Can people get vaccinated at a school?

A number of schools and community locations are hosting temporary (pop-up) COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the coming weeks and months.

This means that anyone in the local community can come forward for their vaccination at the pop up.

Do I have to book a vaccination?   

There are bookings and walk-up appointments available.

Bookings can be made online.   

If I cannot make it to the pop-up clinic, how else can I get vaccinated?    

You can still book an appointment at a vaccination centre, doctor’s clinic, pharmacy, or community health service.

For a list of vaccination centres in Victoria, visit: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-centres. You can book an appointment at a vaccination centre:

·         online at https://portal.cvms.vic.gov.au, or

·         on the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 (press 0 for in interpreter).

To book at a participating doctor’s clinic, pharmacy or community health service, visit the vaccine clinic finder on the Australian Government’s health website: covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au. 

Are these pop ups offering a first dose, or also second doses?

The pop ups will administer first-dose and second-dose vaccinations.

Pfizer will be offered to people getting their first-dose vaccination. Those getting their second dose will get the same vaccine as their first dose.

If you are coming forward for your second dose, make sure you received your first dose at least:

·         three weeks prior for Pfizer vaccine

·         six weeks prior for AstraZeneca vaccine.

Should a person with an existing vaccination appointment somewhere else cancel it and book at the school instead?

You can choose to cancel your existing appointment and get vaccinated as part of a school pop up.

Appointments are currently in high demand. Please cancel your appointment directly with the vaccine provider. Doing so will help another Victorian access their COVID-19 vaccine sooner.

What should people bring to their vaccine appointment?  

People should bring the following:

·         Medicare card or individual health care identifier, if you have one 

·         Proof of age (student ID, drivers license, passport, birth certificate or equivalent).

·         Young people can bring a consent form signed by a parent or guardian, if a parent or guardian is not attending with them.

People should also wear a face mask, and follow COVIDSafe practices while getting vaccinated, such as physical distancing.

Can people aged 12-17 attend their vaccination appointment with their parents?

Parents and guardians may attend a vaccination appointment with their children, but they do not have to.

Parents can sign a consent form, which their children can bring to their vaccination.

To help vaccine pop ups be COVIDSafe, we ask that only ONE parent or guardian attend to support their child.

How do I arrange my second-dose vaccination?

As soon as you have had your first COVID-19 vaccine dose, you can book your second vaccination appointment. You can be supported at the pop up to make your second dose appointment.

You can book an appointment at a vaccination centre:

·         online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au/, or

·         on the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 (press 0 for in interpreter).

Who is eligible to get vaccinated?

Everybody aged 12 years and over can get vaccinated. 

Does a parent or guardian have to give permission for a person under 18 to get vaccinated?

Consent may be given in a number of ways for people aged 12-17 years:

·         A parent or guardian can attend the vaccine appointment with the young person and provide consent for them (note: only one parent or guardian may attend with the young person).

·         A young person may attend a vaccination centre with a consent form signed by a parent or guardian.

·         A young person may provide their own consent, if a senior and experienced immuniser assesses that they are able to make this decision.

What if a parent or guardian does not allow their child to get vaccinated?   

If a parent or guardian has questions about their child getting vaccinated, they should speak with their doctor.

A young person can choose to get vaccinated and provide their own consent.

By getting vaccinated, young people are protecting themselves, their families, and their communities from COVID-19.    

Which vaccine will individuals receive?

This pop-up clinic will administer the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/about-covid-19-vaccines.

Is the vaccine safe?   

The vaccine is free and safe.

People will be supervised by a medical professional for 15 minutes after they are vaccinated, to make sure they are ok.

What are the long- term side effects vaccination?

Like all vaccinations, side effects are a possibility, but they are rare and generally mild, lasting for only a day or two. For information on possible side effects from COVID-19 vaccines, see the Victorian Government website: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/cardiac-side-effects-and-covid-19.

Will the vaccine affect the future fertility of young people?

There is no scientific evidence that vaccines impact fertility. None of the COVID-19 vaccines used in Australia cause sterilisation/infertility.

The TGA will not approve a vaccine for use in Australia unless it is safe and effective. This includes impacts on fertility.

Why should younger people get vaccinated if they do not get as sick from COVID-19?

Younger people are also at risk of getting COVID-19, and could also infect people who are more vulnerable, such as parents or grandparents. Vaccination is important so that young people can protect themselves, their families, and their communities.

Where can young people get more information about COVID19 vaccines?

YLab Global, in conjunction with Victoria’s Department of Health, have developed a toolkit website that explains vaccination safety, and encourages young people to get vaccinated. To find out more, visit: COVID-19 Vaccination Toolkit.

Can I get vaccinated if I have COVID-19?

No. If you test positive for COVID-19 you must immediately go home and isolate.

You cannot leave your home to get vaccinated.

The Department of Health will call you and tell you when you can finish your isolation and safely leave your home.

I am in isolation but I do not have COVID-19. Can I get a COVID-19 vaccination?    

No. If you have been told to isolate, you must follow the advice you are given about when you can leave your home.

Should I get vaccinated if I feel slightly unwell?

No. Get tested for COVID-19 and stay home until you receive a negative result if you:

·         feel even a little unwell

·         have been to an exposure site

·         have been in close contact with someone who might have COVID-19.