In January 2021, the Australian Government announced that the COVID-19 vaccine rollout would commence by the end of February 2021 (pending TGA approval and quality assurance processes etc), for groups at highest risk of acquiring COVID-19 and people at risk of mortality or hospitalisation who contract COVID-19. All people living with HIV are eligible under Phase 1b of the Australian Government’s National COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan.

Positive Life has formulated a body of work in response to support all people living with HIV across NSW to ensure communications and messaging with our community living with and affected by HIV in NSW is targeted, nuanced and practical. To this end, we will be working with the ASHM COVID-19 Taskforce, NAPWHA and AFAO to gain clear and consistent advice about the rollout and logistics as well as synthesise the available research on COVID-19 and HIV.

Below we offer a briefing of the work we will complete over the coming months. It includes but is not limited to the following:

FAQs page

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from people living with HIV about the COVID-19 vaccine.

In the Know (Research and Treatments Information Session)

We held an event on Tuesday 9 February as part of our regular ‘In The Know’ Research and Treatments information sessions, with three guest speakers presenting on the COVID-19 vaccine and what it means for our community members living with HIV. They were:

1. Mr Bruce Hamish Bowden, Clinical Pharmacist (HIV) from The Albion Centre
2. Professor Anthony Kelleher, Director of The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney who spoke about the COVID-19 Vaccine Science including side effects, research and types, how it affects people living with HIV
3. Dr Prital Patel, Research Fellow at The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney who presented on Vaccine Hesitancy and
4. Associate Professor Edwina Wright, Chair of the ASHM COVID-19 Taskforce who discussed the COVID Vaccine Rollout/Schedule and Logistics.

Website Content

Regular blog posts which address topics which require more detail. For example, “What is the COVID vaccine and is it safe?” or “When and how can I get the vaccine?” Positive Life will also update the previously released Positive Life position statement The use of masks and personal protective equipment (PPE)

COVID-19 ToolKit

Monthly distribution of the COVID-19 ToolKit newsletter to our members, subscribers and HIV-sector partners and regularly updated on our website.

Positive Life Peer Support Officers

Positive Life will continue to offer our membership up-to-date, relevant information, to ensure you are resourced appropriately when questioned by others living with or affected by HIV across NSW about the COVID-19 vaccine and the rollout. To speak to lease call (02) 9206-2177 or 1800 245 677 (freecall) or email contact@positivelife.org.au

Peer connection and groups

Throughout the first half of 2021, all Positive Life’s peer connection and support groups will focus on the COVID-19 vaccine (and the social factors associated with social distancing due to COVID-19). These will include community language translations where feasible.

Subscribe to our notices to be informed of information, initiatives and activities.

If you want to talk about your concerns regarding coronavirus as a person living with HIV, please contact Positive Life NSW on (02) 9206-2177 or 1800 245 677 (freecall) or email contact@positivelife.org.au

COVID-19 vaccines hub

COVID-19 vaccines hub for people living with and affected by HIV in NSW focused on informative and accurate links focused on the COVID-19 vaccines, Government strategies and releases, research links, clinical considerations, and quality opinion pieces.

Resources

COVID-19 toolkit newsletter – A monthly newsletter of practical resources, tools and strategies for people living with HIV in NSW, our supporters and associates who are affected by HIV, as well those who work in the NSW HIV sector.

Telephone helplines

Call 000 for Police and Ambulance if you are immediate danger

1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 – 24/7 national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line
Blue Knot Foundation 1300 657 380 – 9-5pm Monday to Sunday telephone counselling for adult survivors of childhood trauma, their friends, family and the health care professionals who support them
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 – 24/7 telephone and online support for young people aged 5 to 25
Lifeline 13 11 14 – anyone experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide
Mensline 1300 789 978 – 24/7 telephone and online support and information service
NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 – 24/7 telephone information and referral service
Qlife 1800 184 527 – free LGBTI peer support and referral 3pm to midnight every day
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 – 24/7 free counselling for people feeling suicidal, worried about someone else, or have lost someone to suicide

Page updated: 11 March 2021

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