Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Vaccination
Safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines will help protect you, your family and your community from COVID-19.
About THE Covid-19 vaccination
Monbulk Family Clinic is proud to have been chosen as a COVID-19 vaccination provider - delivering Pfizer, Moderna & AstraZeneca vaccines.
We are working in partnership with our sister clinics - Selby Family Clinic & Kallista Medical Centre - to deliver vaccinations to our patients and the local community.
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:
We are working in partnership with our sister clinics - Selby Family Clinic & Kallista Medical Centre - to deliver vaccinations to our patients and the local community.
- The COVID-19 vaccination is free.
- You choose whether to have the vaccination or not.
- 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.
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 to do so
- stay home if you are unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms
- arrange to get a COVID-19 test (we will continue to provide COVID-19 testing across our clinics).
HOW DO I KNOW IF I CAN GET VACCINATED?
Current Vaccination Eligibility
- People aged 5-11 are eligible to book for the Paediatric Pfizer. Approval is currently only for two doses given 8 weeks apart.
- People aged 12-15 are currently eligible to receive Pfizer OR Moderna vaccines. Approval is currently only for two doses given, 3 + weeks apart.
- People aged 16+ are currently eligible to receive Pfizer OR Moderna vaccines. Booster shots are highly recommended 4 months after your second dose.
* Please note: As of 1 Feb 2022, boosters are recommended for ages 16+ at 3 months after your second dose.
Anyone aged 18+ who has reasoning to prefer the AstraZeneca vaccination over either Pfizer or Moderna is encouraged to speak to their doctor.
As a condition of our status as a vaccination provider, we may only administer vaccines to those that fulfill the Governments eligibility criteria at the current time.
Please note: The COVID-19 Vaccines National Rollout Strategy guided by the Australian Government details the phases in which vaccines will be available. Please note, there are no set start and end dates for each phase. Each of the phases is designed to be ongoing and in some instances overlapping, based on vaccine approvals and supplies.
- People aged 5-11 are eligible to book for the Paediatric Pfizer. Approval is currently only for two doses given 8 weeks apart.
- People aged 12-15 are currently eligible to receive Pfizer OR Moderna vaccines. Approval is currently only for two doses given, 3 + weeks apart.
- People aged 16+ are currently eligible to receive Pfizer OR Moderna vaccines. Booster shots are highly recommended 4 months after your second dose.
* Please note: As of 1 Feb 2022, boosters are recommended for ages 16+ at 3 months after your second dose.
Anyone aged 18+ who has reasoning to prefer the AstraZeneca vaccination over either Pfizer or Moderna is encouraged to speak to their doctor.
As a condition of our status as a vaccination provider, we may only administer vaccines to those that fulfill the Governments eligibility criteria at the current time.
Please note: The COVID-19 Vaccines National Rollout Strategy guided by the Australian Government details the phases in which vaccines will be available. Please note, there are no set start and end dates for each phase. Each of the phases is designed to be ongoing and in some instances overlapping, based on vaccine approvals and supplies.
BOOKING YOUR VACCINATION
DOSE
Each individual will require two doses, between three and twelve weeks apart, depending on which vaccine they receive.
For individuals aged 16+ a booster vaccine (of either Pfizer or Moderna) is highly recommended 4 months after your second dose.
* Please note: As of 1 Feb 2022, boosters are recommended for ages 16+ at 3 months after your second dose.
HOW TO BOOK
Vaccination clinics are running at various times throughout the week including Saturday mornings. We have dedicated Paediatric Pfizer clinics running to ensure adequate time is given to our 5-11 year old patients.
COVID-19 VACCINATION REGISTRATION AND CONSENT FORM
All patients receiving their first dose of either vaccine (or patients receiving their second dose who did not have the first dose completed by us) will be required to fill out a mandatory consent form. Similarly, if you received AstraZeneca for your first two doses a NEW consent for will need to be completed for your booster due to the change in vaccine. These forms will be sent to you via email and/or SMS to complete online before your appointment. You can also download the form below, complete and bring on the day. Alternatively, forms will also be available for you to complete when you check-in for your vaccine appointment.
Each individual will require two doses, between three and twelve weeks apart, depending on which vaccine they receive.
For individuals aged 16+ a booster vaccine (of either Pfizer or Moderna) is highly recommended 4 months after your second dose.
* Please note: As of 1 Feb 2022, boosters are recommended for ages 16+ at 3 months after your second dose.
HOW TO BOOK
Vaccination clinics are running at various times throughout the week including Saturday mornings. We have dedicated Paediatric Pfizer clinics running to ensure adequate time is given to our 5-11 year old patients.
COVID-19 VACCINATION REGISTRATION AND CONSENT FORM
All patients receiving their first dose of either vaccine (or patients receiving their second dose who did not have the first dose completed by us) will be required to fill out a mandatory consent form. Similarly, if you received AstraZeneca for your first two doses a NEW consent for will need to be completed for your booster due to the change in vaccine. These forms will be sent to you via email and/or SMS to complete online before your appointment. You can also download the form below, complete and bring on the day. Alternatively, forms will also be available for you to complete when you check-in for your vaccine appointment.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR VACCINE APPOINTMENT
Step 1: Preparation
Please arrive on time for your appointment and call reception on 9752 1455. Reception will then inform you where you are required to wait for that days vaccine clinic.
What you need to bring to your Pfizer vaccination appointment:
Please DO NOT attend your vaccination appointment if you;
If you fall into any of the above categories, please call us to reschedule
Step 2: Patient Screening
Once you have been called into your appointment by a doctor or immunisation provider you will be able to discuss any questions you have about COVID-19 vaccination.
Tell your immunisation provider if you have any medical conditions or if you are taking any medications. Especially make sure to tell them if you:
Step 3: Vaccination Dose Given & Follow Up Information Provided
You will received the vaccine as an injection, most commonly into your upper arm. You will then receive details of any potential side effects and what to do if these occur.
Step 4: Vaccination Recorded
Your vaccination will be recorded in The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) by your vaccination provider, as required by Australian law. You can view your vaccination record online through your:
You will then be taken to a separate waiting area where you must remain for observation for at least 15 minutes after vaccination. Depending on your medical history, you may be asked to wait in the clinic for 30 minutes.
After you have completed the necessary waiting period you will be asked to check-out at reception so that we can ensure you are safe to leave and have waited the necessary time. Reception will also confirm your consent to bulk bill Medicare for the cost of the vaccine delivery.
Please arrive on time for your appointment and call reception on 9752 1455. Reception will then inform you where you are required to wait for that days vaccine clinic.
What you need to bring to your Pfizer vaccination appointment:
- Medicare card, if you have one.
- Information about any relevant medical conditions and medications i.e. allergies, bleeding disorders, immunocompromised etc.*
- Information about any previous COVID-19 vaccine received (vaccine brand and date).
- Information about any reactions you have had to any vaccine in the past.
- A face mask
- Your completed consent form if you have chosen to print out and complete at home.
Please DO NOT attend your vaccination appointment if you;
- are unwell with fever, cough, runny nose or other symptoms that could be from COVID-19
- are awaiting COVID-19 test results
- have tested positive with COVID-19 and you are in isolation
- are in quarantine
- are a close contact of someone with COVID-19
If you fall into any of the above categories, please call us to reschedule
Step 2: Patient Screening
Once you have been called into your appointment by a doctor or immunisation provider you will be able to discuss any questions you have about COVID-19 vaccination.
Tell your immunisation provider if you have any medical conditions or if you are taking any medications. Especially make sure to tell them if you:
- Have had anaphylaxis (a type of severe allergic reaction) to any substance, or if you have an adrenaline autoinjector (e.g. EpiPen).
- Have had a reaction to any vaccine in the past.
- Have a bleeding disorder or are receiving anticoagulant therapy (a blood thinner).
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy.
- Are immunocompromised (i.e. have a weakened immune system or take immune suppressing medication).
- Have received another COVID-19 vaccine (and which brand).
- Have received any vaccine in the last 7 days.
Step 3: Vaccination Dose Given & Follow Up Information Provided
You will received the vaccine as an injection, most commonly into your upper arm. You will then receive details of any potential side effects and what to do if these occur.
Step 4: Vaccination Recorded
Your vaccination will be recorded in The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) by your vaccination provider, as required by Australian law. You can view your vaccination record online through your:
- Medicare account
- MyGov account
- MyHealthRecord account.
- Or you can find out how to get your immunisation history statement on the Services Australia website.
You will then be taken to a separate waiting area where you must remain for observation for at least 15 minutes after vaccination. Depending on your medical history, you may be asked to wait in the clinic for 30 minutes.
After you have completed the necessary waiting period you will be asked to check-out at reception so that we can ensure you are safe to leave and have waited the necessary time. Reception will also confirm your consent to bulk bill Medicare for the cost of the vaccine delivery.
AFTER YOUR COVID-19 VACCINATION
After you have received your COVID-19 vaccination you will receive a link via sms from AusVaxSafety over the next few days asking you to complete a survey regarding any side effects you have experienced. The surveys are conducted at Day 3, Day 8 and Day 42 post immunisation. Completing these surveys is an important way of contributing to the national COVID-19 vaccine safety surveillance that AusVaxSafety is conducting. More information regarding this will be provided at your immunisation appointment.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with any vaccine, you may have some side effects after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Common side effects include:
Rare side effects that have been reported after are:
COVID-19 post-vaccination concerns.
If you have concerns about any symptoms after your vaccine, please call us and we will book an appointment with your doctor. Alternatively, you can use the COVID-19 Vaccine Symptom Checker to see if you need to seek medical help. The checker is also available through the National Coronavirus Helpline, 1800 020 080, 24 hours a day.
Vaccine safety monitoring and reporting side effects
Suspected side effects can be reported by visiting the reporting suspected side effects associated with a COVID-19 vaccine webpage on the TGA website and follow the directions on the page.
COVID-19 testing after vaccination
Some side effects from COVID-19 vaccination might be similar to symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever), though the vaccine does not contain any live virus and cannot cause COVID-19. You may not need to get a COVID-19 test or isolate if you develop general symptoms like fever, headache or tiredness in the first two days after vaccination and if you are sure that you don’t have any respiratory symptoms (e.g. runny nose, cough, sore throat, loss of smell or loss of taste). However, you should check the current guidelines in your state/territory for the most up-to-date information. This advice may change in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak in your local area. You may still need to get a COVID-19 test if you meet other criteria, e.g. you are a close contact of a known COVID-19 case. If in doubt, seek medical assessment.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with any vaccine, you may have some side effects after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Common side effects include:
- pain or swelling at the injection site
- tiredness
- headache
- muscle pain
- chills
- fever
- joint pain.
- redness at the injection site
- nausea
- enlarged lymph nodes
- feeling unwell
- pain in limb
- insomnia
- itching at the injection site.
Rare side effects that have been reported after are:
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Temporary one-sided facial drooping (also called Bell’s palsy).
- You should seek medical attention after vaccination if:
- You think you are having an allergic reaction. Call 000 if you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, a fast heartbeat or collapsing.
- You are worried about a potential side effect or have new or unexpected symptoms.
- You have an expected side effect of the vaccine which has not gone away after a few days.
- For symptoms which are not urgent, you can see your regular healthcare provider (usually your GP).
COVID-19 post-vaccination concerns.
If you have concerns about any symptoms after your vaccine, please call us and we will book an appointment with your doctor. Alternatively, you can use the COVID-19 Vaccine Symptom Checker to see if you need to seek medical help. The checker is also available through the National Coronavirus Helpline, 1800 020 080, 24 hours a day.
Vaccine safety monitoring and reporting side effects
Suspected side effects can be reported by visiting the reporting suspected side effects associated with a COVID-19 vaccine webpage on the TGA website and follow the directions on the page.
COVID-19 testing after vaccination
Some side effects from COVID-19 vaccination might be similar to symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever), though the vaccine does not contain any live virus and cannot cause COVID-19. You may not need to get a COVID-19 test or isolate if you develop general symptoms like fever, headache or tiredness in the first two days after vaccination and if you are sure that you don’t have any respiratory symptoms (e.g. runny nose, cough, sore throat, loss of smell or loss of taste). However, you should check the current guidelines in your state/territory for the most up-to-date information. This advice may change in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak in your local area. You may still need to get a COVID-19 test if you meet other criteria, e.g. you are a close contact of a known COVID-19 case. If in doubt, seek medical assessment.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Below is a list of documents provided by the Government about the various COVID-19 vaccines; including side effects and other important information.
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