Wallet, keys, mask, phone to check in - the mental checklist before stepping out is ever-expanding.
Showing proof of your COVID-19 vaccination is now mandatory in most Australian establishments, and for people who are blind or have low vision, their smartphone has become their lifeline.
Despite initial hesitancy and privacy fears, digital health records are now common practice. From vaccination certificates, to electronic prescriptions.
This week on Talking Vision, Peter Greco sat down with TV personality and actual doctor, Dr Andrew Rochford to talk about the shift to e-health.
“We weren't able to go sit in a doctor's waiting room, see a doctor, get a prescription, and go to the pharmacy,” Dr Rochford said.
“We needed to find ways to be able to do it and now that's why digital has really filled that gap.”
Photo: Dr Andrew Rochford with a patient. (Image: drandrewrochford.com)
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in six Australians were using Telehealth in November 2020, or about 18 per cent - but for those with a disability, it was 30 per cent.
Most cited the convenience, saving time, and not needing to travel as the reasons why they preferred telehealth.
More than 11 million electronic prescriptions have been issued since July, according to the Australian Digital Health Agency.
“It's a lot easier carrying around a phone around than a bunch of handwritten notes,” Dr Rochford said.
Listen to Dr Rochford's full interview in the player below:
People who are blind or have low vision have been early adopters of new technology, and with the inclusion of in-built screen reader software and electronic assistants like Siri, online check ins and COVID-19 vaccination proof is accessible.
(See below on how to obtain your digital vaccination certificate)
How to access your vaccination certificate:
- Sign in to myGov.
- Select the Proof of COVID-19 vaccination quick link.
- Select View history.
- Select your name, and then either View immunisation history statement (PDF) or View COVID-19 digital certificate (PDF).
For full online instructions, visit the Services Australia website.
Instructions to add your COVID-19 digital certificate to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay
Mail/phone:
You can also call the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809 (Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm) and ask to send your proof to you. It can take up to 14 days for your statement or certificate to arrive in the post.
Talking Vision is a weekly discussion of issues relating to blindness and low vision.
It includes stories of inspiration and achievement and information on services for the community.
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