On the 9 September, 2021 The Corminaty (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine was approved and recommended for people aged 12 and older. Children aged 12 years and older can now book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. For more information or to check your eligibility, visit the Australian Department of Health eligibility checker. 

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends the COVID-19 Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine as the preferred vaccine for people aged 12 to 59 years, but the AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine can also be provided to 18 to 59 year olds. Seek advice from your vaccine provider to decide if AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) is right for you. 

Both the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccine are delivered in two doses. The Pfizer doses are given at least 21 days apart. AstraZeneca doses are generally given 12 weeks apart.The vaccine takes approximately 20 seconds to administer. Once the vaccine is delivered, you will be given a card that lists the date and the type of vaccine that you have received. You will then be monitored for at least 15 minutes after the vaccine. 

Clinical trials are currently happening to investigate whether booster doses will be required for the COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, it is not known how long the COVID-19 vaccine protection lasts, however evidence shows that the Pfizer and the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing severe disease. 

Both the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines are delivered in two doses. The COVID-19 vaccine must be delivered in two doses because evidence from clinical trials shows that this provides the best immunity. A second exposure to the COVID-19 vaccine means that the body is able to respond with an even stronger immune response. 

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved 3 vaccines for use in Australia:

1. Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine
2. Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) vaccine
3. Spikevax (Moderna) vaccine.

The vaccine that you get will be dependent on when and where you receive your vaccination, and the clinical guidelines that guide who each vaccine is best suited for. Vaccines will be given based on availability and medical appropriateness. For more information visit the  Australian Department of Health website. 

Pregnant women are advised to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer is the preferred COVID19 vaccine for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy. Research shows Pfizer is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women and they can receive the vaccine at any stage of pregnancy. For more information read the  Australian Department of Health Pregnancy, breastfeeding and COVID-19 vaccine Fact Sheet.

Yes, individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 should still wear a mask and practice social distancing when appropriate. While clinical trials looked at how effective the vaccinations are at preventing and reducing illness from COVID-19, vaccinated people may still be able to spread COVID-19. As such, all individuals should take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Some people may experience side effects following vaccination. In most cases, these side effects will last only a short time and individuals will recover without issue. Some people may experience flu-like symptoms including tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea. Immediately following the shot, you may experience pain, redness and swelling in your arm. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if your side effects are worrying and do not seem to be going away.