COVID-19 Updates and Special Services
There have been difficult times. Many outbreaks, restrictions and limitations, but so far, we have done better than many countries worldwide. Challenges and difficulties will always be there, unfortunately, until we all get vaccinated.
We want to take this opportunity to explain to you how the vaccine registration process is, in case you want to take the ‘jab’ and do not have a medicare card. Also, we would like to warn you about the scams and fake vaccine invite emails circulating, as announced by the Government’s ‘scamwatch’ portal.
What you need to know:
- Covid-19 Vaccines are Free for everyone in Australia regardless of Medicare or visa status.
- If you don’t have a Medicare Card, You still can get vaccinated at a commonwealth vaccination clinic, state or territory vaccination clinic. Please find your closest clinic here and book your appointment.
- It is a voluntary procedure, but everyone above 18 is eligible. We strongly recommend you get vaccinated to save lives and protect yourself and the community.
- If you need more information, call the Covid-19 vaccine Helpline on 1800-020-080 or for translating and interpreting services, 13 14 50
Remember to request your vaccination provider to print a copy of your immunisation history statement or call the Australian Immunisation Register to have an immunisation history statement sent to you by Post. It can take up to 14 days to arrive, but you will have this on your records by the time the international borders open.
Beware of the Fake Covid-19 vaccine Invite Emails,
- Don’t give personal information to someone who calls you about the vaccine.
- Don’t click on links in unexpected emails or text messages.
- Don’t pay to get on a vaccination list – COVID-19 vaccines will be free for everyone living in Australia.
- Don’t pay for early access to a vaccine – you can’t pay for early access.
- You will not need a prescription from a GP to get vaccinated.
If you are asked for any of these by someone claiming to provide COVID-19 vaccines, it is a scam.
We are a family away from home, so please reach out if you face financial hardships or other personal difficulties. We are here to assist you in any way we can!
For the latest updates, follow us on Social Media Instagram: @linasaustralia Facebook: @linasconsultant. Migration tips, COVID emergency services and first-hand information about jobs, internships, and scholarships are shared weekly.
Many international students and Temporary Visa Holders have reached out to us to inquire about the Covid-19 Disaster Payment. If you have had your hours of work and income significantly affected due to the state lockdown, you are eligible to receive a weekly payment for the length of the Lockdown. You will get up to $750 per week if your work hours have been reduced by 20 hours or more, or $450 per week if you have lost less than 20 hours of work.
What you need to know!
Visa holders in Sydney are eligible for the Federal COVID Disaster Payment, subject to other eligibility requirements – e.g. you must have lost hours of work, you reside or work in a Commonwealth declared Hotspot, and you must not have liquid assets of more than $10,000.
Note: Individuals who have already received income support payments, business support payments, or the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment are not eligible for this new payment. To qualify, people will need to have exhausted any leave entitlements (other than annual leave) or other special pandemic leave.
Please do not try to do it online and don’t try to set up a Centrelink Account first.
Just call 180 22 66.
Have all your documents handy – eg. Passport
And remember, If the Person on the phone says you are not eligible due to Visa Status, THEY ARE WRONG. Call Again!
International Students can get access to FREE Food hampers via Foodbank.
Order your hamper by following these steps:
- Call Food Bank on (02) 9756 3099 or complete this Foodbank form for international students
- State that you are an international student and your suburb, then ask for the distribution point closest to you
- Have your student visa and student card with you when you collect the hamper
If you are in NSW, hampers are distributed at locations in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Armidale, Lismore, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.
In Melbourne, there is the Foodbank International Student Pop-up Store. This is located at Aurora Melbourne Central, 230 LaTrobe Street, Melbourne. It is open 10am – 2pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (excluding public holidays).
For more information about legal and mental health services, please get in touch with us.
LinAs is You, LinAs is Us.
Big Hugs,
LinAs Team