About the COVID-19 vaccination.
People who have a COVID-19 vaccination have a much lower chance of getting sick from the disease called COVID-19. Some people may still get COVID-19 after vaccination.
There are two brands of vaccine in use in Australia. Both are effective and safe. For adults aged under 50 years either brand may be used, however Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine is preferred over AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
You need to have two doses of the same brand of vaccine.
Medical experts have studied COVID-19 vaccines to make sure they are safe. Most side effects are mild. They may start on the day of vaccination and last for around 1-2 days. As with any vaccine or medicine, there may be rare and/or unknown side effects.
A very rare side effect of blood clotting has been reported in the 4-20 days after the first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. This is not seen after the second dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine or after any dose of Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine. For further information on the risk of this rare condition refer to the ‘Information on COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca’ fact sheet.
Vaccination providers record all vaccinations on the Australian Immunisation Register, as required by Australian law.
On the day you receive your vaccine.
Before you get vaccinated, tell the person giving you the vaccination if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction, particularly anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) to a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, to an ingredient of a COVID-19 vaccine, or to other vaccines or medications.
- If you are immunocompromised. This means that you have a weakened immune system that may make it harder for you to fight infections and other diseases.
- If you have a past history of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (a type of brain clot) or heparin induced thrombocytopenia (a rare reaction to heparin treatment).