Vulnerable to the effects of infection

COVID-19 infection is more severe for older people and people with pre-existing conditions that make them vulnerable to the effects of infection. This includes people with palliative care needs.

If many people are infected it can mean that your usual care team is not always available to help you and that you need to do more for yourself. Having access to trustworthy information to support you, your carers and family can help. Avoiding infection is best but if you or the person you are caring for becomes infected with COVID-19 there are things you can do.

Remember to talk with your doctor or care team if you have any questions or concerns.

Getting more information

Visit our Finding Information pages to connect with trustworthy information.

Can I trust this information? (312kb pdf) a factsheet from CarerHelp.

You can also call the National Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.

There is also a phone number of each state or territory public health agency. To find out about local restrictions put in place as part of the response to COVID-19 visit the Health Direct Restriction Checker.

You can also visit the following websites:

Last updated 13 October 2023