Before your vaccination

Once you’ve made your COVID-19 vaccination appointment, you can make sure you’re ready by reading the consent information.

Top tip: You’ll need to have your Medicare card with you on the day in order to be vaccinated so place it somewhere you won’t forget to bring it.

If you are not eligible for Medicare, you can still be vaccinated – find out how.

Before your vaccination appointment

There is some important information we’d like you to read before you come to your appointment. This information will help you provide informed consent to our vaccination team when you arrive for your appointment.  

1. Download and read Preparing for COVID-19 vaccination (available in multiple languages).
2. Read one of the following that applies to you:
   Information on the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (available in multiple languages) or
   Information on the Pfizer vaccine (available in multiple languages) or
   Information on the Moderna vaccine (available in multiple languages) or
   Information on the Novavax vaccine (available in multiple languages)
3. If you are able to, download and read the COVID-19 Vaccination Consent Form. If you are unable to download the form, copies will be available at the vaccination clinic.
   The COVID-19 Consent information is also available in other languages.  
4. Make sure your Medicare details are up to date.

About your appointment

• When you arrive, check in using the QR code at the clinic, similarly to how you would check in at other public places. 
• Please bring your Medicare card with you to your appointment. 
• You can speed up your appointment and help our immunisation team by using your Medicare online account through myGov or downloading the Medicare mobile app to get your immunisation history statement before attending. 
• Please attend the clinic at your appointed time (appointments are essential to avoid disappointment). 
• You will be asked to complete a Pre-vaccination Checklist provided to you at the appointment. 
• You must wear a mask and remember to practice physical distancing. 
• After vaccination, you will remain at the clinic for 15-30 minutes following the injection and will then be signed-out. 
• Potential reactions will be discussed with you as part of the vaccination procedure. 
• If you feel unwell, please do not attend your appointment. Get tested for COVID-19 immediately and self-isolate until you receive your results. You can rebook your appointment for a later date. Do not attend a vaccination clinic if you have the following symptoms:
  • fever (37.5 ° or higher)
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
  • runny nose
  • change in sense of smell or taste.
• If you are unwell please get tested immediately

Once you’ve had a COVID-19 vaccine, your immunisation provider will record it on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). You can get proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status with an immunisation history statement.