COVID-19
Pandemic resources and information
Queensland Government updates
- Queensland Health: First steps if you have COVID-19
- COVID-19 Hub
- COVID-19 in Queensland
- Queensland Health: Translated resources
- Queensland Government: Find local supports for domestic and family violence (DFV)
Australian Government updates
National Coronavirus Helpline
Clinical call handlers are available through this service to help with enquiries and concerns and guide callers through the healthdirect Service Finder to make a booking. Call 1800 020 080.
People who need support in a language other than English can contact the Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS National) on 131 450, with priority connection through to the National Coronavirus Helpline.
Vaccinations and boosters
Book in for your vaccination today. To book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment:
- use the Health Direct Service Finder
- book through a local pharmacy
- contact the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline on 1800 020 080
- talk to your GP.
People with disability who need assistance booking a COVID-19 vaccine or need free, fact-checked information about COVID-19, can contact the Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787 or visit their website.
If you are deaf, or hard of hearing, you can call the National Relay Service on 1800 555 660.
Vaccine booster information
COVID-19 booster doses are free for everyone. Getting a booster will provide additional protection against severe illness from COVID-19.
If it’s been 6 months or longer since you had COVID-19 or got your vaccine, it’s time to get your booster. This is particularly recommended for people at higher risk of severe illness, including:
- everyone 65 years and over
- everyone 18 years and over with medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs.
Booster doses are not mandatory, however they are recommended to maintain immunity against COVID-19. Individuals can find out how to book their booster dose at the healthdirect Service Finder.
Accessing free Rapid Antigen Tests
From August 2022, you can get free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) at Queensland Health RAT distribution points if you:
- hold an eligible Commonwealth Concession card
- are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, including people escaping domestic and family violence
- are seeking asylum in Queensland
- recently arrived from Ukraine
- working in Queensland as part of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme.
All eligible people can get up to 5 individual Rapid Antigen Tests (or 1 box of 5 tests) per month and you can get all 5 in a single visit. Find out more.
Proof of vaccination
Proof of vaccination verifies that a person is up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.
There are 4 different types of proof available that you can get for free:
- complete immunisation history statement which shows all your vaccinations recorded on the AIR
- COVID-19 and influenza (flu) immunisation history statement which only shows your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations recorded on the AIR.
The COVID-19 vaccination certificate can be viewed or printed through:
Services Australia’s online resource centre contains information about how people can get proof of their COVID-19 vaccinations, including tailored guidance for Australians to set up their online accounts, and access and store their vaccination proof.
Housing and Homelessness
Social and public housing tenants
Department of Housing customers are encouraged to contact their local Housing Service Centre by telephone and adhere to Queensland Health advice. Housing help is available for people who need it. Anyone experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness can call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753, or their local Housing Service Centre (HSC), where trained staff are available to assist.
Tenants Queensland
Visit the Tenants Queensland website or call 1300 744 263.
QSTARS
For free independent advice and referral services visit the QSTARS website or phone 1300 744 263.
Disability and aged care providers
General information and latest advice
For information about support available to providers, please visit NDIS Information and support.
For information about payments that might be available and billing, please visit NDIS payments and billing.
- Australian Government: Latest news and information for Disability providers
- Australian Government: Latest news and information for Aged Care providers
Personal and Protective Equipment (PPE) updates
Disability Accommodation Services in Queensland
Disability Gateway service
The Disability Gateway provides information and referrals for people with disability who need help because of coronavirus (COVID-19). The Helpline can help families, carers and support workers, too. The Disability Gateway is free, private and fact-checked.
Contact it:
- Phone (free call): 1800 643 787
- If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677
- If you require support in another language, you can use the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) free of charge by:
calling the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787 and asking for an interpreter, or - calling TIS on 131 450 and ask to be connected to the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787.
The Disability Gateway is funded by the Australian Government. The Disability Gateway is available Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 8:00pm (AEST). It is not available on national public holidays.
COVID-19 kit for support coordinators
The Growing Space and other support coordination providers have developed an online COVID-19 kit for Support Coordinators.
The free downloadable resource contains a range of useful checklists, contacts and templates for support coordinators to help NDIS participants, their families and carers manage risks associated with COVID-19.
Income support during COVID-19
The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment was discontinued on 14 October 2022. Find out more.
The High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment was discontinued on 31 March 2023. Find out more.
JobSeeker claims
The JobSeeker line is 132 850 or find out more on how to claim JobSeeker online.
Essential services – hardship provisions
Hardship programs
Many utility companies and financial services have hardship programs to assist people who are experiencing difficulties in paying their bills. All energy retailers and telecommunications providers must have a hardship program. They vary in what services they provide but often assist customers to manage their debt and stay connected to the service.
To access these programs, or get help from a financial counsellor, call your service provider and ask for the hardship team.
More information on these hardship programs:
- Telecommunications: Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN)
- Banks: Australian Banking Association
- Tolls: Linkt Assist hardship program
- Energy: Australian Energy Regulator provider hardship policy links
- Energy: Community Door Energy and Water resources hub
- Queensland Government: Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme (HEEAS)
Related resources:
Resources in languages other than English
- Australian Government resources: Translated COVID-19 information
- Queensland Government: Translated information for multicultural communities
- Queensland Government: Plain English vaccination information deck
- Ethnolink Language services: Curated resources for CALD community members
Multilingual MyAus COVID-19 app
Multicultural Connect Line
World Wellness Group has introduced the Multicultural Connect Line at 1300 079 020, a Queensland-wide service for people from multicultural backgrounds whose lives have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To find out more download this information flyer, visit the website, or call the Multicultural Connect Line at 1300 079 020.
