The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has ensured the COVID-19 Vaccination Program meets the special needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Recognising that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have an increased risk of acquiring and developing serious outcomes from communicable diseases, the Group has made sure communications are developed and targeted for the communities and information and services delivered in appropriate languages, formats and within appropriate facilities and locations.
According to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt, a comprehensive vaccine implementation plan (the Plan) has been developed in consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group on COVID-19, and with State and Territory Governments.
“This Plan has been built on principles aligned with the Management Plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations, including shared decision-making between Governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; community control, and cultural safety across the whole-of-population system,” Mr Wyatt said.
“The Plan is supported by the $31 million COVID-19 vaccination public information campaign which includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and mainstream media channels.”
He said more than $500,000 had been provided to support communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including the translation of audio content into 15 languages.
The 16-page Plan can be accessed at the Department of Health’s website at this PS News link.
