COVID-19 Vaccine Booking

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the vaccine get created and approved so quickly?

Researchers and government departments like Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration have been dedicated to developing and rigorously testing COVID-19 vaccines without compromising safety and effectiveness. This global collaboration has meant the COVID-19 vaccines could move through all the regular stages of vaccine development and implementation simultaneously rather than one after another. ⁱ

Is the vaccine safe?

The most commonly reported side effects from COVID-19 vaccines are headache, aches and pains, fever, and tenderness at the site of injection. These side effects are typical of many vaccines and usually last only a day or two. The investigation is continuing into the rare but serious side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. ⁱⁱ

The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s safety monitoring team of doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and scientists are closely monitoring any reported side effects from the vaccine to investigate any safety issues.

Up-to-date information regarding vaccine safety and vaccine recommendations can be found here and here.

Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you have concerns about the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines or which vaccine is most appropriate for you.

How and when can I have both flu and COVID vaccines? Can they be administered at the same time?

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) currently recommends that patients receive the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 at least 7 days apart where possible. ⁱⁱⁱ

Do I need to have the second vaccine?

The vaccines available in Australia require two doses (both doses of the same type) to provide the best protection against COVID-19.

Can I have the COVID vaccine if I have a health condition?

For most people with existing health conditions, receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is still
recommended – see here for further information. Speak with your doctor to find out what’s right for you.

Who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

Everyone in Australia will be offered a COVID-19 vaccine. Use the Department of Health’s Eligibility Checker to see when you can book your vaccine:

Check your eligibility here

If I have the vaccine, will it stop me from ever getting COVID?

The COVID-19 vaccine may not stop you from ever getting COVID-19, but both the AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines have been shown to be effective at stopping people from becoming very ill or dying if they catch COVID-19. ^v

Was COVID put into the vaccine?

There is no live virus in the COVID-19 vaccine. Most COVID-19 vaccines contain a spike protein that looks like the spikes on the outside of the COVID-19 virus particle or stimulate the body to produce this spike protein. The immune system recognises this spike protein and produces antibodies. ^vi

Can my pharmacist administer the vaccine?

Guardian pharmacists administering COVID-19 vaccinations have completed extensive training regarding vaccinations generally, as well as specific training for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Do I have to pay for the Covid-19 Vaccine?

No. The COVID-19 vaccine is currently free to everyone in Australia.

Where will I receive my vaccination in the pharmacy?

You will receive your vaccine in a safe, private space within the pharmacy.

Booster Vaccinations

• When will I be able to book an appointment for a booster vaccination at Guardian?
  Availability of booster vaccinations is currently limited, but available appointments are expected to grow. If you don’t see an appointment that suits you, please check back again soon.
   
• Who is eligible?
  Anyone over 18 years old who had their second dose of any COVID-19 vaccination at least 6 months ago is eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination.^vii
   
• How long should I wait before getting my booster shot?
  Anyone over 18 years old who had their second dose of any COVID-19 vaccination at least 6 months ago is likely to benefit from a COVID-19 booster vaccination.^viii
   
• Can my booster shot be a different TGA approved vaccine than my earlier vaccines?
  Yes. You can have a COVID-19 booster vaccination 6 or more months after your second dose of any COVID-19 vaccination, regardless of the brand of COVID-19 vaccination you had for your first and second doses – see https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination/booster-doses for further information.
   
• Are COVID-19 booster vaccines the same vaccines as first and second-dose vaccines or is this a different strain?
  The current COVID-19 vaccination contains the same vaccine as a first or second or booster dose vaccine.^ix
   
• How does the booster vaccine work together with the other two doses of vaccine to give me optimal protection from COVID-19?
  The first dose of your vaccine will stimulate your body to begin to build up an immune response against COVID-19. The second dose will boost your immune response to give you long-term protection. Your booster dose will then give you the most protection possible against COVID-19, for the longest period of time.