Information and FAQs about COVID Vaccines
We have some information and links below regarding COVID Vaccines from the RACGP and the Department of Health:
- Preparing for the COVID-19 Vaccine: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-preparing-for-covid-19-vaccination
- Information on Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 Vaccine: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-information-on-covid-19-pfizer-comirnaty-vaccine
- Information on AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) COVID-19 Vaccine: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-information-on-covid-19-astrazeneca-vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-covid-19-vaccination-decision-guide-for-women-who-are-pregnant-breastfeeding-or-planning-pregnancy
- After your Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 Vaccination: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-after-your-pfizer-comirnaty-vaccine
- After your AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) COVID-19 Vaccination: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-after-your-astrazeneca-vaccine
- COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/conditions/infectious+diseases/covid-19/about+covid-19/frequently+asked+questions/covid-19+frequently+asked+questions
Who will be eligible to receive the vaccine?
To check which phase you will likely be vaccinated in, click the following link from Australian Government: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
The Australian Government has announced that COVID-19 vaccination eligibility has been expanded, and will be available and free for all people living in Australia, including:
- all Medicare-eligible Australians
- all visa-holders, including refugees, asylum seekers, temporary protection visa holders, and those on bridging visas
- people currently residing in detention facilities, including those whose visas have been cancelled.
Due to the current funding model, people who are not eligible for Medicare will be unable to receive the vaccine through a general practice clinic. Access will be via state/territory managed vaccination clinics. Further details will be shared when available.
While the Australian Government strongly supports vaccination, it is not mandatory and individuals may choose not to vaccinate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Is it mandatory to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
No, it is currently not mandatory to get a COVID-19 vaccine. While the Australian Government strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination, individuals can choose not to be vaccinated.It is possible that in the future, vaccination against COVID-19 might become a requirement for travel to certain destinations or for people working in or visiting certain high-risk workplaces or facilities, such as aged care facilities. If this becomes the case, there will be exemptions in place for people who are unable to be vaccinated.
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How much does it cost to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
People residing in the Australian community, including visa holders, will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine national rollout according to priority groups. The COVID-19 vaccine will be voluntary, universal and free. The Government aims to have as many Australians as possible choose to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
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When will I get my 2nd Dose of the AstraZeneca Vaccine?
Two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are required. We will contact you 10-11 weeks after your 1st Dose either via SMS or phone call to book you into one of our COVID Vaccine 2nd Dose Clinics. The TGA has determined that the AstraZeneca vaccine can be safely administered 4-12 weeks apart. People who have had the first dose of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine without any serious adverse effects should have the second dose, including adults under 60 years.
More information can be found at the following websites: