BY AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Everyone in Australia will be offered a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.

Did you know that you can use the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker to find out when and where you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine, book an appointment if you are eligible, or register your interest?

Head to https://covid-vaccine. healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility and answer some questions to check if you can get a COVID-19 vaccination now.

You’ll also be able to find out where and book an appointment for yourself or another person.

The following information is available on the Australian Government Department of Health website. Please visit www.health.gov.au for up to date information and resources.

COVID-19 vaccines will be voluntary and free

The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone in Australia. Vaccination providers cannot charge you for the COVID-19 vaccine or your appointments to receive the vaccine.

Frequently asked questions Who will receive a vaccine?

Everyone in Australia will be offered a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.

National Cabinet has agreed that, in line with the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) the Pfizer vaccine will be prioritised for people under 50 years of age. The AstraZeneca vaccine will be prioritised for people aged 50 years and over.

Are COVID-19 vaccines mandatory in Australia?

Vaccination for COVID-19 is voluntary — as are all vaccinations in Australia — and people maintain the option to choose.

This will apply to any COVID-19 vaccination that may become available.

There may be circumstances in the future, however where there may be border entry or re-entry requirements that are conditional on proof of vaccination.

How long will the COVID-19 vaccine last once I have had two doses?

It is not yet known how long the protection of the COVID-19 vaccine will last. We will know more through ongoing research. Clinical trials are currently happening to find out if we will need booster doses on an annual or longer basis.

What we do know is that evidence shows the Pfizer and the AstraZeneca COVID- 19 vaccines prevent severe disease, people going to hospital and dying. The aim of Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program is to reduce COVID-19 related harm. Vaccines do this by preventing serious illness and death, and, as much as possible, transmission of the virus that causes disease.

Why do I have to wait 14 days between getting the flu and COVID- 19 vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against the flu, so you should still have your annual flu shot.

It is recommended that people wait at least 14 days between a dose of seasonal flu vaccine and a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. There’s no evidence that the 2 vaccinations interact with each other, this is a precautionary recommendation that allows for proper safety and monitoring for both vaccines.