COVID-19 vaccines

• Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for all individuals 12 years of age and over.
• All people in Australia aged 12 years old and over are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Children aged 12-15 in priority groups can book now. Priority groups include children who
  have severe asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and other serious medical conditions; are Aboriginal
  and Torres Strait Islander; live in remote communities; are on the National Disability Insurance
  Scheme or are living with a disability requiring frequent assistance with activities of daily
  living. Bookings for all other children aged 12 to 15 will open from 13 September 2021.
• We need the vaccine to help end the pandemic, reduce the number of cases, and stop the
  virus from changing.
• COVID-19 vaccines can help us get back to doing the things we enjoy.
• Everyone in Australia can get the COVID-19 vaccine for free.
• You do not need a Medicare card if you get your vaccination at government vaccination
  clinics.

Vaccine safety and how they work

• The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) are the scientists and medical experts who
  regulate and approve all vaccines, medicines, and other medical products for use in Australia.
  The TGA check all COVID-19 vaccines for quality, safety and effectiveness before approving
  them for use in Australia.
• COVID-19 vaccines teach your body to recognise and fight the COVID-19 virus. They do not
  contain COVID-19. You cannot get COVID-19 from having the vaccines.
• Vaccines are a safe way of building protection against the virus in the body, without causing
  illness.
• For the best protection, you will need two doses of the same vaccine, a few weeks apart.
• COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Australia have been shown to be very good at
  protecting against severe illness and death.

Learn more

• It is important to stay informed through official sources.
• If you want to talk to someone about COVID-19 vaccines, call the National Coronavirus
  Helpline on 1800 020 080. The hotline is available 24 hours every day. For phone interpreting
  services, call 131 450.
• You can learn more at the Department of Health’s website where information is available in 63
  languages www.health.gov.au/covid19-vaccines-languages
• You can also talk to your doctor.