Consumer information regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The following information is collected from reliable sources, such as: Australian Government Department of Health, Australian Rheumatology Association, healthdirect, World Health Organisation, Coronacast (podcast with Dr Norman Swan), NPS MedicineWise and more.
While we will endeavour to update this information in a timely manner – as the COVID-19 outbreak is a rapidly changing situation – a lag time may happen from time to time, and therefore our information has been cited at the bottom of each page to give you direct access to the resources.
We want all of our community to have quality information that can truly assist you in these challenging times, so please let us know if there is a ‘COVID-19/arthritis’ topic you would like to know more about by emailing lparks(at)arthritisaustralia.com.au your inquiry, with ‘COVID-19/arthritis topic’ in the subject line.
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Information about the Tocilizumab (Actemra®) Shortage
There is currently a global shortage of tocilizumab (Actemra®). As a result tocilizumab products are currently in limited supply in Australia. If you are currently taking tocilizumab (Actemra®), these shortages may affect your treatment. A Consumer Webinar was held and recorded on 8 September 2021 to share more about this issue and have questions answered…
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ARA COVID-19 Vaccination for People with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRD)
Some diseases (including rheumatoid arthritis) are caused by the body’s immune system, which usually protects us from infection. When the immune system is affected by arthritis or drugs to treat the condition, the risk from COVID-19 may be increased.
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Information for people with RA, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRD) in the COVID-19 pandemic
Updated, as of May 2021
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How will I get my COVID-19 vaccine?
Find out how you can get vaccinated for COVID-19.
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COVID-19 Symptom Checker
Healthdirect Australia has developed a COVID-19 Symptom Checker, an online self-guided tool to help people find out if they need to seek medical help.
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2021 Flu Shot Advice from Healthdirect
Australians are being urged to get their flu vaccination this April to reduce the risk of a dangerous double-up of seasonal influenza and coronavirus (COVID-19).
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COVID-19 support line for Senior Australians
Senior Australians, their families and carers can now call a dedicated free call support line aimed at supporting the mental health of those impacted by the spread of COVID-19.
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Being medicinewise during COVID-19
NPS MedicineWise is an independent, not-for-profit, evidence-based and consumer-centred organisation, working to improve the way health technologies, medicines and medical tests are prescribed and used.
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EULAR: Rheumatic Musculoskeletal Diseases and COVID-19 Repository for Patients
View a collection of EULAR guidances and useful resources about the current COVID-19 outbreak
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