A job well done! Operation COVID Shield has been a success!
Benefits of receiving the Vaccine
COVID-19 will be with us for many years to come. Getting vaccinated now has the following benefits:
- Protecting you against severe illness and death from COVID-19
- Preventing complications for example long COVID
- Keeping hospitalisation rates at a level our health system can cope with
- Reducing the need for lockdown in the future
- Allow for continue travel and attendance to events
COVID Boosters
Good news Australia! COVID-19 Boosters doses are now available to members of the public that would like one. You are eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose if:
- you are 18 years and older
- have had your second dose of your primary dose course of COVID-19 vaccination at least 6 months ago, irrespective of the vaccine brand used for their primary course.
What are the benefits of a booster dose?
Two doses of COVID-19 vaccine provide a very good protection, a booster dose ensures the protection from the first dose is even stronger and longer lasting. The booster dose will increase your protection against infection with the virus and prevent severe illness if you should catch the virus.
What are the potential side effects after receiving my booster?
Common, mild side effects following a booster dose look like the side effects following the first 2 doses. The following are common adverse effects:
- site pain
- fatigue
- headache
- muscle pain and chills
What if I am severely immunocompromised individuals?
The current recommendation for a 3rd primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in severely immunocompromised populations, was the initial booster proposal, and this was to address the risk of suboptimal or non-response to the standard 2 dose schedule. The 3rd dose is intended to maximise the level of immune response to as close as possible to the general population.