What is COVID-19 vaccine?

 

Vaccines stimulate the body’s natural defences to strengthen the immune system response to a condition or illness.  Vaccines use inactivated or severely weakened pathogens such as viruses or bacteria to trick the immune system into producing antibodies. After receiving a viral vaccine, the body’s immune system recognises and remembers the virus.

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If you should be exposed to the virus later, your immune system can fight off an infection more effectively because it has already produced antibodies to the virus. 

 

The development of an effective vaccine for COVID-19 has been a global public health challenge.  The race continues to manufacture and distribute effective and safe vaccines to billions of people. 

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How is a COVID-19 vaccine approved?

 

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is responsible for assessing all COVID-19 vaccines before they can be used in Australia.  Before a vaccine is approved for use in Australia, it must pass the TGA’s rigorous assessment and approval processes.  This includes assessment of its safety, quality and effectiveness.  The TGA formally evaluates vaccines in multiple stages, and seeks out further information and clarification

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COVID-19 Boosters

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Good news Australia! COVID-19 Boosters doses are now available for our local area and wider community. COVID-19 Boosters are now available at selected Advantage Pharmacies. 

 

You are eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose if:

• you are 18 years and older

• have had your second dose of your primary dose course of COVID-19 vaccination at least 3 months ago, irrespective of the vaccine brand used for their primary course.

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The date you had your second dose of vaccine is on your COVID-19 digital certificate.

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A booster dose is not currently recommended for people aged under 18 years, and there are currently no vaccines approved for use as a booster in this age group.

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What are the benefits of COVID-19 Boosters?

 

Two doses of COVID-19 vaccine provide a very good protection, a booster dose ensures the protection from the first dose is even stronger and longer lasting.  The booster dose will increase your protection against infection with the virus and prevent severe illness if you should catch the virus.

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What are the potential side effects after receiving my booster?

 

Common, mild side effects following a booster dose look like the side effects following the first 2 doses.  The following are common adverse effects:

• site pain

• fatigue

• headache

• muscle pain and chills

 

 

Preparing for Your Vaccination

 

COVID-19 vaccinations are voluntary and free.

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Before your vaccination appointment, you should make sure your details are up to date with Medicare.

 

If you don’t have your account set up, you can:

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• enrol in Medicare, if you’re not already enrolled

• set up your Medicare online account if you’re enrolled in Medicare, but don’t have Medicare linked to myGov or

• get an Individual Health Identifier (IHI), if you’re not eligible for Medicare

 

If you don’t have a Medicare card, or are not eligible for Medicare, you can get your free vaccination at a Commonwealth Vaccination Clinic or a state or territory vaccination clinic. More information is available on the Department of Health website here.

 

Please do not come to your vaccination appointment:

 

• if you are feeling unwell with fever, cough, runny nose or other symptoms that could be from COVID-19

• if you are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or have tested positive for COVID-19

• if you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, or

• if you are in quarantine

If you have had another vaccine in the 7 days before your COVID-19 vaccine appointment, please let your local pharmacy know as we may need to reschedule your appointment.

If you cannot make it to your vaccination appointment, please contact your local Chemist as soon as possible to arrange a new appointment.

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You may have other questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, please see our frequently asked questions page HERE.

 

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