Infectious disease
Yooralla's Disability Health team can help clients access antiviral treatments and vaccines to minimise illness and hospitalisation. We can also connect you with resources about COVID-19 and other health threats.
Infectious diseases are illnesses that are transmitted through contaminated surfaces, food, water or organisms.
People with disability may experience more serious health concerns if they contract an infectious disease. Antiviral treatments and vaccines can prevent vulnerable people from contracting some infectious disease or minimise the effects of illness. Yooralla can support clients to access these medicines by organising referrals to health services.
If you would like to discuss further, you can contact the Disability Health team by emailing disabilityhealth@yooralla.com.au
Please find resources below to help protect yourself from any current health threats.
COVID-19 and accessing antivirals
Antiviral medications assist with reducing the severity of illness, minimising the chances of hospitalisation and long-COVID.
Vulnerable groups can be eligible to access antivirals. It is important when a person is confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 they:
- seek a prompt medical review from their GP, and
- discuss their eligibility for antiviral medications.
Eligibility
You might be eligible for antivirals if you meet one of the below requirements.
These lists are not exhaustive, if you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility please consult your GP.
Aged between 18 - 69 years old
expand_moreYou are between 18 and 69 years old and have any primary or acquired immunodeficiency conditions including one of the below:
- blood cancer or some red blood cell disorders
- transplant recipients
- primary or acquired (HIV) immunodeficiency
- chemotherapy or whole-body radiotherapy in the last 3 months
- high dose corticosteroids or pulse corticosteroid therapy in the last 3 months
- immunosuppressive treatments in the last 3 months
30 years and above and a First Nations person
expand_moreIf you are aged 30 years and above, are a First Nations Person and
- living in residential aged care
- living with disability with multiple conditions and/or frailty (but not limited to living in supported accommodation)
- neurological conditions like stroke or dementia and demyelinating conditions e.g. multiple sclerosis
- chronic respiratory conditions including COPD and moderate or severe asthma
- obesity
- diabetes
- heart conditions
Between 50 and 69 years old
expand_moreIf you are between 50 and 69 years old and
- living in residential aged care
- living with disability with multiple conditions and/or frailty (but not limited to living in supported accommodation)
- neurological conditions like stroke or dementia and demyelinating conditions e.g. multiple sclerosis
- chronic respiratory conditions including COPD and moderate or severe asthma
- obesity
- diabetes
- heart conditions
70 years and older
expand_moreYou are eligible for antivirals.
Support resources
The sites below provide additional information from reputable sources.
Easy English resources for clients
expand_moreImportant contacts
expand_more- Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398
- National Disability Insurance Scheme: 1800 020 080 (24 hours a day, seven days a week).
- National Relay Service to access any of the department’s listed phone numbers: 1300 555 727
- Translation and Interpreting Services are offered by the Australian Government on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Disability Health at Yooralla
For more information about Disability Health at Yooralla, contact the Disability Health team on disability.health@yooralla.com.au
Or contact us online using the link below.