About COVID-19 Vaccination
People who have a COVID-19 vaccination have a much lower chance of getting sick from the disease called COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccination is free. You choose to have the vaccination or not.
To be vaccinated you will get a needle in your arm. You need to have the vaccination two times on different days. There are different brands of vaccine. You need to have the same brand of vaccine both times. The person giving you your vaccination will tell you when you need to have the second vaccination.
Medical experts have studied COVID-19 vaccines to make sure they are safe. Most side effects are mild and don’t last for long. As with any vaccine or medicine, there may be rare and/or unknown side effects.
You can also tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects like a sore arm, headache, fever or something else. If you have a side effect that worries you, please call your doctor. You may be contacted within the week after receiving the vaccine to see how you are feeling after vaccination.
Some people may still get COVID-19 after vaccination. So you must still follow public health precautions as required in your state or territory to stop the spread of COVID-19 including:
- keep your distance – stay at least 1.5 metres away from other people
- washing your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser
- wear a mask, if your state or territory has advised you should
- stay home if you are unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms and
arrange to get a COVID-19 test.
Vaccination providers record all vaccinations on the Australian Immunisation Register, as required by Australian law. You can view your vaccination record online through your:
- Medicare account
- MyGov account
- MyHealthRecord account.