Chronic liver disease prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination

Updated: March 29 2021

Chronic Liver Disease is now included in the Phase 1b roll-out of COVID-19 Vaccination.

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Updated: March 16 2021

The Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) COVID-19 taskforce has called for people living with blood-borne virus-related chronic liver disease be prioritisated for the COVID-19 Vaccines

The document references important changes to Vaccination Prioritisation in Phase 1b for:

• People living with Blood-borne Virus-related Chronic Liver Disease
• People identifying as Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
• People who do not hold a Medicare Card number (prisoners, people in detention, undocumented people, & people living in Australia on Temporary Protection Visas).

Originally published: March 3, 2021

How will the COVID-19 vaccine affect you

The COVID-19 vaccine is starting to roll out in Australia and will soon be available more broadly. Those of you living with liver disease or viral hepatitis may be wondering whether there is specific information you need to be aware of, or if the vaccine is safe for you.  This is what we know so far and as more information becomes available, we will keep you updated.

Gastroenterologists have stated that the vaccine is safe for people living with liver disease.  People with advanced liver disease, auto-immune hepatitis or those post liver transplant, should talk to their doctor about their individual circumstances.

People living with chronic and underlying health conditions are at higher risk of severe consequences of COVID-19, therefore it is highly recommended to get vaccinated and be protected.

Adults with an underlying medical condition or disability will access the vaccination earlier than the general population.

Speak with your medical practitioner or specialist to determine when you will be able to access vaccination, taking into consideration your medical condition(s).

Information which may influence how quickly you can get the vaccination can be accessed by your health care provider through My Health Record or Medicare Benefits Scheme.

This process is not confirmed and we will update you as it becomes clearer.

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