COVID-19 hotline for veteran community

Veterans, serving Australian Defence Force personnel and their families can now call directly through to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) to help them prepare for their COVID-19 vaccination.

The dedicated hotline provides information to the community on how to update their Medicare records or access their Individual Health Identifier number to speed up access to their immunisation history statement.

Everyone in Australia is entitled to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This new dedicated hotline will assist the veteran community prepare for vaccination by providing tailored information and advice on how to receive their proof of vaccination and updating their details with Medicare.

Veterans and Defence personnel can call the AIR on 1800 653 809 and select Option 4 for access to the dedicated support line.

You do not need a Medicare card to get the vaccine – you only need photo ID as proof of eligibility for stage 1b.

For veterans, this means your Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold or White card can be used instead of a Medicare Card when you book a vaccine appointment with your GP.

To find out when you are eligible to receive the vaccine visit www.australia.gov.au and complete the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker.