COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

Will the COVID vaccine be effective on any new strains of the virus?

Clinical trials, so far, are showing that the COVID-19 vaccines induce antibodies that are likely to be able to respond to most minor changes in the virus’ gene sequence.

Australia will continue to closely monitor international developments regarding the COVID-19 variants of concern and will continue to perform careful genetic examination of the virus found in local cases.

What is herd immunity, and will the COVID-19 vaccine achieve this?

Herd immunity occurs when enough people are vaccinated to prevent the disease from easily moving from person to person. As such, it requires a large proportion of the population to be vaccinated.

The exact proportion that will need to be vaccinated to affect the spread of COVID-19 depends on characteristics of the disease; for example, how easily it is transmitted; and characteristics of the vaccine; for example, its ability to stop transmission, and the duration of the vaccine's protection.

It is easier to generate herd immunity with a vaccine that provides long-term protection and that prevents the transmission of the infection between people. Vaccines that provide short-term protection require booster doses, making herd immunity harder to achieve.

As we learn more about the characteristics of COVID-19 vaccines and how well they protect against the disease and spread of the virus, more studies will be undertaken to monitor how much impact the vaccines will have, and whether herd immunity is being developed over time.

The vaccine was developed so quickly. How do I know it is safe?

COVID-19 vaccines have been through the same rigorous testing as any other clinical vaccine trial that may take years to develop.

Typically vaccine trials and manufacturing take a long time because of the time it takes to get funding, ethics approval, preclinical studies, and recruiting of volunteers.

The COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available were produced at such great efficiency because of the access to unlimited funding and the collaboration between highly motivated and very skilled professionals from all across the globe who have worked together towards a common goal, as well as tens of thousands of altruistic volunteers who participated in the clinical trials.

Will we still need other COVID-19 preventative measures, like social distancing and lockdowns, if a COVID-19 vaccine is available?

Initially, Australia will still need to have the flexible strategies already in place to control COVID-19.

If the vaccine program is effective and starting to reach a high proportion of people, it is hoped that we will be able to reduce some of these control measures.

This is likely to be a slow process and will rely on many people being willing to have the vaccine.

How does the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine prevent illness from COVID-19?

The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine can prevent people from becoming ill from COVID-19. AstraZeneca COVID-19does not contain any live SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus that causes COVID-19), and it cannot give you COVID-19. It contains the genetic code for an important part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus called the spike protein that is carried into your cells by a harmless common cold ‘carrier’ virus (an adenovirus). Your body then makes the spike protein and uses it to learn to recognise and fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The adenovirus has been modified so that it cannot replicate once it is inside cells. This means it cannot spread to other cells and cause infection.

Why are multi-dose vials being used to store COVID-19 vaccines?

Multi-dose vials contain more than one dose of a vaccine in a single glass vial. They usually include 5–20 doses per vial, and each dose is then carefully extracted and given via individual syringes for injection. Use of multi-dose vials is the most efficient way to distribute a new vaccine to the maximum number of people and is being used world-wide for all COVID-19 vaccines.

Packaging vaccine doses multi-dose vials is safe and is supported by numerous quality controls and good handling practices.

Multi-dose vials are routinely used in Australia for the tuberculosis (BCG) vaccine and were used for the 2009 pandemic influenza vaccine. Immunisation providers are trained in and follow guidelines specifically on the use of multi-dose vials.

What is the Pfizer vaccine and how does it work?

Comirnaty, also called BNT162b2, is a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. It is an mRNA vaccine that contains the genetic code for an important part of the COVID-19 virus called the ‘spike protein’. After getting the injection, your body reads the genetic code and makes copies of the spike protein. Your immune system then detects these spike proteins and learns how to recognise and fight against COVID-19. The genetic code is quickly broken down and cleared away by the body.

How effective is the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?

In clinical trials COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to provide excellent protection from getting sick with COVID-19. In these trials, after two doses Comirnaty (the Pfizer vaccine) was about 95% effective at preventing people from getting sick with COVID-19.

Will the vaccine be free for everyone?

Yes. The vaccine will be free for all Australian citizens, permanent residents, and most visa-holders, regardless of whether you have Medicare or not.

If I am not an Australia citizen, am I still eligible for the vaccine?

Permanent residents and most visa holders will be eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the RACGP, the following visa sub-classes will not be eligible:

• 771 (transit)
• 600 (tourist stream)
• 651 (eVisitor)
• 601 (electronic travel authority)

Will the vaccine be mandatory in Australia?

While the Australian Government strongly supports immunisation, it is not mandatory, and individuals may choose not to vaccinate.

If people chose not to have the COVID-19 vaccine, it will not affect their family’s eligibility for the Family Tax Benefit Part A, or their childcare fee assistance. Currently, this only includes the National Immunisation Program vaccines for those aged under 20 years.

It is possible that in the future, vaccination against COVID-19 might become a requirement for travel to certain destinations or for people working in high-risk workplaces. If this becomes the case, there will be exemptions for people who are unable to be vaccinated.

Who can get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?

Initially the Pfizer vaccine will be available to: ​

• Patients aged 16 years - 39 years who are eligible under phase 1b who hold a valid Medicare card;
• Patients aged 40 - 59 years who hold a valid Medicare card, and
• Pregnant women.

Can children have the Pfizer vaccine?

At this stage, neither the Pfizer nor AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have approval for use in children from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia’s medical regulator. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is provisionally approved by the TGA for patients 16 years and older. This is because there are limited clinical trial results showing that the vaccines are effective and safe in these age groups. There are plans for clinical trials with children underway. To date there is no evidence to indicate that in the future children should not be able to receive both of these vaccines. The TGA will monitor the vaccines and when more evidence becomes available they will review this and make recommendations then.

Common side effects after Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

As with any vaccine, you may have some side effects after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Common side effects after COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer include:

•  Pain, swelling, tenderness, redness or itching at the injection site
•  Tiredness
•  Headache
•  Muscle pain
•  Nausea
•  Chills
•  Fever
•  Feeling unwell
•  Joint pain

Less common side effects after Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

Less common side effects after Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine:

• Redness at the injection site
• Nausea
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Pain in limb
• Insomnia
• Itching at injection site

When should I seek medical attention after vaccination?

You should seek medical attention after vaccination if:

• You think you are having an allergic reaction. Call 000 if you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, a fast heartbeat or collapsing
• You have an expected side effect of the vaccine which has not gone away after a few days
• You have:
  • Severe, persistent headaches that are different to your "usual" headaches and do not settle with paracetamol or other pain killers
  • Blurred vision
  • Weakness of face or limbs
  • Confusion or seizure
• You are worried about a potential side effect or have new or unexpected symptoms, particularly in the 4-20 days after vaccination, such as:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Persistent abdominal pain
  • Leg swelling
  • Pin-prick rash or bruising not at the injection site that cannot be explain.

How can I report side effects after the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?

Patients are encouraged to report any side effects after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. You can report symptoms and access advice from a pharmacist by calling the NPS MedicineWise Adverse Medicine Events line on 1300 134 237 (8am-8pm seven days a week), alternatively they can be advised to email us on info@doublebaydoctors.com to report side effects to their doctor. Other ways to report side effects can be found here.

Rare side effects that have been reported after a Pfizer Vaccine

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

I've had my first dose of Pfizer, and have side effects that I am worried about. What should I do?

If you have recently had your first vaccine dose and are experiencing any side effects that you are worried about, please book an appointment to see your doctor.

What proof will I receive that I have been immunised against COVID-19?

You will be able to access your proof of immunisation in a few ways. You can access it via the 'Express Plus' Medicare app. Follow the prompts to retrieve your immunisation history. Alternatively you can visit my.gov.au and access your immunisation history contained in your 'My Health' record.

If I am unwell after my COVID-19 vaccine, do I need to get a COVID-19 test?

Some side effects from COVID-19 vaccinations might be similar to COVID-19. However, COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine does not contain any live SARS-CoV-2 virus and cannot cause COVID-19. You do not need to get a COVID-19 test or isolate:

• If you develop general symptoms like fever, headache or tiredness in the first two days after vaccination, and
• If you are sure that you don't have any respiratory symptoms (e.g. runny nose, cough, sore throat, loss of smell or loss of taste)

Can I get the vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Pregnant women should be routinely offered Pfizer at any stage of pregnancy. If you are trying to become pregnant you do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination. Pregnant women with COVID-19 have an increased risk of severe illness and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Real-world evidence has shown that Pfizer is safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding women. You can discuss the decision in relation to timing of vaccination with your health professional. If you are breastfeeding, you can have Pfizer. You do not need to stop breastfeeding after vaccination.

Will the vaccine affect my fertility?

There is no evidence to suggest any vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccines, have any effect on male or female fertility.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine also protect me against the flu?

No, the vaccine will not protect you against influenza (the flu). The Australian Government recommends that you get the flu vaccine. This is to reduce your risk of contracting influenza, as it also reduces your risk of having influenza at the same time as COVID-19.

Being vaccinated against the flu also helps to protect others, particularly people who are more vulnerable to infections (e.g. elderly people).

You can now waitlist to receive your 2021 flu vaccine. Please note that you cannot have any type of vaccine within 2 weeks of receiving your COVID-19 vaccine.

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine?

Co-administration of COVID-19 vaccine with other vaccines is not routinely recommended. A minimum 7-day interval is advised between administration of a COVID-19 vaccine and any other vaccine, including influenza vaccine. This interval can be shortened (including same day administration) in special circumstances.

How many times will I need to get the Pfizer vaccine?

To achieve protection against COVID-19, you will need to have two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, spaced 21 days apart.

What happens if I miss the second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?

If the second dose of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine is overdue (i.e. past the preferred interval between the two doses of the vaccine), the second dose should be given as soon as possible. A single dose is likely to only provide short-term protection. The second dose will be effective regardless of how late it is given. Even if the second dose is late, no vaccine doses need to be repeated. Additional or booster doses beyond the two-dose course are not currently recommended. The need for any additional doses will be reviewed over time.

Will the COVID vaccine be effective on any new strains of the virus?

Clinical trials, so far, are showing that the COVID-19 vaccines induce antibodies that are likely to be able to respond to most minor changes in the virus’ gene sequence.

Australia will continue to closely monitor international developments regarding the COVID-19 variants of concern and will continue to perform careful genetic examination of the virus found in local cases.

What is herd immunity, and will the COVID-19 vaccine achieve this?

Herd immunity occurs when enough people are vaccinated to prevent the disease from easily moving from person to person. As such, it requires a large proportion of the population to be vaccinated.

The exact proportion that will need to be vaccinated to affect the spread of COVID-19 depends on characteristics of the disease; for example, how easily it is transmitted; and characteristics of the vaccine; for example, its ability to stop transmission, and the duration of the vaccine's protection.

It is easier to generate herd immunity with a vaccine that provides long-term protection and that prevents the transmission of the infection between people. Vaccines that provide short-term protection require booster doses, making herd immunity harder to achieve.

As we learn more about the characteristics of COVID-19 vaccines and how well they protect against the disease and spread of the virus, more studies will be undertaken to monitor how much impact the vaccines will have, and whether herd immunity is being developed over time.

The vaccine was developed so quickly. How do I know it is safe?

COVID-19 vaccines have been through the same rigorous testing as any other clinical vaccine trial that may take years to develop.

Typically vaccine trials and manufacturing take a long time because of the time it takes to get funding, ethics approval, preclinical studies, and recruiting of volunteers.

The COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available were produced at such great efficiency because of the access to unlimited funding and the collaboration between highly motivated and very skilled professionals from all across the globe who have worked together towards a common goal, as well as tens of thousands of altruistic volunteers who participated in the clinical trials.

Will we still need other COVID-19 preventative measures, like social distancing and lockdowns, if a COVID-19 vaccine is available?

Initially, Australia will still need to have the flexible strategies already in place to control COVID-19.

If the vaccine program is effective and starting to reach a high proportion of people, it is hoped that we will be able to reduce some of these control measures.

This is likely to be a slow process and will rely on many people being willing to have the vaccine.

How does the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine prevent illness from COVID-19?

The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine can prevent people from becoming ill from COVID-19. AstraZeneca COVID-19does not contain any live SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus that causes COVID-19), and it cannot give you COVID-19. It contains the genetic code for an important part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus called the spike protein that is carried into your cells by a harmless common cold ‘carrier’ virus (an adenovirus). Your body then makes the spike protein and uses it to learn to recognise and fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The adenovirus has been modified so that it cannot replicate once it is inside cells. This means it cannot spread to other cells and cause infection.

Why are multi-dose vials being used to store COVID-19 vaccines?

Multi-dose vials contain more than one dose of a vaccine in a single glass vial. They usually include 5–20 doses per vial, and each dose is then carefully extracted and given via individual syringes for injection. Use of multi-dose vials is the most efficient way to distribute a new vaccine to the maximum number of people and is being used world-wide for all COVID-19 vaccines.

Packaging vaccine doses multi-dose vials is safe and is supported by numerous quality controls and good handling practices.

Multi-dose vials are routinely used in Australia for the tuberculosis (BCG) vaccine and were used for the 2009 pandemic influenza vaccine. Immunisation providers are trained in and follow guidelines specifically on the use of multi-dose vials.

What is the Pfizer vaccine and how does it work?

Comirnaty, also called BNT162b2, is a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. It is an mRNA vaccine that contains the genetic code for an important part of the COVID-19 virus called the ‘spike protein’. After getting the injection, your body reads the genetic code and makes copies of the spike protein. Your immune system then detects these spike proteins and learns how to recognise and fight against COVID-19. The genetic code is quickly broken down and cleared away by the body.

How effective is the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?

In clinical trials COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to provide excellent protection from getting sick with COVID-19. In these trials, after two doses Comirnaty (the Pfizer vaccine) was about 95% effective at preventing people from getting sick with COVID-19.

Will the vaccine be free for everyone?

Yes. The vaccine will be free for all Australian citizens, permanent residents, and most visa-holders, regardless of whether you have Medicare or not.

If I am not an Australia citizen, am I still eligible for the vaccine?

Permanent residents and most visa holders will be eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the RACGP, the following visa sub-classes will not be eligible:

• 771 (transit)
• 600 (tourist stream)
• 651 (eVisitor)
• 601 (electronic travel authority)

Will the vaccine be mandatory in Australia?

While the Australian Government strongly supports immunisation, it is not mandatory, and individuals may choose not to vaccinate.

If people chose not to have the COVID-19 vaccine, it will not affect their family’s eligibility for the Family Tax Benefit Part A, or their childcare fee assistance. Currently, this only includes the National Immunisation Program vaccines for those aged under 20 years.

It is possible that in the future, vaccination against COVID-19 might become a requirement for travel to certain destinations or for people working in high-risk workplaces. If this becomes the case, there will be exemptions for people who are unable to be vaccinated.

Who can get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?

Initially the Pfizer vaccine will be available to: ​

• Patients aged 16 years - 39 years who are eligible under phase 1b who hold a valid Medicare card;
• Patients aged 40 - 59 years who hold a valid Medicare card, and
• Pregnant women.

Can children have the Pfizer vaccine?

At this stage, neither the Pfizer nor AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have approval for use in children from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia’s medical regulator. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is provisionally approved by the TGA for patients 16 years and older. This is because there are limited clinical trial results showing that the vaccines are effective and safe in these age groups. There are plans for clinical trials with children underway. To date there is no evidence to indicate that in the future children should not be able to receive both of these vaccines. The TGA will monitor the vaccines and when more evidence becomes available they will review this and make recommendations then.

Common side effects after Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

As with any vaccine, you may have some side effects after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Common side effects after COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer include:

•  Pain, swelling, tenderness, redness or itching at the injection site
•  Tiredness
•  Headache
•  Muscle pain
•  Nausea
•  Chills
•  Fever
•  Feeling unwell
•  Joint pain

Less common side effects after Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

Less common side effects after Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine:

• Redness at the injection site
• Nausea
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Pain in limb
• Insomnia
• Itching at injection site

When should I seek medical attention after vaccination?

You should seek medical attention after vaccination if:

• You think you are having an allergic reaction. Call 000 if you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, a fast heartbeat or collapsing
• You have an expected side effect of the vaccine which has not gone away after a few days
• You have:
  • Severe, persistent headaches that are different to your "usual" headaches and do not settle with paracetamol or other pain killers
  • Blurred vision
  • Weakness of face or limbs
  • Confusion or seizure
• You are worried about a potential side effect or have new or unexpected symptoms, particularly in the 4-20 days after vaccination, such as:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Persistent abdominal pain
  • Leg swelling
  • Pin-prick rash or bruising not at the injection site that cannot be explain.

How can I report side effects after the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?

Patients are encouraged to report any side effects after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. You can report symptoms and access advice from a pharmacist by calling the NPS MedicineWise Adverse Medicine Events line on 1300 134 237 (8am-8pm seven days a week), alternatively they can be advised to email us on info@doublebaydoctors.com to report side effects to their doctor. Other ways to report side effects can be found here.

Rare side effects that have been reported after a Pfizer Vaccine

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

I've had my first dose of Pfizer, and have side effects that I am worried about. What should I do?

If you have recently had your first vaccine dose and are experiencing any side effects that you are worried about, please book an appointment to see your doctor.

What proof will I receive that I have been immunised against COVID-19?

You will be able to access your proof of immunisation in a few ways. You can access it via the 'Express Plus' Medicare app. Follow the prompts to retrieve your immunisation history. Alternatively you can visit my.gov.au and access your immunisation history contained in your 'My Health' record.

If I am unwell after my COVID-19 vaccine, do I need to get a COVID-19 test?

Some side effects from COVID-19 vaccinations might be similar to COVID-19. However, COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine does not contain any live SARS-CoV-2 virus and cannot cause COVID-19. You do not need to get a COVID-19 test or isolate:

• If you develop general symptoms like fever, headache or tiredness in the first two days after vaccination, and
• If you are sure that you don't have any respiratory symptoms (e.g. runny nose, cough, sore throat, loss of smell or loss of taste)

Can I get the vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Pregnant women should be routinely offered Pfizer at any stage of pregnancy. If you are trying to become pregnant you do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination. Pregnant women with COVID-19 have an increased risk of severe illness and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Real-world evidence has shown that Pfizer is safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding women. You can discuss the decision in relation to timing of vaccination with your health professional. If you are breastfeeding, you can have Pfizer. You do not need to stop breastfeeding after vaccination.

Will the vaccine affect my fertility?

There is no evidence to suggest any vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccines, have any effect on male or female fertility.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine also protect me against the flu?

No, the vaccine will not protect you against influenza (the flu). The Australian Government recommends that you get the flu vaccine. This is to reduce your risk of contracting influenza, as it also reduces your risk of having influenza at the same time as COVID-19.

Being vaccinated against the flu also helps to protect others, particularly people who are more vulnerable to infections (e.g. elderly people).

You can now waitlist to receive your 2021 flu vaccine. Please note that you cannot have any type of vaccine within 2 weeks of receiving your COVID-19 vaccine.

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine?

Co-administration of COVID-19 vaccine with other vaccines is not routinely recommended. A minimum 7-day interval is advised between administration of a COVID-19 vaccine and any other vaccine, including influenza vaccine. This interval can be shortened (including same day administration) in special circumstances.

How many times will I need to get the Pfizer vaccine?

To achieve protection against COVID-19, you will need to have two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, spaced 21 days apart.

What happens if I miss the second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?

If the second dose of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine is overdue (i.e. past the preferred interval between the two doses of the vaccine), the second dose should be given as soon as possible. A single dose is likely to only provide short-term protection. The second dose will be effective regardless of how late it is given. Even if the second dose is late, no vaccine doses need to be repeated. Additional or booster doses beyond the two-dose course are not currently recommended. The need for any additional doses will be reviewed over time.