Latest Update: Monday 17 July 2023
Latest Information
- Stay up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Stay home if you have cold or flu symptoms and get tested.
- Wear a mask in crowded, indoor places.
- Talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk of severe illness. You may be eligible for antiviral medicines.
- Don’t visit people who are at higher risk if you have symptoms or COVID-19.
COVID-19 and the flu
- NSW Health recommends that all people living with HIV have a flu vaccination this flu season.
It is safe and convenient to get both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time. It’s recommended to get an additional COVID-19 booster dose (or ‘winter booster’) for anyone at higher risk of serious illness.
COVID-19 and people living with HIV
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. Most people living with HIV are not immunocompromised, unless we are taking immunosuppressive therapy (e.g. for a kidney, lung or liver transplant) or other cancer treatments, not taking any HIV antiretroviral medication or have a CD4 count below 200 cells/mL.
COVID-19 Antivirals
There are two oral COVID-19 antivirals available on the PBS in Australia. Nirmatrelvir in combination with ritanovir (sold as Paxlovid) and molnupiravir (sold as Lagevrio). There are no known drug interactions identified with Lagevrio based on the limited data that is currently available. There are a number of potential complex and serious drug–drug interactions identified with Paxlovid that can result in severe or life-threatening side effects, or reduce the drugs’ effectiveness against COVID-19. These include the HIV antiretroviral medicines, Atazanavir, Darunavir, Efavirenz, Fosamprenavir, Maraviroc, Nevirapine, Saquinavir, Tipranavir, Raltegravir, Zidovudine, and Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir (Biktarvy).
Get support from a Positive Life Peer
Positive Life offers peer support from other people living with HIV for all people living with HIV in NSW, who want support and evidence-based information about the COVID-19 vaccine. We are also available to support you to explore your options around eligibility, vaccine access, disclosure or clinic availability.
If you have any concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines, or experience any barriers accessing a COVID-19 vaccine please call us on (02) 8357 8386, 1800 245 677 (freecall outside metro) or email contact@positivelife.org.au
Check if your question is answered in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). You are welcome to subscribe to our email notices to be informed of information, initiatives and activities.
COVID-19 Basics
- 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.
COVID-19 Vaccines
Eligibility
Want some help booking your COVID-19 vaccine? Text ‘Hey EVA’ to 0481 611 382 and you’ll get a trained operator from the National Coronavirus Helpline who will help book your COVID-19 vaccination. 7am to 10pm, 7 days a week.
Vaccination appointments are available at more than 3000 locations across NSW including pharmacies, GPs and NSW Health clinics. Find the next available appointment at a location near you. You do not need to disclose your HIV status to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
All COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia regardless of your Medicare or visa status. You can get proof of your COVID-19 vaccination whether you have a Medicare card or not
Vaccine providers cannot charge you for the COVID-19 vaccine or for your appointments to receive the vaccine. If you are charged for any costs associated with the administration of the COVID-19 vaccination (including booking fees), contact the Department of Health by emailing provider.benefits.integrity@health.gov.au, or by calling the Provider Benefits Integrity Hotline on 1800 314 808 (9am to 5pm AEST weekdays).
Boosters
Boosters are available for people, aged 18 and older who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine six months or more ago. The phrase ‘fully vaccinated’ has changed to ‘up to date’.
