Many patients are asking their Doctor questions about the COVID-19 Vaccines, so we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions below.
Please do not call our clinics with questions as this will block phone lines.
If there is something else you would like to know, feel free to chat with your GP at your next appointment.
How do I book a COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines are available now! Please call us on 6109 9777 to book your vaccination.
Why should I get vaccinated for COVID-19?
COVID-19 can cause serious ongoing health conditions, and sometimes death. Immunisation is a safe and effective way of protecting you and your family. Immunisation helps protect others, especially those who may not be able to be immunised themselves. When you get immunised, you protect yourself as well as helping to protect the whole community.
Why do we need vaccines if we are already wearing masks and practicing social distancing?
The measures we’ve put in place so far such as border restrictions, quarantine, mask wearing, hand washing, physical distancing, and testing help to protect all Queenslanders and will continue to be important to control the spread of the virus and its effects on the community. But we don’t want to live under restrictions forever. The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect people long-term against severe COVID-19 disease.
Are there other benefits to getting vaccinated?
Getting vaccinated helps protect the vulnerable in our society who can’t get vaccinated themselves because they are too young, or too sick. This is because widespread vaccination makes it more difficult for the disease to spread. Also, the less the disease spreads, the less likely it is that new, possibly more infectious or dangerous mutations will arise.
What is herd immunity and how does it relate to COVID-19?
We reach ‘herd immunity’ when enough people are immunised to stop or slow the circulation of the disease. This reduces the likelihood of infection, which then affords protection for people who can’t be vaccinated.
What percentage of the population needs to get vaccinated before we achieve herd immunity?
The percentage changes depending on the disease and how effective the vaccine is at preventing transmission. Usually, 50% – 90% of a population needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. Experts believe a herd immunity of 65% or higher will be needed for COVID-19, but we cannot be certain at this stage. It is an important area of research which will continue as countries begin their COVID-19 vaccination programs.
Is it compulsory to be vaccinated?
Australians have a great record in being immunised. The COVID-19 vaccine will be voluntary, universal and free. If a safe and effective vaccine becomes available for COVID-19, the Government aims to have as many Australians as possible choose to be vaccinated for COVID-19. If people choose not to have a COVID-19 vaccine, this will not affect their family’s eligibility for Family Tax Benefit Part A or childcare fee assistance which only includes National Immunisation Program vaccines for those aged under 20 years.
How much will the vaccine cost?
COVID-19 vaccines will be free for all Australian citizens, permanent residents and temporary visa-holders as per the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
How has a vaccine been rolled out so fast?
Usually when a vaccine is developed it is done is a very linear fashion – one step, after another. There has been an enormous amount of resources and money thrown into the research, development and testing of the Covid-19 vaccines so that many of these steps could take place simultaneously. There has been no compromise on safety.
If I get the vaccine, what side effects can I expect?
You may experience minor side effects following vaccination. Most side effects last no more than a couple of days and you will recover without any problems. Common reactions to vaccination include: pain, redness and/or swelling where you received the needle and mild fever. Serious reactions like allergic reactions are extremely rare.
How effective are the COVID-19 vaccines?
The results from the clinical trials to date have shown both the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines to be effective in providing protection against COVID-19. If as many people as possible are immunised against COVID-19, regardless of which vaccine they have, this will make a significant difference in keeping everyone safe.
What is in the vaccine?
Once vaccines are approved by the TGA, their specific ingredients are listed in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.