News

As Australia continues to roll out the COVID-19 vaccination program, people in Geelong with a disability needing special access can now access a suitable clinic.

Barwon Health’s Disability Liaison Office has collaborated with the Barwon South West Public Health Unit to provide a specialised clinic for people with a disability, at the Belmont Community Health Centre.

Dr Therese Clark, a clinical neuropsychologist with Barwon Health’s Disability Liaison Unit, says the clinic is a very important step in helping to vaccinate people with a disability in a supportive setting.

“The specialised clinic will take some of the fear and stress out of the vaccination process for carers, families and people with a disability,” she said.

“Whilst our Community Vaccination Hub is suitable for many people with a disability, this specialised clinic will offer a supportive and safe space for those people with additional needs. We hope it will provide a calm setting with our specialised disability staff on-hand to assist families with the process.”

Lara woman Rhonda, whose 32-year-old son Tristan has a disability, said she was comforted knowing he could attend the clinic and receive his vaccination in a supportive setting.

“I really wanted Tristan to receive his vaccination, as I know how important it is to have him protected from COVID-19, but was concerned about the process being suitable for his needs,” she said.

“I was relieved to find out about this clinic and it has made the whole process so much easier.”

All people with a disability, regardless of age can now book a COVID-19 vaccination. For more information on a referral or booking at the special access clinic click here.

Our colleagues at South West Healthcare also recently held a pop-up clinic in partnership with GenU in Warrnambool for people with a disability.

PHOTO: Tristan with Barwon Health's Katrina Gurrie. Courtesy of Geelong Advertiser