Question 1

I am over the age of 60. What vacccine should I get?

Accepted Answer

In Victoria, anyone aged over 12 years of age is eligible for a Pfizer vaccination. Anyone aged over 18 years is also eligible for an AstraZeneca vaccination.    This means that inidviduals between the ages of 12-18 years have one choice of vaccination, and those aged above 18 years have two vaccination options - both are safe, effective and free.    It is advised that you do your own individual research and consult with a medical professional if you have any questions about which vaccine would suit you best if over the age of 18 years.

Question 2

How long should the interval be between vaccinations? Why does it keep changing?

Accepted Answer

For the AstraZeneca vaccine, the recommended dose interval is 6 weeks. Recent advice from ATAGI has outlined the two doses can be administered safely anything from 4-12 weeks apart, so that double dose vaccination can get be achieved faster. However, acknowledging Victoria's COVID-19 outbreak and a recommendation that individuals should be fully vaccinated as soon and as safe as possible, 6 weeks is currently recommended.   For the Pfizer vaccine, the recommended dose interval is 3.    The advice from ATAGI is constantly changing but will always be done with the community's best and safe interests at heart.

Question 3

Who are the people that can't get vaccinated?

Accepted Answer

Some individuals are unable to get vaccinated as they have particular medical conditions.    You should not receive a Pfizer vaccine if you are allergic to an ingredient in the vaccine. You should not receive an AstraZeneca vaccine if you are allergic to an ingredient in the vaccine.    You should not receive a COVID-19 vaccine if you are ill on the day of your vaccination appointment. Please call to reschedule.    Please speak to your GP if you have any concerns about vaccination.

Question 4

When is your next available appointment and how do I book?

Accepted Answer

To see our next available bookings, please click here. You must have a booking for a Pfizer vaccination, but we do walk-in appointments for AstraZeneca.    For any questions regarding your booking, or to make one and cannot complete it online, please call us on 0436 033 507.

Question 5

I can't find your clinic. Where is it?

Accepted Answer

For vaccinations, we have two clinics.    Our  clinic is located at: 1391 Point Nepean Arcade, Rosebud. To access, you need to enter via Rosebud Plaza car park. We're located in the car park, opposite The Reject Shop and Kmart Auto Mycar.   You can enter the car park via Point Nepean Road (continue past the Woolworths, turn right and continue driving) or enter the car park via Boneo Road, and turn left. Hopefully then, you'll see our big red signs!   Our Seaford clinic is located at: 266 Seaford Road, Seaford. We have plenty of parking onsite. You can enter directly off Seaford Road, or turn right off Dandenong Valley Hwy.    For more information on where we're located, visit here.    We also provide COVID-19 testing at another facility, located also in Rosebud. The Rosebud Respiratory Clinic is located 1079 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud. Enter via the front doors to receive a COVID-19 test - you do not need a booking. PLEASE NOTE: We DO NOT do COVID-19 testing at our vaccination clinics in Rosebud and Seaford. Entering these clinics with symptoms of COVID-19 can put all other vaccination patients at potential risk. Please call 0436 033 507 if you have any questions about COVID-19 testing.

Question 6

Will I need a booster shot after I have been fully vaccinated?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we have not yet received any information that additional doses beyond the two doses, called 'booster shots' will be required.    However, acknowledging the ever-mutating nature of COVID-19, it is expected that this will more than likely be a possibility.    You will be made aware if this is made a requirement, but currently, for both vaccines, only two doses is required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Question 7

Do the vaccines work against COVID-19 variants like Delta?

Accepted Answer

There is ongoing research by ATAGI into the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines to mutated variants, such as the Delta variant. Whilst this research is ongoing, the importance behind getting vaccinated against COVID-19 still remains an incredibly high priority.

Question 8

Once I am vaccinated, am I immune to COVID?"

Accepted Answer

The COVID-19 vaccines approved in Australia do not make you immune from contracting COVID-19, rather, they incredibly reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation and death.    This means that you can still contract COVID-19 and test posiitve. This also means you can spread COVID-19 to individuals. If you are fully vaccinated, you may not feel any symptoms if you contract COVID-19. If you are vaccinated and those you come into contact are unvaccinated, you may be protected, but you can still transmit COVID-19, and these unvaccinated individuals can still develop extreme symptoms, be hospitalitised or pass away.    Thus, it is incredibly important that all eligible individuals,

Question 9

If I'm fully vaccinated, how long until I become immune from COVID-19."

Accepted Answer

Both the Pfizer (Comirnaty) and the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines require the full 2 dose course for the best immune response. Whilst partial protection against COVID-19 may be as soon as 12 days after the first dose, this protection is likely to be short lived. The second dose encourages the body to create stronger protection (immunity) against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.    Individuals may not be fully protected until 7-14 days after their second dose of the Pfizer (Comirnaty) or AstraZeneca vaccine.

Question 10

Am I less infectious after I have been vaccinated?

Accepted Answer

You can still pass on COVID-19 to others, even if you are vaccinated.    Vaccination drastically reduces the chance of hospitalisation and deaths related to COVID-19. You can still transmit COVID-19 to others which can be potentially life-threatening if you transmit the virus to someone who is unvaccinated.

Question 11

Why are so many people against getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

Accepted Answer

There are many opinions regarding COVID-19 vaccinations. Whilst the majority of the population support COVID-19 vaccinations, some do not.    Many concerns are related to the timeline in which these vaccines were created. Unprecedented global funding and research completed prior to COVID-19 allowed for the vaccines to be manufactured in a time period that's faster than other vaccines. For more information on this, please read more of our FAQs relating to this.    We believe that COVID-19 vaccinations are incredibly important and continue to reinforce the effectiveness and safety of the vaccinations. All individuals should receive a COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves, their families and our communities.

Question 12

How do I prove I am fullly vaccinated?

Accepted Answer

Currently, there are more industries requiring proof of vaccination. It is expected that this will expand to other industries and activities in the future.    To download your proof of vaccination (either after one dose or two doses), you must go to MyGov. From there, you must login and link your account to Medicare. If you're not eligible for Medicare, link your account to Individual Healthcare Identifiers service. You can do this by pressing 'Services' from the top menu. Then press 'Immunisation History'. You'll be able to download or view your immunisation history statement/COVID-19 digitial certificate, even if you've only had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination.    You can print this out, download the PDF file or add it to your Apple Wallet.    If you do not have a MyGov account, you need to make one. Alternatively, you can call 1800 653 809 (the Australian Immunisation Register) and they can post one out to your address. This can take up to 14 days to arrive.

Question 13

Can either vaccine give me COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

No. None of the approved COVID-19 vaccines in Australia contain the live virus (SARS-CoV-2). This means that they cannot give you COVID-19.  The makeup of both COVID-19 vaccines is vastly different to other, more common vaccines, such as the Influenza vaccine, which does contain a live but weakened version of the Infuenza virus.  Some of the side effects from COVID-19 vaccinations, such as fever and fatigue can mimic the symptoms of COVID-19. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. It usually takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity (protection against the virus that causes COVID-19) after full vaccination. That means it’s possible a person could be infected with COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and still get sick. It is important to see your health professional if you think this may be the case. For specific advice about side effects from different doses of vaccines, ask your doctor or health care professional. See your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible or go directly to a hospital if:   - you have a reaction that you consider severe or unexpected - you are concerned about your condition after vaccination - People should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling in your leg, persistent abdominal (belly) pain, neurological symptoms, including severe and persistent headaches or blurred vision, tiny blood spots under the skin beyond the site of injection.

Question 14

What are the efficacy rates of the vaccines?

Accepted Answer

Both COVID-19 vaccines approved in Australia are incredibly effective at reducing the risks COVID-19 poses.   According to studies reported in the Doherty Modellling Report for National Cabinet (30 July 2021):   Hospitalisations Pfizer: 87% reduction after two doses AstraZeneca: 86% reduction after two doses    Pfizer: 87% reduction after two doses AstraZeneca: 86% reduction after two doses   Death Pfizer: 92% reduction after two doses AstraZeneca: 90% reduction after two doses.    You must have two doses of the same vaccine for the vaccine to be effective. The vaccines do not stop one from contracting COVID-19, rather it reduces the symptoms, severity and deaths that COVID-19 can cause.

Question 15

Do the vaccines alter my DNA?

Accepted Answer

No, COVID-19 vaccines do not alter your DNA.  The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine uses a fragement of messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct your body to initiate an immune response against COVID-19. There is a crucial difference between mRNA and DNA. DNA, which makes up our genetic code, is larger, double stranded and very long. The mRNA is a single stranded copy of a small part of the DNA, which is often released to send instructions to other parts of the cell. DNA is stored in the protected centre of our cells – the nucleus. The mRNA is broken down quickly by the body. It never enters the nucleus, and cannot affect or combine with our DNA in any way to change our genetic code. Instead, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines teach the cell how to make a protein that triggers an immune response specific to COVID-19. The vaccines work with the body’s natural defences to develop immunity to disease.

Question 16

Will the vaccine make me sick?

Accepted Answer

It is normal, after any vaccine, to experience some side effects, such as potential flu-like symptoms.    For information on these common side effects, and those not so common for ASTRAZENECA, please click here.   For information on these common side effects, and those not so common for PFIZER please click here.

Question 17

Does AstraZeneca give you blood clots?

Accepted Answer

The Australian Tehcnical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) continues to review and monitor the data, efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in Australia.  There has been a link established between the AstraZeneca vaccine (notably after the first dose) and a very rare side effect called thrombosis in combination with thrombocytopenia. It is important to note that this type of thrombosis (blood clotting) is incredibly rare and unlike any other form of blood clotting, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).     As outlined in the table above, this rare condition is more likely to occur in people under the age of 60 years, and more common in those aged 50-59 years of age. Consequently, ATAGI recommends the Pfizer vaccine as the preferred vaccine for people under the age of 60.  Whilst TTS (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome) has proven to be more likely to occur in people aged under the 60 years, ATAGI recommends that the benefits of vaccination with any vaccine (including AstraZeneca for those aged under 60 years) clearly outweighs the associated risks such as developing TTS.  For people aged 60 years or above, the benefits of vaccination, with any vaccine including AstraZeneca, clearly outweigh the risks of TTS, noting it is a very rare event.  At Peninsula Vaccination Centre, those under the age of 60 who want to receive AstraZeneca must speak to their GP prior to their appointment and provide us with informed, verbal or written consent.

Question 18

How much does it cost to get a vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone in Australia.  Vaccination providers, such as Peninsula Vaccination Centre, cannot and will not charge you for the COVID-19 vaccine or for your appointment to receive the vaccine. A COVID-19 vaccination is free for everyone, even if you aren’t an Australian Citizen. If you need to speak to your GP prior to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine (such as to receive informed consent from them if under the age of 60 years for AstraZeneca, or to discuss conditions which may make you eligible), you may be charged their normal fee (if applicable) for that.

Question 19

What are in the COVID-19 vaccines? I think I'm allergic to an ingredient. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

You should NOT get a COVID-19 vaccine if you are severely allergic to any ingredients in a vaccine. You should also NOT get a COVID-19 vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction after your first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.  Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine: The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine includes the following ingredients: mRNA, lipids ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate), 2 [(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide, 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine, and cholesterol), potassium chloride, monobasic potassium phosphate, sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, and sucrose. AstraZeneca Vaccine: The AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine includes the following ingredients: ChAdOx1-S* 5x1010 viral particles (vp), histidine, histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride hexahydrate, disodium edetate, sucrose, ethanol absolute, polysorbate 80 and water for injections. *Recombinant, replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus vector encoding the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein. The vaccine is manufactured using material originally sourced from a human embryo (Human Embryo Kidney cells: HEK293). COVID-19 vaccines DO NOT and cannot connect you to the internet, do not contain software, tracking devices or microchips. They also DO NOT contain a any live virus, meaning they cannot give you COVID-19.

Question 20

What do I bring to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Prior to your appointment, you must fill out an online registration form. This would have been automatically sent to you when you booked your appointment, either over the phone or online.    Ensure you complete the whole form with accurate information. There is a statement in the box on the last page of the form about providing consent. Please scroll within the box and tick that you consent to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine - a lot of people miss this and cannot successfully register!   Other than completing the form, please bring your Medicare card with you to your appointment. You do not need to bring anything else.

Question 21

If I can still get COVID-19, what's the point of getting a vaccine?"

Accepted Answer

It is incredibly important to get a COVID-19 vaccination.    Either COVID-19 vaccine is incredibly effective at reducing hospitalisation, ICU admissions and deaths caused from COVID-19. Thus, for the health of yourself, your family and your community, vaccination is incredibly important.    Furthermore, vaccination is important in ensuring Australia can return to life at pre-COVID levels.

Question 22

Do I have to get two doses of the same vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you must get two doses of the same vaccine.    This is the advice from ATAGI, the regulator of Australia's vaccination rollout program. It is advised to not get your second dose of a vaccination if you have had a severe reaction to your first dose. Please call us on 0436 033 507 if you believe this may have happened to you.

Question 23

I'm not an Australian Citizen, can I still get vaccinated?"

Accepted Answer

Everyone (over the age of 12) in Australia is able, and should, get a COVID-19 vaccine.    This includes Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents, tourists and visitors, those on Visa's or anyone else who is currently in Australia.

Question 24

I'm not an Australian Citizen and don't have medicare, is that a problem?"

Accepted Answer

Non-Australian citizens are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.   Similarly, not having Medicare is not a problem. We can lodge a record of your immunsiation on our government database, the Australian Immunisation Register, by using your residential address.

Question 25

I don't have a MyGov account. How do I get my proof of vaccine?

Accepted Answer

To get official proof of your COVID-19 vaccination, you need to create a MyGov account. You can do that by clicking here.   If you are unable to do that, you can call the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809, to request a posted immunisation statement to your home address. This can take up to 14 days to arrive.    Many clinics, including Peninsula Vaccination Centre will give out physical cards to patients with proof of vaccine. It is important to note that this is not official Government documentation, and more for your personal records.

Question 26

How do we know the vaccines are safe? They seem rushed.

Accepted Answer

Both COVID-19 vaccines approved in Australia have been developed without compromising quality, safety and effectiveness.  It may appear they have been developed very quickly, but researchers around the world have been working hard to develop COVID-19 vaccines from the earliest stages of the pandemic. They have been able to speed up development of vaccines thanks to the collaboration between them, scientists, manufacturers and distributors.  The development and implementation planning phases have been run side-by side, instead of one after the other, which normally occurs with other vaccines. This has been made possible because of unprecedented global funding. In addition, research into how to respond to a pandemic has been occurring long before COVID-19. This research looks at data from previous coronaviruses such as SARS in 2002 and MERS in 2012, giving researchers a head start when it comes to building the COVID-19 vaccines. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, or the TGA, has been rigorously assessing the potential COVID-19 vaccines for safety, quality and effectiveness. They will continue to do this with all vaccines before they will be approved and made available to Australians. Once approved, each batch must also be checked to make sure it meets the same quality standards. The TGA are the same body that approve all other vaccines and medications in Australia. For any concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccines, please visit www.health.gov.au or speak to your GP.

Question 27

Do you have a cancellation list? I hope Pfizer doses are not being thrown out.

Accepted Answer

No, we do not have a list to contact in the event people cancel their appointments.    Similarly, we also do not have wastage for vaccines. Our talented nurses draw up vaccines according to the amount of bookings we have booked in for a particular day. This is particulalry important at the end of the day to ensure no vaccine wastage, where each dose is drawn up as a patient arrives.

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