COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Advice

You are eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose if:

• you are 18 years and older, and
• have had your second dose of your primary dose course of COVID-19 vaccination at least 6 months ago.

Booster doses are not mandatory, however, they are recommended to maintain immunity against COVID-19.

Learn about booster doses for COVID-19 vaccines, who they are recommended for, when you need one and how to get it on The Dept Health website below

https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination/booster-doses 

COVID-19 Vaccines for Carers

Carers may now be eligible to register for the COVID-19 vaccine as the Federal Government continues its vaccine roll-out. Carers may be eligible for the vaccine if they care for:

• A resident of an aged care facility or residential disability accommodation who was eligible under Phase 1a.
• A person 70 years and over who is eligible under Phase 1b.
• A person with a specified underlying medical condition who is eligible under Phase 1b.
• A child with a specified underlying medical condition.
• A person who is an NDIS participant.

Eligible carers will need to provide carers documentation or complete an Eligibility Declaration Form.

Phase 1b vaccinations commenced on 22 March 2021. Check your eligibility, book your appointment or register your interest through the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker here.

If you choose not to have a COVID-19 vaccine, your eligibility for Government payments won’t be affected.

You can view the Australian COVID-19 Vaccine National Roll-Out Strategy to find out more about other Phases.

The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone in Australia and you cannot be charged for the vaccine or your appointment to receive the vaccine. If you are charged for any costs associated with the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine (including booking fees), you should:

• contact the Department of Health by emailing provider.benefits.integrity@health.gov.au
• or call the Provider Benefits Integrity Hotline on 1800 314 808 (9am to 5pm AEST weekdays).

The Australian Government has a number of resources related to the COVID-19 vaccine in many languages.

Official advice on the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine

Under advice from Australia’s expert vaccine advisory body, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), has recommended:

• The COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine is preferred over the AstraZeneca vaccine for adults aged under 60 years.
• The AstraZeneca vaccine can be used in adults aged under 60 where the benefits clearly outweigh the risk for that individual and the person has made an informed decision based on an understanding of the risks and benefits.
• People who have had the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine without any serious adverse effects can be given the second dose, including adults under 60 years.

However, following a National Cabinet meeting on 28 June 2021, the Federal Government has advised any Australian over the age of 16 may request the AstraZeneca from their GP, provided they discuss the risks with their doctor beforehand.

It is important you keep up to date with the latest advice about COVID-19 vaccines and the rollout on the Federal Government Department of Health website.

If you have questions about the risks and benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine – for you or the person you care for – or vaccines in general you should speak to your GP or other health professional.

COVID-19 vaccines for NDIS participants

All NDIS participants aged 12 years and over are eligible for the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine.

A vaccination will help protect you and your community. It’s free and voluntary.

You can call Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787 to find out more or visit the Department of Health’s website.

If you need information in a language other than English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

If you are deaf, or hard of hearing you can call the National Relay Service on 1800 555 660.

Easy Read resources, including on vaccine types, are available on the Department of Health website.

Other Official Government Information

It is important to keep up to date on the guidelines from each state and territory.

It should be noted that observing the 1.5-meter social distancing rule wherever possible is still recommended.

You can keep up with restrictions in your area via the links below:

• ACT 
• NSW
• NT
• QLD
• SA
• TAS
• VIC
• WA

The Australian Government Department of Health has provided additional advice for people at particular risk of COVID-19, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, older people, people with chronic conditions and people with disability.

Interstate Travel

As border closures continue around the country, each state and territory has its own procedures as a condition for entry. You can find the latest information via the links below:

• ACT
• NT
• QLD
• NSW
• SA
• VIC
• TAS
• WA

For information on international travel, visit Smart Traveller.

COVID-19 Symptom Checker

There are a number of symptoms associated with COVID-19, including:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath

If you are sick and think you may have COVID-19, check your symptoms using the Healthdirect Coronavirus (COVID-19) Symptom Checker.

Alternatively, if you are worried you may have come into contact with COVID-19, please call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080, which is open 24 hours 7 days a week.

Official Apps

The Australian Government has also launched an official app: Coronavirus Australia which is available through the Apple App Store or Google Apps for Android Phones:

The COVIDSafe app is a tool that helps potentially identify people exposed to coronavirus. COVIDSafe supports the current manual process of finding people who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19. It is available through the Apple App Store and Google Apps for Android Phones.