling the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 and identifying as needing specialist support.