Positive Life offers this COVID-19 vaccines hub for people living with HIV focused on informative and accurate links focused on the COVID-19 vaccines, Government strategies and releases, research links, clinical considerations, and quality opinion pieces.
Australian Government
Australian Government COVID-19 vaccine national roll-out strategy commencing 22 February 2021
(click image to view rollout plan)
- News and information for Australians about the development, approval process and plans for COVID-19 vaccines
- Vaccine Eligibility Checker
- COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms and where to get a test
- Easy English Factsheet about Coronavirus
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) information available in 63 languages
In the News
- Can I choose what vaccine I get? What if I have allergies or side-effects? Key COVID vaccine rollout questions answered – February 2021
- 5 things you need to know about the AstraZeneca vaccine now the TGA has approved it for use in Australia – February 2021
- Australia’s chief medical officer says vaccine rollout will not end restrictions – January 2021
Communities Resources
- A collection of resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and remote communities, about coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Details about regional NSW COVID-19 vaccine rollout – January 2021
- A collection of information sheets, links to apps and other resources for the general public and industry to help you stay informed and share important messages
Latest Health Advice
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that people living with HIV are at greater risk of acquiring COVID-19. The main risk factors to date are older age and co-morbidities including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and lung disease. When you’re out and about, please look for hand sanitiser to use when arriving at clinics or other public venues.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you’re out and about, an alcohol-based hand liquid can be a useful alternative.
- Cover coughs and sneezes by using your elbow or a tissue that should be discarded immediately, and wash your hands.
- Try to avoid touching your face as this may transfer organisms to your mouth, nose or eyes from surfaces you may have touched. On average we touch our faces about 200 times a day.
- Continue to use physical distancing, that is maintaining a distance of 1.5 meters between you and the next person
- Avoid close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell
- Stay home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell
- If you have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, self-isolate and seek a test.
- Talk with your doctor about staying up-to-date with your vaccinations and getting your annual flu shot in March or April. The vaccinations that are offered through chemists are not free so you will need to see your GP or Sexual Health Clinic if you want it free of charge.
- If you are unwell, stay at home and ring Health Direct (1800 022 222), or your local Emergency Department or your GP, for further information.
- Keep an eye out for further updates from Positive Life NSW.
Vaccines available in Australia
Australia has entered into four separate agreements for the supply of COVID-19 vaccines, if they are proved to be safe and effective. The two that have received initial approval are as follows:
- Pfizer/BioNTech
- University of Oxford/AstraZeneca
If you want to talk about your concerns regarding coronavirus as a person living with HIV, please contact Positive Life NSW and talk to a Treatments or Peer Support Officer, on (02) 9206-2177 or 1800 245 677 (freecall) or email contact@positivelife.org.au
Page updated: 19 February 2021
