Booking Covid vaccine in Victoria: What you need to know

Victoria finally launched an online vaccine booking system — here’s what you need to know about booking an appointment.

Victoria finally launched an online vaccine booking system — here’s what you need to know about booking an appointment

HOW HAS THE SYSTEM CHANGED?

Victorians can now book online to receive their jab at a vaccination centre, through a new system launched yesterday at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au

People can also still book on the hotline [phone].

WHAT IS THE LATEST ADVICE ON BOOKING A PFIZER JAB?

Those wanting to book a first Pfizer jab have been told they must wait until at least the end of this week, despite excess first-dose bookings in the system allowing a number of people to get appointments in the coming days. Those first-dose bookings will be honoured.

Those wanting a second Pfizer dose can book any time for the dose to be administered three to six weeks after their first one.

The Pfizer vaccine is available to people aged 40-49 and some other specific groups. See coronavirus.vic.gov.au/who-can-get-vaccinated for more detail.

WHAT IS THE LATEST ADVICE ON BOOKING AN ASTRAZENECA JAB?

Anyone wanting to book an AstraZeneca first or second doses can apply any time.

Those eligible for Pfizer can elect to have AstraZeneca, but those eligible for AstraZeneca can’t receive the Pfizer.

The AstraZeneca vaccine is available to people aged 50 and over.

ARE WALK-INS STILL ACCEPTED?

Walk-ins are still accepted at some vaccination centres, but only for AstraZeneca and even then, people are strongly encouraged to book ahead.

CAN I BOOK MY FIRST AND SECOND DOSE AT THE SAME TIME?

You cannot book both appointments at the same time, but you can book your second online after you’ve booked your first, even if you have not yet received it.

HOW FAR APART SHOULD EACH DOSE BE?

People need to receive two separate doses to get the best protection against the virus.

The two doses need to be given a few weeks apart. For the Pfizer vaccine you should wait at least 21 days between doses. For the AstraZeneca vaccine it is recommended that you wait 12 weeks between doses.

WHY SHOULD I GET A VACCINE?

Getting the vaccine reduces your risk of getting sick with Covid-19, protects you against becoming very sick if you do get the virus and helps to protect the community. If most people are vaccinated, the virus can’t spread as easily.

I’M GETTING THE FLU VACCINE. CAN I STILL GET THE COVID-19 VACCINE?

The flu vaccine should not be administered at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine.  It is recommended that you wait at least 14 days after you receive the COVID-19 vaccine to get the flu vaccine. The same applies if you have a flu vaccine first, you should wait at least 14 days before being vaccinated against COVID-19.