Peter is thrilled his son Steven has been able to access vaccination under sedation

RBWH is proud to be offering a new model of care to support adults with disabilities who meet specific criteria to receive their COVID-19 vaccination under sedation.

It is the first public clinic in Queensland to offer this service for adults with intellectual disability and needle phobia. For some patients, this is the first time they’ve been able to successfully receive any type of vaccination.

The service is led by the Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine in collaboration with other clinical professionals from RBWH.

To date, three patients have been double vaccinated, a further three patients have received their first vaccine and four more patients are awaiting their first vaccine.

RBWH patient Steven was the first person to receive his COVID vaccination through the clinic and has since successfully received his second dose.

For Steven’s father, Peter, the opportunity for his son to receive the COVID-19 vaccination is life-changing.””It has been incredibly difficult for him to receive vaccinations in the past without him becoming frightened and acting from this fear,” Peter said.

“It was vital that Steven received his COVID vaccination so he can continue living in his care facility.

“I’m so grateful to Profession Kerstin Wyssusek and her professional team to provide us with the opportunity to access this service. It will help so many people like Steven.”

Currently referrals to the clinic are received via QASIS, however they are in the process of securing funding for establishment of an independent clinic.

Well done to the team for finding a way to support vulnerable people in South-East Queensland to access their COVID-19 vaccination.