With so much information surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations, it can be easy to get lost, not know which direction to take or feel confused about the process in getting vaccinated. At Gold Care Home Services we understand this concerns and decided to create a small guide to assist you in the process. The information you find in this post has been gathered from the Official Australian Department of Health website.
There are currently two safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia, AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines. Both vaccines are highly effective at preventing death and severe illness among people who contract COVID-19.
Option 1 - AstraZeneca
People aged 50 years and over will receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at a GP clinic, a Commonwealth Vaccination Clinic (GP respiratory clinic) or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service.
Find a participating clinic by using the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker.
Option 2 - Pfizer
People aged under 50 years will receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. In-home and community aged care workers can visit a state or territory vaccination clinic to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Refer to the eligibility checker for available clinics in your state or territory. If you cannot find details for nearby clinics, please check regularly as the listings will be updated as clinics become available.
Vaccination Eligibility
Aged care workers can confirm eligibility by providing one of the following documents at your vaccine appointment:
current work ID card showing your employment in a relevant occupation
a letter from your employer or a payslip confirming you are currently employed in aged care
a completed Eligibility Declaration Form.
You will also need to take proof of age (e.g. driver’s licence, passport, birth certificate) to your appointment.
Making an informed decision about the COVID-19 vaccine
Information is available for aged care workers in the Australian Department of Health Website to help you make an informed decision about COVID-19 vaccination.
You may choose to talk to a health professional about the benefits and risks of vaccination. Talking to a health professional may help you decide if vaccination is suitable for you.
The following resources will assist you to make a decision about COVID-19 vaccination:
These information sheets are available in several languages.
While the COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended – especially for vulnerable Australians and those who care for them.
When you decide to receive a vaccine it’s important you understand the benefits and risks associated with both:
receiving the vaccine, and
not receiving the vaccine.
It is also important that you are aware of side effects that may occur. Understanding these benefits and risks can help you to make an informed decision.
If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to speak with your GP or other health professional. They can help you make a decision that is right for your personal situation.
Dedicated ‘pop-up’ Pfizer vaccination clinics for workers aged under 50
Available now: Residential aged care workers aged under 50 years can access a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at dedicated residential aged care and disability worker clinics. These clinics are managed by the Australian Government.
Sonic Healthcare Pfizer clinics in Sydney, New South Wales are:
Blacktown – open from 8 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week
Campbelltown – open from 8 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week
Macquarie Park – opens Monday 24 May from 12 pm to 8 pm Monday – Friday, and 9 am to 1 pm Saturday and Sunday.
Bookings can be made for the above clinics via the Sonic Healthcare vaccinations website or call 1300 379 878.
Opening hours may change based on demand.
All Sydney-based aged care facilities have received the above booking details to share with eligible residential aged care workers (aged under 50 years).
We will contact facilities in other parts of the country as more clinics open.
Can I get a flu vaccine at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine?
It is recommended you wait 14 days between getting a flu vaccine and a COVID-19vaccine. It is important to plan for both vaccinations.
Your flu vaccination should occur:
14 or more days before your first Pfizer dose
14 or more days after your second (and final)Pfizer dose
14 or more days before or after your first AstraZeneca dose
14 or more days before or after your second (and final)AstraZeneca dose.
More information
Call the NationalCOVID-19 Vaccine Help line on 1800 020 080
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