COVID 19
Kia ora to the Aotearoa Down syndrome community
The NZDSA National Committee and the team at National office hope that you and your whānau are adapting to the latest Covid 19 restrictions and we hope you are taking care of each other. Our thoughts are with you and we want you to know that the NZDSA National office team members continue to work remotely and we are able to provide you with information and support. You can contact the NZDSA on 0800 693 724 or [email protected]
We will be collating information that we feel might be useful for you so keep checking. If you find information that you think will benefit other families, then please email [email protected]
General information
Important information for disabled people and their whañau
12 –15-year-olds can be vaccinated with their family
Young people aged 12–15 will be able to join parents or caregivers getting their vaccination, making it easier for families to get vaccinated together.
Medsafe gave provisional approval for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for 12–15-year-olds in New Zealand in June. The government has now approved the vaccine for use for 12–15-year-olds.
From Friday 20 August, as parents or guardians become eligible to book their vaccine, they can also book any 12–15-year-olds in their family or whānau.
People who already have a booking may be able to add to an existing booking or make an additional booking for their 12-15-year-old.
There are several ways young people aged 12–15 and their family or whānau can get their vaccine, including:
- at a community vaccination hub
- at a GP or community pharmacy offering the vaccine
- at other community-based sites such as faith-based locations or marae.
At this stage, the COVID-19 vaccine will not be available to children through their school-based vaccination programme.
To make or change a booking:
- go to BookMyVaccine.nz
- phone the COVID Vaccination Healthline 0800 28 29 26, (8am-8pm, 7 days a week).
If you’ve already booked directly with your GP or pharmacy, talk to them about adding family members.
- Health and Disability Services at Alert Level 4
- Information for disabled people and their family and whānau
- Information on wearing face masks
- Extension of flexibility on carer support
- How to create your own Tracer booklet
- Information for disabled people about Alert Level 4
- Information for disabled people about Alert Level 3
- Information for disabled people about Alert Level 2
- Temporary changes for MSD as part of response
- How to access support, essential services and healthcare
- Getting disability support during lockdown period
- Guidelines for using PPE gear for support workers
- Exemption of Persons From Requirements of the COVID-19 Public Health Response
NZDSA Covid-19 Vaccine Sessions
If you missed the highly informative sessions on the 29th August and September 8th you can watch the recording and access links to additional resources here:
29th August Session – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tNLdE4gdcE
September 8th Session – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JWPCbDdq7U
Easy Read Information
- Easy Read Information about Covid 19 (PDF)
- Easy Read messages from Work and Income
- Looking after yourself while staying at home
- Looking after yourself when you are feeling sick
- How does social distancing work (by Inclusion Europe)
- When should you get a COVID-19 test?
- What happens if your COVID-19 test result is positive?
- What to do if you need to stay home to self isolate?
- How to order a rapid antigen test kit or RAT kit
- How to do a rapid antigen test or RAT
- How to report a rapid antigen test or RAT
- Getting tested for COVID-19 using a PCR test
Information in Te Reo and NZ Sign Language
Other information you may find useful
- Personal Budgets in Time of Chaos (WEBINAR)
- Tips for working well from home
- Coronavirus guide by Inclusion Europe
- Coronavirus guide by Down Syndrome Australia
Helpful information to look after your well being
- Tips to deal with anxiety and stress
- Looking after your mental health during COVID19. (PDF)
- Covid 19 coronavirus: 10 tips to help your wellbeing during lockdown
- www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/covid-19/top-tips-to-get-through/
- https://education.govt.nz/school/health-safety-and-wellbeing/pastoral-care-and-wellbeing/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-coronavirus/
Useful information on People First Website
- Free Support for Decision Making for Covid-19 Vaccine
- Preparing for your Covid-19 Vaccine Appointments Toolkit
Protect yourself:
Four easy steps to protect ourselves and others and prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with soap and water often (for at least 20 seconds).
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your mouth and nose with tissues
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Stay away from others if you feel unwell
