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Barwon Health / Barwon South West Public Health Unit

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Jack urges others to join him

Friday, 08 October 2021

As Australia continues to roll out the COVID-19 vaccination program, people in Geelong with a disability are being provided additional support to access vaccination.

People with a disability can now drop in to the Community Vaccination Hub in Norlane or book in to receive a vaccination at the Barwon Health’s Disability Clinic in Belmont, supported by Disability Liaison Officers.

Physical disability advocate and vaccination Community Hero Jack Tori, recently rolled up his sleeve in the fight against COVID-19.

26 year-old Jack, who was born with cerebral palsy, has joined Barwon Health as a Community Hero ambassador to encourage people with a disability, and other vulnerable Victorians and their support workers, to come forward and get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Jack received his vaccination months ago as he was keen to get back to a normal life full of the things he loves.

“Vaccination is our way back into the world. It’s our ticket to freedom. The quicker we get vaccinated, the quicker we can get our lives back on track,” he said,.

In addition to the Community Vaccination Hub in Norlane, Barwon Health’s Disability Liaison Office has collaborated with the Barwon South West Public Health Unit to provide a specialist 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 their team is there to provide support a guidance to ensure people with a disability get vaccinated in the right setting that is best for them.

“Our team are here to talk through options with people. We want them to get vaccinated in a comfortable space, whether that be supporting them getting vaccinated at the hub, at our specialist supported vaccination clinic in Belmont, or at their local GP or pharmacy,” she said.

“We are here to take some of the fear and stress out of the vaccination process for carers, families and people with a disability.”

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 call 0434 856 014 or go online www.barwonhealth.org.au/coronavirus/covid19-vaccine to find disability access resources.