People who have had a COVID-19 vaccination have a much lower chance of getting sick from COVID-19.

There are two brands of vaccines in use in Australia. Both are effective and safe. Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine is preferred over COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca for adults under 60 years of age.

You need to have two doses of the same brand of vaccine. 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. They may start on the day of vaccination and last for around 1-2 days. As with any vaccine or medicine, there may be rare and/or unknown side effects.

A very rare side effect of blood clotting (thrombosis) with low blood platelet levels (thrombocytopenia) has been reported following vaccination with the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. This is not seen after Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine. For further information on the risk of this rare condition refer to the Patient information sheet on AstraZeneca COVID-19  vaccine and thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects after vaccination that you are worried about. You may be contacted by SMS within the week after receiving the vaccine to see how you are feeling after vaccination.

Some people may still get COVID-19 after vaccination. 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 5 metres away from other people
• washing your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser
• wear a mask
• stay home if you are unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms, and arrange to get a COVID-19

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

How the information you provide is used

For information on how your personal details are collected, stored and used visit  https://www.health.gov.au/using-our-websites/privacy/privacy-notice-for-covid-19-vaccinations.

If you are receiving your vaccination in a Pharmacy, the Pharmacy is required to disclose some of your personal information to the Pharmacy Programs Administrator. This is so the Pharmacy can claim payment from the Australian Government. More information about why this is required and the information disclosed is provided at the link above.

On the day you receive your vaccine

Before you get vaccinated, tell the person giving you the vaccination if you:

Have had an allergic reaction, particularly anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) to a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, to an ingredient of a COVID-19 vaccine, or to other vaccines or medications.

Are immunocompromised.  This means that you have a weakened immune system that may make it harder for you to fight infections and other diseases. You can still have a COVID-19 vaccine, but may wish to consider the best timing of vaccination depending on your underlying condition and/or treatment.