COVID-19 updates
Feeling isolated or lonely? Call the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line on 1800 171 866. Stay tuned to this page for COVID-19 articles, vaccine updates, health tips and state by state coverage.
Latest updates
COVID-19 vaccinations for group 1a are underway. As of 4 April, 2021, 841,885 Australians have received a COVID-19 vaccine, including 111,873 Commonwealth delivered vaccines given to people in aged care and disability care (as part of the 1a group).
Covid-19 vaccinations for Group 1b have begun.
The opportunity to have a COVID-19 vaccination through a GP started on the 22nd of March with over 1,000 clinics at launch and 4,500 expected to join the program in total. Find out if you are in group 1b here and where the participating clinics are in your area.
The opportunity to have a COVID-19 vaccination through a GP will commence on the 22nd of March. This will be through GP clinics, with over 1,000 clinics already signed up as part of the program, with a goal to reach 4,000 clinics over the course of the program. Find out if you are in group 1b here.
Checklist:
Check your eligibility here
Book your appointment
Complete the Consent Form downloadable here
Remember you Medicare Card and Photo ID (if you have this)
The best source for information is the Australian Health Department and the COVID-19 vaccinations update page here.
Catch up on articles from National Seniors regarding the COVID-19 vaccinations
COVID-19 FAQs - What we know so far
Vaccination and the new COVID variants – will it work?
COVID-19 vaccine – When? And how will it work for seniors?
Vaccine race – who is winning and why have more than one
You are welcome to call our COVID-19 Support Line for more information or a chat on 1300 887 626.
Check out the COVID-19 Vaccine – What You Need To Know video above.
You can also access a number of helpful videos on the Department of Health website. Watch videos now.
If you would like more information, or just want to chat to someone during this difficult time, please call the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line on 1800 171 866.
You can also read our guide to keeping well during COVID-19. Learn more here.
Latest Updates
Read more from the QLD Health Department.
View the QLD State Government COVID-19 information page.
Here are the QLD State Government's current statistics.
Where to get tested in QLD
If you have any symptoms at all, get tested immediately and quarantine at home until you receive a negative result.
QLD Aged Care visiting updates
Find the latest information here.
Visiting or returning to QLD from other States
Find the latest information here.
Apply for a border pass
Latest Updates
For regional and rural NSW keep up to date here.
The current COVID-19 case locations in NSW are here.
Here is the NSW State Government COVID-19 information page.
Read the NSW State Government's current current statistics.
Where to get tested in NSW
If you have any symptoms at all, get tested immediately and quarantine at home until you receive a negative result.
NSW Aged Care visiting updates
Find the latest information here.
Visiting or Returning to NSW from other States
Latest updates
Read How we live - Information for all Victorians here.
Quick Links
Where to get tested
If you have any symptoms at all, get tested immediately and quarantine at home until you receive a negative result.
VIC Aged Care visiting updates
Find the latest information here.
Visiting or Returning to VIC from other States
Find the latest information here.
Apply for a boarder pass
Latest Updates
For updated details, including State of Emergency Declarations and Directions, visit COVID-19 coronavirus: State of Emergency Declarations.
Where to get tested in WA
If you have any symptoms at all, get tested immediately and quarantine at home until you receive a negative result. Find testing clinics here.
WA Aged Care visiting updates
Restrictions apply for the lockdown period which include no visitors to hospitals or residential aged care and/or disability facilities. Find the latest information here.
The WA Government Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) COVID-19 page is here.
WA mask wearing
Wearing a face mask outside the home is currently mandatory for the Perth, Peel and South West regions. Read more here.
WA Older Persons
Seniors (COVID-19) WA resources page is here.
Visiting or Returning to WA from other States
Read the latest information here.
Apply for a border pass
For real-time information to help you make informed and safe travel decisions, visit the National Travel website.
The support service is a joint initiative of National Seniors Australia, COTA Australia, Dementia Australia and the Older Persons Advocacy Network.
If you are feeling anxious, or would like additional information and support, please call the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line on 1800 171 866, Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 6pm (except public holidays).
At National Seniors, we know how important it is to look after yourself during this time. No matter your circumstances, you are welcome to call our support line for a chat or to discuss any concerns or questions you have. Call us on 1300 887 626.
Tips for coping during COVID-19
There are things you can do to help you stay mentally and physically healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Find ways to keep in touch – use the phone or email to have daily conversations with your family or friends.
- Keep an eye on your diet – make sure that you eat healthy and regular meals. Consider delivery of fresh produce.
- Keep your medical needs up to date – make sure that you continue to go to your regular medical appointments and remember to maintain your medications.
- Read information from official sources – make sure you get information from official sources such as the NSW Government and the Australian Government.
Source: NSW Government.
Keep in touch with family and friends
You can still stay in touch with family and friends during COVID-19 without physically meeting up.
Here are some ways to reduce feeling socially isolated by keeping the conversation going (virtually):
- Pick up the phone – your family and friends are only a phone call away.
- Own a smartphone or computer? Try video calling.
- Create an online group via a messaging app.
- It’s game on! Challenge your family and friends with online games.
- Use the time to learn something new through online learning.
- Want to know what everyone is up to? Keep connected with social media.
- Technology not your thing? Write letters, draw pictures and post them to family and friends.
Source: NSW Government.
Need to update your digital skills?
Get involved with National Seniors Australia through the Be Connected program. Learn more here.
You can also find out more by calling 1300 887 626.
