The Victorian government has vaccinated more than 10,000 people living with a disability against COVID-19 with an Australian-first liaison program.
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The program, open to people five years and older, pairs up officers with people and their families to find the best way to get a vaccine - whether through a state-run clinic or at home, Anthony Carbines, Victoria's disability minister said Saturday.
"We are making sure every Victorian has access to a COVID-19 vaccine - we know there are many Victorians living with disability who would benefit from this dedicated program and the support it provides," Mr Carbines said.
The government also equipped its vaccination clinics with accessibility features for people with special needs including longer appointments, extra space and offering a "low sensory environment".
Some 88.6 per cent of Victorian participants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme have now been vaccinated, ahead of NSW at 88 per cent, and behind the ACT at 89.8 per cent.
The government also announced every state run vaccine clinic had now become a walk-up, and pop-up vaccine clinics for five to 11-year olds were being rolled at child-friendly venues including Melbourne Zoo and Sealife Aquarium.
Victoria recorded 15 COVID-related deaths along with 5874 fresh infections on Saturday as restrictions across the state continue to be eased.
Health authorities say there are now just under 41,000 active virus cases in Victoria or about 160 fewer than reported on Friday.
There are 281 COVID-19 patients in hospital care, down 20. Of these 43 are in ICUs and five require ventilation.
Of the latest cases, 3788 were detected using rapid antigen kits, while 2086 were returned via PCR lab tests.
The state's mask mandate has meanwhile been ditched in most places, with workers also no longer urged to base themselves at home.
Face coverings are no longer required indoors other than when using public transport and taxis or visiting airports and hospitals.
Hospitality and retail workers, primary school and early childhood staff, and justice and correctional facility employees must continue wearing masks.
High school students will be able to remove theirs in class but primary school children in grades three to six will still have to wear them for now.
Asked on Friday whether isolation rules would be further eased, Health Minister Martin Foley said the situation was "under constant review".
Elsewhere, Victorians are being warned to brace themselves for a difficult influenza outlook.
"Epidemiologists and clinicians are increasingly concerned that we may have quite a challenging flu season, having had a bit of a pass for the last couple of years," COVID-19 Commander Jeroen Weimar said Friday.
"We're getting back to the things we love and flu will be something that's going to be very present in our lives over the autumn and winter period".
"So please get your COVID vaccine done, get your third dose done and get your flu shot after that. It's a really important thing for us all to do."
Mr Foley says the state's in-home vaccination program will be expanded to include children, particularly those with disabilities or special needs.
Australian Associated Press
