People who have had a COVID-19 vaccination have a much lower chance of getting sick from COVID-19.

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.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects after vaccination that you are worried about. 

Some people may still get COVID-19 after vaccination. You must still follow public health precautions as required in your state or territory to stop the spread of COVID-19 including:

• keep your distance – stay at least 5 metres away from other people
• washing your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser
• wear a mask
• stay home if you are unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms, and arrange to get a COVID-19

Vaccination providers record all vaccinations on the Australian Immunisation Register, as required by Australian law. You can view your vaccination record online through your:

• Medicare account
• MyGov account
• MyHealthRecord

How the information you provide is used

For information on how your personal details are collected, stored and used visit  https://www.health.gov.au/using-our-websites/privacy/privacy-notice-for-covid-19-vaccinations.

If you are receiving your vaccination in a Pharmacy, the Pharmacy is required to disclose some of your personal information to the Pharmacy Programs Administrator. This is so the Pharmacy can claim payment from the Australian Government. More information about why this is required and the information disclosed is provided at the link above.

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.

Are immunocompromised.  This means that you have a weakened immune system that may make it harder for you to fight infections and other diseases. You can still have a COVID-19 vaccine, but may wish to consider the best timing of vaccination depending on your underlying condition and/or treatment.