COVID aka Coronavirus, SARS CoV-2, Covid 19 Last Updated 04.10.2021 Some Things You Should Know: for People Who Use Drugs WHAT IS IT? SYMPTOMS TRANSMISSION VACCINE INFO VACCINE LOCATIONS LIST First Things First- What Is A Coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) . The most recently discovered coronavirus causes SARS CoV-2 or as we know it- COVID-19 ( The one we are dealing with now around the world.) WHAT This new corona virus (COVID-19) and it's variants were unknown before the outbreak was announced in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. What Are The Symptoms? SYMPTOMS COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalisation. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Less common symptoms are aches and pains, sore throat, conjunctivitis, headaches, loss of taste or smell, diarrhoea and a rash on skin or discolouration of fingers or toes. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Serious symptoms include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure and loss of speech or movement. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility. People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home. On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, and immune deficiency issues are more likely to develop serious illness. How Does It Spread? Transmission Current evidence suggests that the virus spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with each other , typically within 1 metre (short-range). A person can be infected when aerosols or droplets containing the virus are inhaled or come directly into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can also spread in poorly ventilated and/or crowded indoor settings, where people tend to spend longer periods of time. This is because aerosols remain suspended in the air or travel further than 1 metre (long-range). People may also become infected by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by the virus when touching their eyes, nose or mouth without cleaning their hands. Further research is ongoing to better understand the spread of the virus and which settings are most risky and why. Research is also under way to study virus variants that are emerging and why some are more transmissible. Infected people can be contagious and the virus can spread from them to other people, whether they have symptoms or not . Laboratory data suggests that infected people appear to be most infectious just before they develop symptoms (namely 2 days before they develop symptoms) and early in their illness. People who develop severe disease can be infectious for longer. While someone who never develops symptoms can pass the virus to others, it is still not clear how frequently this occurs and more research is needed in this area. **Research is ongoing and HRVic will update this information as new discoveries are made. Which COVID-19 vaccines are available in Australia? Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved vaccines for COVID-19: Comirnaty, the Pfizer -BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, provisionally approved for people aged 12 years and older Vaxzevria, the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine, provisionally approved for people aged 18 years and older Janssen, the Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd vaccine, known as Johnson & Johnson , provisionally approved for people aged 18 years and older — this vaccine is not included in Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program Spikevax, the Moderna Australia vaccine, for people aged 12 years and older “Do you want a vax?” Here’s what Professor Margaret Hellard has to say about it. Margaret is known and loved and trusted by many in our community and has treated many of us for hep C and HIV over the years. VACCINES FAQs VACCINE VACCINE What Vaccines are what? What's the difference? Find Out HERE. What if I can't afford the covid vaccine? You do not need a money to get a COVID-19 vaccine. It is FREE. What if I don’t have a Medicare card? You do not need a Medicare card at Commonwealth State clinics to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Check with the clinic you have booked at I have a medical condition. Can I get an exemption? You may be exempt if you are unable to be vaccinated because you have a medical contraindication as determined by ATAGI clinical guidance . You will need evidence from a medical practitioner about this – such as a medical certificate or a letter. MASKS- Do I have to wear a mask and if so, when do I have to wear it? Anyone 12 years and over must wear a fitted face mask whenever they leave their home, indoors or outdoors, unless lawful exception applies . The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has developed a series of badges for people who are unable to wear a face covering for a valid reason . The badges can be downloaded onto smartphones or printed to keep in a wallet or lanyard holder. Smartphone badges I am exempt from wearing a face-covering for valid reasons - blue badge (jpg) I am exempt from wearing a face-covering for valid reasons - white badge (jpg) For people who are deaf or hard of hearing and need the person they are communicating with to remove their face mask: Please remove your face covering so we can understand each other better - blue badge (jpg) Please remove your face covering so we can understand each other better - white badge (jpg) Print-ready badges I am exempt from wearing a face-covering for a valid reaso n (PDF) Please remove your face covering so we can understand each other better (PDF) HRVic's COVID-19 SEPT 13 UPDATE (Lockdown #2 Victoria) HRVic's COVID-19 SEPT 27th 2020 UPDATE (Lockdown #2 Victoria) HRVic's COVID-19 & Drug Use Resource #1 DOWNLOAD PDF HRVic's COVID-19 & Planning For the Substance Dependent Resource #2 DOWNLOAD PDF HRVic's COVID-19 & Pharmacotherapy Resource #3 DOWNLOAD PDF HRVic's COVID-19 SEPT 27 UPDATE (Resource #4 Lockdown #2 Victoria) DOWNLOAD PDF Some MORE Helpful Tips for People on Pharmacotherapy - Methadone and Buprenorphine (Suboxone and Subutex) : CLICK HERE

Drug overdose peer education for drug users and staff who work with people who use drugs. Program of Harm Reduction Victoria OVERDOSE. What is an overdose? An overdose happens when a toxic amount of a drug or a combination of drugs causes a severe adverse reaction. This can happen because too much is taken or because of mixing different substances. This includes alcohol. Combining drugs increases the chances of overdose. Types of Overdose Different substances / types of substances and their overdose symptoms. Stimulant Overdose Stimulants include: Methamphetamine or ice, and Amphetamines incl. dexamphetamine or speed, Cocaine, Caffeine, etc. Some signs of a stimulant drug overdose are: increase in body temperature/overheating muscle cramps/ spasms /headaches chest pains/ heart attack seizures very large pupils rapid/irregular pulse rapid breathing/breathing problems confusion psychosis / delusions/ paranoia / hallucinations overwhelming sense of dread Depressant Overdose Depressants include: Opioids incl. heroin, nitazenes*,oxycodone, codeine, methadone and buprenorphine, Benzodiazepines, Barbituates, Tranquilizers and Alcohol Some signs of a depressant drug overdose are: vomiting being unresponsive, but awake limp body pale and/or clammy face bluish fingernails and/or lips shallow or erratic breathing, or not breathing at all slow or erratic pulse (heartbeat) choking sounds or a gurgling noise loss of consciousness death Psychadelic Overdose Psychadelics include: LSD, psilocybin(magic mushrooms), DMT, 2C-b and other 2C analogues, Ayahuasca, Mescaline Some of the perceived harms of psychedelics – for example, that they lead to addiction and are neurotoxic – are largely refuted by research of the past decades. Other risks, such as the risks of psychotic episodes or overdose, are rare and only reported in individual cases. TO BE CONTINUED. RECOGNISE OVERDOSE SIGNS OPIOID APPEARANCE •Clammy or cold skin •Blue lips or nails •Pinpoint pupils •Body limp ACTIONS •Slow or no breaths •Unusual snoring or gurgling •Choking CONSCIOUSNESS •Can’t talk or walk •Can’t stay awake •Won’t wake up •Unresponsive LEARN ABOUT NALOXONE HERE GO TO NALOXONE PAGE NYXOID- naloxone nasal spray Play Video naloxone ampoules HD Play Video NYXOID- naloxone nasal spray Play Video naloxone ampoules HD Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close The Take Home Naloxone Program The Take Home Naloxone (THN) Programs aim is to make the temporary opioid reversal medicine, naloxone, free and available without a prescription to people who are at risk of, or who may witness, an opioid overdose or adverse reaction. The 2022-23 Federal Budget included $19.6 million (over four years), for a national, ongoing THN Program. The program was initially piloted in New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia before being expanded to Victoria and the rest of the states from 1 July 2022.. Read More RECOGNISE the Symptoms AND RESPOND to Overdoses of Different Substances There is a risk of overdose with ANY substance. Here are a few different substances; How to Recognise overdose symptoms and How to Respond to them: CLICK on the Substance Recognise & Respond: Opioid Overdose Recognise & Respond: Stimulant Overdose Recognise & Respond to Hallucinogen Overdose Recognise & Respond to GHB Overdose Recognise & Respond to BenzoOverdose Recognise & Respond to Alcohol Overdose Straight Shooters Play Video Naloxone administration is childs play Play Video naloxone ampoules HD Play Video Straight Shooters Play Video Naloxone administration is childs play Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Close

Drugs List DXM Read More 2C-B Read More Nangs Read More GHB Read More ' Poppers ' Read More Nitazenes Read More Cocaine Read More LSD Read More MDMA Read More Heroin Read More

Quick View Terumo 1ml Price $0.00 NEW!! Quick View *UPDATED Substance Specific Brochure Set* Price $8.00 Quick View MSIR Community Support poster Out of stock NEW RESOURCE Quick View EC Ezy Card- Hep C Treatment "things Have Changed" (25 cards) Out of stock Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Prenoxad (multi dose syringe) Price $2.00 Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Nyxoid (nasal spray) Price $2.00 Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Ampoules (single dose ampoules ) Out of stock Quick View Opioid Withdrawal Effects Poster Out of stock Quick View MDVP (Monkey Dust) A4 double sided flyer Out of stock PDF Download- also avail $0 Quick View Hep C Treatment Series- DURING Treatment- Adherence Out of stock Quick View NEW 6 in1 Hep C Treatment Poster Price $2.00 Quick View New Hepatitis C Treatment Posters (set of 6) Price $5.00 Quick View Recognise & Respond OD PosterSet & Fact Sheet Out of stock Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Mini Jet Regular Price $0.50 Sale Price $0.00 Quick View Pill Testing(drug checking) Explained Poster Out of stock Now Available Quick View Rack N Roll snorting substance resource (50 cards) Out of stock Quick View Hepatitis A Info Out of stock Quick View REST FitPack Stickers(20pack (5x each style) Out of stock Quick View Safer Using 2- A3 Poster Price $2.00 Quick View Safer Using -Poster 1 Price $2.00 Load More

Quick Pick Stigma Substance MSIR Support Order Overdose Hep C DIY Printable Resources and Resources To Order Over the past 30 + years, HRVic has created a large number of harm reduction resources - all informed by people who use drugs and made specifically for people who use drugs and for the people who work with us. ​ These resources focus on a wide range of issues. ​ Harm Reduction Victoria is now proud to be able to offer our peer developed and designed, health promotion resources to other organisations and supportive services throughout Australia and the world. ALL RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO ORDER FOR COST OF PRINTING (PLUS POSTAGE FEES AT TIME OF ORDERING) OR DOWNLOAD THE PDF AND PRINT YOUR OWN! ORDER PRE-PRINTED RESOURCES Sort by Quick View Terumo 1ml Price $0.00 NEW!! Quick View *UPDATED Substance Specific Brochure Set* Price $8.00 Quick View MSIR Community Support poster Out of stock NEW RESOURCE Quick View EC Ezy Card- Hep C Treatment "things Have Changed" (25 cards) Out of stock Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Prenoxad (multi dose syringe) Price $2.00 Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Nyxoid (nasal spray) Price $2.00 Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Ampoules (single dose ampoules ) Out of stock Quick View Opioid Withdrawal Effects Poster Out of stock Quick View MDVP (Monkey Dust) A4 double sided flyer Out of stock PDF Download- also avail $0 Quick View Hep C Treatment Series- DURING Treatment- Adherence Out of stock Quick View NEW 6 in1 Hep C Treatment Poster Price $2.00 Quick View New Hepatitis C Treatment Posters (set of 6) Price $5.00 Quick View Recognise & Respond OD PosterSet & Fact Sheet Out of stock Quick View Naloxone Administration Poster-Mini Jet Regular Price $0.50 Sale Price $0.00 Quick View Pill Testing(drug checking) Explained Poster Out of stock Now Available Quick View Rack N Roll snorting substance resource (50 cards) Out of stock Quick View Hepatitis A Info Out of stock Quick View REST FitPack Stickers(20pack (5x each style) Out of stock Load More Purchase Print Your Own .PDF Downloads Pill Testing Explained Poster Full Colour .PDF DOWNLOAD PDF Available Now NEW NALOXONE POSTERS NALOXONE -AMPOULES- INSTRUCTION FLYER (A4) Naloxone is a fast-acting medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Side effects are extremely rare however, you may feel the temporary symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Some people may know naloxone by it’s commonly known brand name Narcan®. It is the same medicine that ambulances carry for opioid overdoses. Naloxone CAN NOT be used for benzo, GHB, methamphetamine, alcohol or for other substances besides opioids. It ONLY works on natural & synthetic OPIOIDS ie. heroin, morphine, methadone, codeine etc. NALOXONE -NYXOID (NASAL SPRAY)- INSTRUCTION FLYER (A4) NYXOID is a fast acting nasal spray delivery method of naloxone medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. The nasal spray is available by prescription to anyone and is a less intrusive way (no needles needed) to save a life from an opioid overdose. NALOXONE -PRENOXAD- INSTRUCTION FLYER (A4) PRENOXAD is a single barrel/multiple dose, pre loaded syringe of naloxone medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Prenoxad is available by prescription to anyone. Download PDF by clicking on image The History of Drug User Activism in Australia Available Now HEP C TREATMENT 'EZY CARD' RESOURCE Hepatitis C treatment has changed significantly and quickly over the past 4 years. Keeping punters, clients and patients informed has never been more important. If we are to reach our elimination goals here in Australia, we all need to do our part to dispel the myths and clear up any misguiding rumours around the new treatments so that people realise that they CAN do treatment! Harm Reduction Victoria and the EC Project have collaborated -with much input from our peers- on this NEW pocket sized Hep C Treatment resource that answers client's questions and puts minds at ease. Doubling as an appointment card, Drs and clinicians can write appointment details on the resource itself to keep the ball rolling or start it off! New DOWNLOAD HEP C EZY CARD PDF RACK N' ROLL SNORTER'S RESOURCE The 'Rack N' Roll' business card sized resource about snorting substances is now available to our supporters, stakeholders and partners in harm reduction. The card is made of fine balance of a light but sturdy weight. Stiff enough that it can be used to "rack up" or cut finer and put into lines- substances that are insufflated or snorted and flexible enough to roll into a tube so it can be used to snort through. All this practicality PLUS the harm reducing info and tips to make the snorting experience less risky hence- more enjoyable. A winner with the punters. DOWNLOAD RnR PDF Hepatitis Vaccination Cards Front. Hepatitis A Resource for PWID and Rough Sleepers Resource from DHHS, Hepatitis Victoria, Thorne Harbour Health and Harm Reduction Victoria in response to the 2019-2020 hepatitis A outbreak in Melbourne. ​ This resource provides prevention information for Hep A, Hep, B and C along with COVID -19 and is designed to sit alongside the Mobile Immunisation, Health and Harm Reduction Service (MIHS), which is a partnership between The Salvation Army: Access Health, St Vincent’s Health and The Burnet Institute. It's purpose is to enhance access to Hep A, Hep B and influenza immunisation as well as health information, referral and harm reduction services for people experiencing homelessness and/or people who use drugs (especially people who inject drugs). MIHS can attend social programs, meals programs, emergency accommodation and housing sites, harm reduction services and health services to enhance access to immunisation and harm reduction. ​ Note: The MIHS will not attend services that already have their own immunisation services. If you have immunisation services and would like access to free Hep A vaccinations for the target cohort, please email jocelyn.chan@dhhs.vic.gov.au . Back. Free Shot Vax New SUPPORT MSIR-(Medically Supervised Injecting Room) A3/A4 poster in pdf format. CLICK ON THE RESOURCE YOU WANT TO DOWNLOAD MSIR Support HEP A PREVENTION RESOURCE Hepatitis A prevention has become an issue again within the injecting community in Victoria in the past 2019/2020 years. Keeping punters, clients and patients informed has never been more important. This is Harm Reduction Victoria's community poster. available to download by clicking on the image. ​ POWER OF WORDS- SUITE OF STIGMA RESOURCES The Power of Words is a new suite of evidence-based resources which address stigma as a public health and social issue. The suite comprises of five elements: · a background document · project summary · comprehensive practical guide · short application guide · condensed, at-a-glance desktop book with tips on how to use the language guidelines These resources have been produced by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Association of Participating Service Users, Harm Reduction Victoria, Penington Institute and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. They are available at: adf.org.au/powerofwords Stigma CLICK ON THE RESOURCE YOU WANT TO DOWNLOAD SUBSTANCE SPECIFIC BROCHURES Our Substance Specific Brochures have recently been updated and added to. They come as an A4 landscape, tri-fold, double sided brochure which can fold to pocket sized (business card sized) when folded in 3 again. ​ If you require or would like to see one that we don't currently have available online, email us to see if we have it or to see if we'd be interested in making one- admin@hrvic.org.au . Popular Substance Specific Click on Cover image to see whole brochure and to download. 'MONKEY DUST'(MDPV) RESOURCE Basic information on the synthetic cathinone MDPV ('Monkey Dust' or 'Bath Salts') DOWNLOAD MONKEY DUST PDF Codeine Support Poster Popular Safer Using Tips Posters Safer Use 1 Safer Use 2 HEPATITIS C NEW TREATMENT RESOURCE Coming in a set of 6 A3 sized full-colour posters, The Hep C Treatment series outlines all of the major differences between the old interferon-based treatments and the new direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment available now. Eligibility Side Effects Tests Cure Rate Duration Medication All 6 In 1 Poster Adherence Hep C Treatment Recognise & Respond to Overdose Posters Recognise & Respond to Overdose Fact Sheet Overdose CLICK ON THE RESOURCE YOU WANT TO DOWNLOAD

Fri, 05 July | Brunswick HRVic Community Dinner - Grill n Chill Cookout- 05 July 2024 You are invited to our 2nd Community Dinner- the grill n chill community cook out on Friday July 05 at 6pm (ish) . RSVP is Over Sorry See Next Dinner Date Time & Location 05 July 2024, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm AEST Brunswick, 299-305 Victoria St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia About the event Our community feeds are a great way to meet other HRVic members and connect or re-connect with your/our communities, engage and communicate whats going on in each others areas across Naarm/Melbourne. We edu-micate, informate, motivate,' inspirate' and all u-can-ate! All while enjoying each others company and having a laugh. With great food from different local suppliers like food trucks , local restaurants or even bbq'd or prepared by the community , connecting over a feed has always been our community's way of discussing the good, bad and ugly in a relaxed, non judgemental, laid back way. This is our chance as your representative organisation to keep up to date with whats happening in our communities and your opportunity to tell HRVic what YOU WANT from us! Show More Share this event