Yooralla customers on COVID-19 vaccine: Let’s protect our community together

Yooralla residential customers and housemates – Sharon, Jason, Lucy and Robyn – are celebrating being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The group wants to share their individual experiences of getting the COVID-19 vaccine, to encourage others to book in their vaccination appointments - so together, we can better protect our community.

Sharon said it was important that as many Yooralla staff and customers get vaccinated, as many people with disability are at greater risk of more serious illness if they catch COVID-19, due to chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.

“I decided to get vaccinated because I don’t want to get COVID-19, as it could kill me.

“I also wanted to do my part to better protect other customers and staff at Yooralla.

“I also don’t want to wear masks forever!” said Sharon laughing.

Jason said his recommendation for people who are hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine would be to discuss their concerns with their GP.

“I was nervous at the start and very hesitant.

“But after speaking to my doctor about it and to people who had it done, I felt a lot more at ease about it and decided that it was the right choice for me,” said Jason.

Jason said the actual experience of getting the vaccine was “straight forward”.

“It didn’t hurt at all, even though I hate needles, and I had no side effects at all – none,” he said.

Robyn said she was always sure she’d get the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available, so for her it was an easy decision.

“The actual procedure was fast and painless – to me, it was very similar to the flu shot.

“I did get mild side effects after the second dose – I felt a bit tired the next day – but that’s about it. I am so glad I got it done,” she said.

Lucy said the only side effect she had after getting her vaccine was a sore arm for a day.

“And it was only after the second dose.

“For me, it was important to get vaccinated because I have plans for my life,” said Lucy.

All people with disability and disability care staff, aged 16 and over, are eligible to walk in or book at all vaccination centres.

Yooralla continues to work with Austin Health, Monash Health and Western Health, to support as many of our customers to receive COVID-19 vaccinations as possible.

In partnership with Aspen Medical, Yooralla has also commenced holding pop-up clinics onsite across our residential services.

Disability workers under 60 years will now be also able to book an appointment at dedicated Commonwealth vaccination clinics offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Bookings can be made via the Sonic Healthcare vaccinations website or call 1300 379 878. These clinics are restricted to residential disability and aged care workers.

See this flowchart to help you understand your vaccination options.