COVID-19 vaccinations to protect you, your family and your community

We are an approved provider of the COVID-19 vaccines – vital in protecting families and communities from serious illness and virus transmission. Here are your questions answered:

Should my family and I get vaccinated?

Yes, we recommend the COVID-19 vaccines as safe and effective in providing protection against serious illness. Current guidance is that the vaccines are suitable for anybody who meets the eligibility criteria. We recommend discussing with your doctor the benefits, risks and availability of each of the brands in the context of your individual circumstances.

When can I get vaccinated?

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and availability is constantly changing. The easiest way to check your eligibility and also to book an appointment is to visit healthdirect.gov.au.

Can I book appointments over the phone?

The best way to book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment (with us or elsewhere) is via healthdirect.gov.au. You will be able to confirm your eligibility, check which clinics have vaccine supply and appointments available, and then make your booking. If you have visited the healthdirect website and you have any further questions or if you don’t have access to the internet, you are welcome to give us a call.

How many COVID-19 vaccinations do I need?

To be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will need two jabs a specified number of weeks apart. Your second jab can be booked at the same time as you book or receive your first.

What do I need to do to prepare for my vaccinations?

An information sheet on how to prepare for your vaccinations is available here.

Do I need to stay in the practice for observation after each of my vaccinations?

Yes, you will need to stay in the practice for  a minimum of 15 minutes after each of your vaccinations in case of any issues.

What do the vaccinations cost?

COVID-19 vaccinations are provided free of charge at GP practices if you have a Medicare card. If you do not have a Medicare card, you can still get the COVID-19 vaccinations for free from some clinics – visit healthdirect.gov.au for your options and to make a booking.

Can I catch COVID-19 from the jabs?

The vaccines are not live versions of the viruses and therefore you cannot contract COVID-19 from them. However, a small percentage of people may experience low-grade fevers and muscle aches after their shots. These are simply their immune system responding to the vaccine and the symptoms should clear up within a few days. If you have any concerns about symptoms after you leave the practice, call triple zero (000) immediately for anything serious, otherwise visit healthdirect.gov.au for side-effect and symptom checkers or call your doctor.

The COVID-19 vaccines have been developed quickly – are they safe for me and my family?

Yes, they have gone through a comprehensive testing and approval process and they are recommended as generally safe and effective, while noting they have caused health issues like blood clotting in very rare cases.

Will I get something to prove I have had my COVID-19 shots?

When you have had your COVID-19 vaccinations, you will be able to download an immunisation history statement via myGov or the Services Australia website to prove your vaccination status.

Are the vaccines safe if I’m pregnant?

The Pfizer vaccine is generally recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and women planning pregnancy. Getting vaccinated before conceiving means you are likely to have protection against COVID-19 throughout your pregnancy. Information on COVID-19 vaccinations when you are planning for pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding is available on the Department of Health website here. If you have any concerns, we recommend discussing your individual circumstances with your doctor.

Does a chronic disease increase my risk of severe COVID-19?

Yes, it does. For this reason, people with chronic diseases have been prioritised in the early phases of the vaccine rollout. If you have a chronic disease and you have not yet been vaccinated, we highly recommended booking your jabs as soon as possible.